Pound the Ground
This is my #1 phrase that keeps me going in my life and business!!! Actually it’s the title of a sermon from my pastor, Steven Furtick, at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC.
It was the very first message that I listened to on the podcast before I started attending services there. I remember I was traveling on a business trip when I heard it. Not only was I encouraged and inspired, I immediately texted my closest friends and told them they needed to listen within the next 24 hours.
You get what the message is about by the phrase itself: No matter what you are going through, no matter how you feel you HAVE TO keep going!! You have to pound the ground!!
As a leader and a business owner…there are overwhelming circumstances that we sometimes go through that cause us to do two things either:
(1) Give up on our dream before we even get started or
(2) Give up on our dream during the process
As a new business owner, I can’t tell you the number of times that I say to myself, “this isn’t working” or “I’m not seeing progress fast enough”…”maybe I should be doing something different”. “Maybe I should give up!”
And I would, BUT, there is something deep down inside of me that says you can’t stop here! Something that says there is something more! Something greater! Something I was called to do!
And on any given day, you can bet that I go to war with my thoughts and emotions that try fight against exactly what I just said! And all I can hear is a resounding voice saying…don’t stop here, Pound the Ground!
So exactly how does one Pound the Ground?
Well, I’m so happy you asked! I do exactly like my friend John Maxwell talks in one of my favorite books of his, “Put Your Dreams to the Test!” I…
(1) Rage war against the negative thoughts that come at me…that ARE NOT TRUE!!! The minute you start believing them is the minute you start giving up.
This will look different for everyone but for me, it is staying closely connected to God through prayer, worship, and studying the bible. Not passively, not when I have time, but with intention!
(2) Stay closely connected to those that are crazy enough to dream big like me…and are acting on it. I have business peers that I talk with everyday! You cannot go after the things you are called to do alone. You need others around you to support you, encourage you, and most importantly push you.
(3) Keep going! Keep moving! Do something! As disappointing as it is when something may not work out the way that I want it to…I have get up the next day and decide to try something different. Although there may not seem like it, there are no overnight successes. Are you willing to pay your dues to see your dream come true?
The most rewarding thing you have ever done…will ever do…comes with a price! Are you willing to pay it? Are you willing to pound the ground? Just because others are willing to settle where they are doesn’t mean you have to!
While your darkest and slowest days may not be easy. IT…WILL…BE…WORTH…IT!!!!
See you at the top!
About the Author
Melissa Nixon is a Featured writer with the John Maxwell team Blog.
She has over 15+ years as an HR and Organizational Development leader and is a certified John Maxwell coach, trainer, and speaker.
She is the founder of RedRoxx, LLC, a leadership and personal development company for multi-cultural women. She coaches and mentors emerging, mid-level, and executive women to succeed in their careers and leading organizational change.
Contact Melissa at http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/melissanixon/