The Fight Is On

Teddy Roosevelt is quoted in 1912 as saying,?

"My hat's in the ring. The fight is on and I'm stripped to the buff."

It strikes the eyes a bit crude and un-presidential, but the blunt truth is a pretty fair template for our undertakings whether they are in business, ministry, or social entrepreneurship.

Throw your hat in the ring.

Make and announce your commitment and do it in such a way as there can be no backing down. If you decide to do something, tell some people who will ask you about your follow-through. Secret goals are too easy to lay aside when things get tough. Assemble your group of encouragers and keep them posted.

Get in the fight.

To know that the fight is on is an invitation to engage. Don't wait for a second invitation. Do something today in movement toward your goal. Make a call. Write a note. Explore an idea. Take tangible actions. Make sure at least one of those actions involves interaction with human beings. Then, at the end of the day, pause and report to your encouragers.

Strip to the buff.

Do keep your clothes on, but strip off all the other encumbrances. You know what they are. They are excesses, unnecessary expectations and activities, unreasonable expectations, old messages playing in your brain, defeatist attitudes, excuses, and a million other articles of luggage that will hinder you. Prepare to travel light and let your team know what you are shedding.

So, what are you waiting for ... a second invitation??