Sheep Do Not Start Out Lost

Have you ever thought about how sheep get lost? Even with a shepherd, they still get lost. How does this happen? The one thing I know for sure is that they did not start out lost.

The issue for sheep is their ability to stay focused. They see a nice patch of grass and think, "Mmm, this looks nice, maybe I'll have a little taste." They finish the bit of grass and without looking up, they move and continue grazing. They nibble a little here, then a little there. They take a few steps and nibble a little more. Before they realize it, they are lost. Sheep made a series of small choices that led them away from the flock.

The same holds true for people. People don't start out lost, they end up lost. Throughout the course of our daily lives, temptations to nibble and move away from the flock are everywhere. Opportunities to get lost are around every corner. People end up like the sheep - lost.

It is easy to lose your sense of direction and fail to see where you are going. Then before you know it, you look up and ask yourself, "Where am I and how did I end up here?" How can you avoid being lost?

Keep focused on where you are going. Would you set out on a trip without knowing where you are headed? It is easy to get lost if you fail to establish a destination. Set priorities and goals for your life and keep them in focus. Look to these to help keep you on track. Use your priorities and goals as a map to ensure you are moving in the right direction.

Don't be greedy. Every patch of grass will appear more lush and better than you have ever tasted. For example, people often become lost when they covet the possessions of others; a bigger house, more expensive clothes or extravagant things. They overextend themselves trying to keep up with the Jones's. Before they know it, they are lost in a financial wilderness. Establish boundaries for yourself and know when to say when. Take stock every day of what you have and be thankful.

Be disciplined. Becoming lost is sometimes a daily occurrence with sheep. They lack the mental capacity to stay on track. They constantly need their shepherd to keep them from getting lost. For people it takes personal discipline. Everyday you will face opportunities to stay on track or stray from the path. Will you hold to your exercise commitment? Will you operate within your budget or will you overspend? Will you stay the course? Be disciplined and make wise choices.

Stay close to your shepherd. It is easy to become lost while following others. Putting your trust in the wrong people can lead you astray. Inappropriate relationships can blur your focus. On the other hand, you must nurture positive relationships. Surround yourself with family and friends that support you and hold you accountable. In the event that you do begin to become lost, ask someone you trust for directions.

Live with confidence. Becoming lost is easier when you lose confidence in yourself; when you doubt yourself and your abilities. You can "self-talk" yourself into difficult places. It is during these times that you will make poor decisions. Be confident and proud of yourself. When you are down, pick yourself up and make good decisions, even when they are not easy.

Getting lost usually is not the product of a single wrong turn, but a series of wrong turns. If you begin to get lost, make corrections as soon as you can. Do not be afraid to ask for directions and start to turn back. Do not let your pride get in the way of your better judgment. Don't be like sheep; make it a priority to stay focused, stay on track, be disciplined and live with confidence.

Copyright Anthony Mullins
Elite Coaching Alliance 2005

Anthony Mullins is the President and Life Coach for The Elite Coaching Alliance. He specializes in personal, leadership, marriage, relationship and family, christian based coaching. He is the author of the upcoming e-book "Finding Fulfillment in and Unfulfilling World". He can be contacted by phone at 770.587.3545 or by visiting his website http://www.elitecoachingalliance.com

---

Things Are Good Because I Say They Are

The subject of positive self talk regarding our goals and... Read More

Whats Up With All These Coaches?

If you are anything like me, you may have noticed... Read More

Live With An Attitude Of Gratitude

Imagine for a moment one of those nights when you... Read More

Online Counseling - a Timely Happenstance

Online counseling may be the latest and greatest improvement in... Read More

Life Coaching for Success and Fulfilment

We live in a world of rapid change and uncertainty.... Read More

Living In The Now

I hope you are sitting down as you read this!... Read More

Trump University - Why Success Education Is Important

Trump University recently unveiled offers a bonanza of success secrets,... Read More

Q-Tip It!

Back in the 1920's when Polish-American entrepreneur Leo Gerstenzang invented... Read More

The Self Development Tool Box

Do you have a self-development toolbox? Do you have a... Read More

Belief Management - The Missing Ingredient?

"Joan, I'm working so hard and I'm not getting anything... Read More

Some Business Coaches are in Error

Many business coaches deny the power of suggestion while using... Read More

Business Coaching - Ten Ways of Dealing with Mistakes You Made

You can either choose to dwell on what happened and... Read More

Take Responsibility for Reshaping Your Life

We say we want to eat better, feel better, and... Read More

Six Steps for Creating Work-Life Balance

Today an increasing number of us are experiencing burnout, low... Read More

Permission To Have FUN

? Have you been working long hours? ? Have... Read More

Do You Need a Performance Coach?

In today's fast paced world, we are often confronted with... Read More

Why Things Are The Way They Are

Things are the way you think they are, because you... Read More

Personal Life Coaching And How It Can Help You

Coaching is an effective process used to support individuals in... Read More

Coaching: The Art of Putting Yourself In Somone Elses Shoes

COACHING STEPS: The following are five (5) steps a coach... Read More

It?s All To Do With The Way You Wake Up

Do you start your day with anger, frustration and annoyance... Read More

Theres Always Enough Time!

I thought I'd begin this article by stimulating your mind... Read More

If What You Are Doing Is Not Working Change Your Approach

And ironically the more we worry about it, the more... Read More

Invest Your Inner Wealth

It started out like any other Wednesday - reports to... Read More

What To Do? Lifes Big Question

We've all experienced the same thing at important crossroads in... Read More

Success Secrets - The #1 Money Secret I Learned from Interviewing Over 23 Millionaires

All over the Net, people are asking you to pay... Read More

So Why Are They Really Here?

It does make you wonder sometimes, doesn't it? You know... Read More

Greasing the Path to Success: Finding the Confidence to Step Up to Key Moments

Whether it's making a prospecting call to a promising business... Read More

The Magic of Hearing

I'm working on a coach training certification, and one of... Read More

Overcoming Work Addiction

Why are you so busy? Do you really have too... Read More

Ten Ways to Make New Years Resolutions That You Can Actually Keep!

Are you one of the millions of people who make... Read More

The Joy of Learning!

"Part of what motivates me to write this book is... Read More

Pecked to Death By Ducks

Ever been in a situation where it seems like minor... Read More

Recreating Yourself

So it's time for a change. You've taken that hard... Read More