ACHIEVEMENT

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt” – Genesis 41:41

ACHIEVEMENT is what a person accomplishes with his or her life. To achieve means to make a success of what you set out to do. Man was made to be an ACHIEVER; created for achievement, designed for advancement, and programmed for progress. Without achievement, there is no measure of progress, and therefore no fulfillment, happiness or joy in life. God wants His children to cultivate Attitudes of Achievers. Who is an Achiever? An Achiever is both a DREAMER and a DOER; first a Dreamer, then a Doer. A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement. Achievers are people of vision, passion and action. Joseph was both a Dreamer and a Doer. Initially, his brethren teased him because of his dreams (Gen.37:19). The same ultimately bowed before him as God repositioned him to preserve posterity for them (Gen.45:1-5).

When it came to “Doing” Joseph could not be found wanting: he took charge and made decisions that’ll drive the destiny of Egypt: “And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “SEE, I have set you over all the land of Egypt” (Gen.41:41). Joseph could not but be reckoned with in the scheme of things. Achievers have the drive for their divine dreams; they are moved by their dreams and move others. Achievers add vigour to their Vision in the course of fulfilling their missions in life. Achievers dare to put their all on the altar of sacrifice; ready to fail, but willing to rise again and start all over, if need be. Achievers don’t try, they DO! Attitude is a critical determinant of what you can and will do with your life; hence it is extremely essential for Achievement in life. A true Achiever cultivates attitudes that never belittle his or her achievements or those of others, however small or seemingly insignificant they may appear: “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10a).

“Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly” (Job 8:7). Being a housewife, mother or teacher may seem unimportant to others, but the Christian achiever gives his or her best to God’s callings in life. We choose success or failure according to our choice of Attitude. A Negative attitude results in defeat and failure. A Positive attitude usually results in victory and success. When our attitudes tend towards altruism and selfless service, we attract generous portions of “good success” into our lives; and find it easy to turn obstacles into opportunities and stumbling-blocks into stepping-stones to greatness. On the contrary, one who lives with negativity will prevent many opportunities from flowing into his bosom; he will repel goodness and favor from his vicinity, being full of selfishness and isolation. Our attitudes will bring us whatever we envision in God or keep us from reaching our goals and fulfilling our dreams.

Every great achiever nurtures a positive, optimistic, “I-Can” mindset, irrespective of the surrounding hurdles and obstacles. Achievers are always looking for ways to become more fulfilled; to reach goals more quickly and with greater assurance. Attitude is one big piece of the goal achievement puzzle. Someone presents three qualities of the right kind of attitude: Proactive, Positivity, and Possibility. Prevailing wisdom shows that having a positive attitude improves the likelihood you will achieve your goal; it speeds your progress and, perhaps most importantly, makes you more resilient and less vulnerable. You must decide and be determined to overcome and remain persistent in pursuit of your goals. In addition, the right attitude isn’t only about thinking and belief. The right attitude enables the right behavior – of persistence, discipline and creativity. It includes realizing that you must roll up your sleeves and do something!