How to Keep the Faith for the Long Haul

It's so easy to have faith for the moment, for the day, for the week, heck a month isn't even so hard.  Why does faith become harder over time?  Why does our faith falter?

I think faith and willpower operate along the same lines.  How easy is it to say no to sweets during the first few days of a diet?  How much harder does that get in week three?  How gone is that willpower the first time PMS rears its ugly head?  I believe it is a lack of focus.

In the beginning of any new venture we focus hard and focus often on our goal.  Whether it is losing 20 pounds or believing in our dreams, we devote tremendous energy to seeing the result and concentrating on all of the steps we need to take to get there.

Then as the days go on  we start to focus on other matters and push our goal into the background until we have lost that sense of urgency we once had.

When this happens on a diet, it can lead to disappointment. When it happens with our faith it can lead to disaster.  That's why it is so important to keep your faith in the forefront of your mind.  Give it a place of great importance and reverence and make sure it is always on your mind.

Sounds pretty reasonable right?  But in our insanely busy lives, how can we make that happen?  Other than walking around muttering prayers, mantras or positive affirmations all day long, how can one keep their faith in the forefront of their mind?

Jewelry

Get yourself a ring that symbolizes to you your faith. This could be a religious symbol or just a really cool ring that you love, which you buy specifically for the purpose of being a faith reminder.  Maybe you are trying to remind yourself of your faith that the Universe can provide whatever you need whenever you need it. Maybe it is your faith that you can achieve a great goal such as financial independence or owning your own successful business.  Maybe it's something crazy like someday becoming a motivational speaker :-)

A bracelet is another great reminder for the same reason as a ring.  Furthermore, you can get a bracelet engraved or purchase the type of bracelet that lets you attach charms.  For years I have worn an Autism bracelet both to show my support for the cause, and to remind myself to offer up a prayer for my niece each time I see the bracelet.

Why not a necklace?  Well, it's not the ideal format because you can't see your own neck unless you look in a mirror.  A ring or a bracelet will pass through your field of vision millions of times per day, while the necklace will be relegated to mirror encounters only.

Notes to Yourself

I am a huge fan of the Brother P-Touch label maker.  Not only is it a wonder of modern organization, but you can type up cool little notes to yourself and stick them all over your world!  Now if you work in an office you might want to only do one or two of these, but they can be really helpful in focusing your mind.  For instance, I had two on my monitor in my old office.  One said, "thoughts become things" and the other said "healthy, wealthy, wise and happy."  I really need to get my hands on a P-touch so I can label up my laptop.  It's very bleak looking and uninspiring right now, and it could certainly benefit from some happy reminder labels.  Of course sticky-notes work well, and they have the virtue of being easy to change, and they come in really cool colors!  Here's a tip from a pro, go with the extra-sticky version so they stay stuck for a good long time.

At other times in my life I have found that hanging a list of goals, affirmations or ideas on my bathroom mirror was a great way to get my mind on track in the morning.  It helped me to run through a mental checklist and prepare for my day.

Meditation

Sorry gang, but I will always end up here eventually.  Meditation is one practice that all great teachers agree is key.  Every religion has a form of meditative prayer that they espouse, and every motivational teacher shares the benefits of meditation with their students.  By calming your mind and allowing yourself to become one with the Universe and the Divine, you will tap into the greatest source of faith known to man.  By connected each and every day with this source, even if for only a few minutes, you will succeed in keeping your faith and your focus for the long haul and beyond.

Comments

[Michele Angelo]

I keep the faith by constantly having a dialogue with God. He is always there for me so I can speak to him, make requests, or ask for favors. And my faith in God allows me to have faith that if I truly care, it will work out.

Great post!

[jeweledrabbit]

This post is very timely for me. I've been in a funk all day, and have found my faith flagging. It just so happens I'm a jewelry artisan, so I'm going to make a faith bracelet for myself.

jeweledrabbits last blog post..Book Review--The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

[Liz]

Been having a rough time recently...thanks for the reminder to "keep the faith". Sometimes it is just so hard. I too meditate every day- for me it's a must or I'll completely loose it :) I think I'll take your advice and add a charm to my bracelet and use it as a "faith" reminder. Thanks!!!

[jackie sheeler]

i loved this post, and i've already made a postit for myself borrowing your line "thoughts become things" -- i've been in a very negative state of mind lately due to some nonsense going on at my job, and i cannot let that become a Thing for me. it's true, there's so much going on in our lives that losing focus is the easiest thing we can do. i love the ring idea, and i have a ring already that will be perfect for this. i am going to start today. thank you, melissa!

jackie sheelers last blog post..money money money