YOU CAN'T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES

By Vernalee

It is easy to get caught up in the small details of any situation thus losing focus on the bigger picture.

By definition, when you can't see the forest for the trees means "that if you look at things one at a time, you might not realize that a branch of separate "trees" go together to make a forest.

When you are too close to a situation, you need to step back and get a little perspective. When you do, you will notice there was a whole forest you couldn't see before because you were too close, and focusing on the trees.

Simply you have focused on the many details and have failed to see the overall view, impression or key point."

Sometimes, the smaller details must be handled before we can move on, but keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t lose focus of your final destination or on what has to be accomplished. Map out your plans so that you can have a concentrated vision! Stay on track! “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Photo credit: www.adherance360.com

THE LEOPARD CANNOT CHANGE ITS SPOTS

By Vernalee

“The tiger cannot change its stripes” or “the leopard cannot change its spots” both mean that a person cannot change his or her essential nature or character, -unless it is something that they are committed to doing.

A person usually stays true to his/her nature, even if they pretend or claim otherwise.

So wake up and don't be surprised when you hear someone say that they have changed and their behavior remains the same. It's a battle against the flesh. It takes tremendous strength, incessant prayer, and a determined person to make a dent in their established behavior.

Call me naive. Certainly, I should know better! Maybe, it’s only human nature for me to believe that people will do what they say. Admittedly, I always find redeeming qualities in people. I tend to look for the good, not the bad. So what if they make mistakes; we all do. We can rebound! Dr. Maya Angelou said – “people should do better once they know better.” Well, here I go again. Against my better judgment, believed and I got duped once again; hoodwinked in fact! When people have questionable character, only they can change that; not you! Stop thinking you can change them! I guess I will always be an eternal optimist, but realism sheds its light on the truth! True to the saying, man just like the leopard cannot change its spots! Sometimes, nothing changed but our expectations of them!

Photo credit: www.thenetworkgarden.blogs.co

STAY IN THE GAME

By Vernalee

Considered one of NBA"s greatest player, Michael Jordan once stated “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Those words carry an awe inspiring and powerful message.

Think about it!

If the greatest pushed himself, why don't we?

You can't win if you give up.

You can't win if you don't stay in the game.

Failure is part of the learning and growth process. “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Shaking the dust off and starting all over again are prerequisites. It is only then that you become great. It is only then that you become the best that you can be. It is only then that you succeed .. simply because you didn't give up.

The Bottom Line is- - If we are to maximize our potential, it is imperative that we stay in the game, take it to the "basket" ... and of course make the winning "shot.”

Swish...nothing but net!

Photo Credit: www.pininterest.com