Lisa Notes: Do the first thing

Do the first thing

He who is outside his door already has a hard part of his journey behind him.
- DUTCH PROVERB

It’s Monday morning. So I roll out of bed into running shoes. I put on music. I do my workout.

It’s been my Mon/Wed/Fri routine for years.
Yet I still fight it every time. Do it today or skip it?

But the key to yes or no is simple:
Whether or not I put on the shoes.

If I’ll just put them on, the body will take over from there and I’ll do the workout automatically.

That’s the way habits work.
Force the first step and the next one follows.

I never look forward to the workout, but I never regret having done it.

The same applies for me with Bible memorization. I don’t look forward to the discipline of it, but I never regret having done it.

The hardest part?
Pulling out my sheet of verses.

But once it’s in my hands, I’m good to go.

That doesn’t mean it’s then easy or even necessarily productive or profitable every time (far from it!). But if I don’t open it at all, I know it won’t be good.

Some days my physical workouts stink too. I’m barely moving, barely breathing hard. But . . . it’s still better than doing nothing at all.

Just showing up can be the hardest part. But just showing up, making a move, taking some initiative, may make the difference between working out or going back to bed.

So go put your shoes on. Or pull out your page of memory verses. Or whatever is your key to yes.

Do the first thing.

* * *

What’s the first small step in one of your hard disciplines?

REVISED FROM THE ARCHIVES

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Debbie · 651 weeks ago

Do the first thing ...I love that Lisa. Habits make all the difference. My morning habit of quiet time helps me get through my day being so much more aware of God's presence with me. Taking time to set my day according to His timetable makes the rest of my day so much better. Exercise is another habit. But alas, I've gotten away from that habit the past two years. I'm amazed at how hard it is to get back in the habit once it's been broken. So now I'm attempting to get back into it again. Thanks for the reminder friend.

1 reply · active 651 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

I need to hear your warning about how hard it is to get back in the habit once you break it because I still toy with the idea of "just taking a break" from my exercise routine. But if it's harder to start back, I should just keep going.

Your quiet time habit blesses not only you, but us. I'm glad you're faithfully aware of God's presence. It shows.
My recent post Do the first thing

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greenpeach06 25p · 651 weeks ago

Yes, so true. And exactly what I'm learning with this 1 Peter 1 memory challenge. Just pulling it up on my phone is enough to get me busy working on it.... but pulling it up is the hardest part!

1 reply · active 651 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

You understand what I'm saying for sure. Pulling it up is the hardest part indeed. That's one reason why it's so helpful to have my verses displayed in several areas. At least at some point during the day I'm forced to see them. :-)
My recent post Do the first thing

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Elizabeth · 651 weeks ago

Oh, I so need this... from someone who stayed in bed and didn't do the workout! I will remember the tip about putting on the shoes... and working on scripture memorization.
My recent post November: The Humble Month

1 reply · active 651 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

It is tempting, I know. I don't berate myself on those occasional mornings when I stay in bed, but I just can't make a habit of that or I'd never work out at all. Funny how habits can work both ways. ;-)
My recent post Do the first thing

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AJ Collins · 651 weeks ago

I wish my habit outweighed the voice inside my head saying DON'T DO IT! KEEP SLEEPING! This inspired me! Thanks!!
My recent post Behavioral Modification is not just for Rats

1 reply · active 651 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

That voice can be quite loud; I hear it often, too. :-) And an even louder one that follows if I do skip my workout in the morning: IT'S OVER FOR THE DAY. Never a chance to do it again. Head voices. Blech. Glad they don't have to control us!
My recent post Do the first thing

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fsamons 60p · 651 weeks ago

What a great analogy. Self discipline is key. "Draw nigh unto Me and I will draw nigh unto you." That sums it up quite well I think. God requires us to deny our flesh in order to seek Him. Once we do He opens the floodgates.

The first step is always the hardest...
My recent post RIDDLE ME THIS

1 reply · active 651 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

Good point, Floyd, that God is the one who opens the floodgates. If we'll crack open the door to let him know we're ready, he's more than prepared to rain down.
My recent post Do the first thing

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tinuviel · 651 weeks ago

Preach it, sister! :)
My recent post "But Also..."

1 reply · active 651 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

I have to preach it to myself quite often. :-)
My recent post Do the first thing

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barbarah 65p · 651 weeks ago

Somewhere I once heard the saying, "Once begun is half done." It's so true that sometimes that first step propels the next ones.

Having my Bible and devotional books/ aids out on the end table and using them as soon as possible in the mornings has helped that habit to become regular. I need to set up a routine for exercise as well.

2 replies · active 651 weeks ago

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barbarah 65p · 651 weeks ago

Yay! I can comment again! I still couldn't at first attempt but I tried logging out and then logging back in and then setting up an Intense Debate profile. Something seems to have worked.
My recent post Wanting our own way

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Lisa notes 103p · 651 weeks ago

Glad you can comment again! It's a crazy thing. I've had to jump through hoops twice today to comment on my own blog. ha. I sure wish I could figure out a pattern...

Anyway, I agree with "once begun is half done." That first step is a doozy, but once taken, things pick up speed fast. You're wise to set out your Bible and study aids in a convenient place. I do believe things like that make a difference.
My recent post Do the first thing

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@elramey · 651 weeks ago

Just what the doctor ordered. Oh, disciple, where art thou? Thank you for the friendly reminder. Blessings abundant!

1 reply · active 650 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 650 weeks ago

I have to keep preaching it to myself too... Have a great week!
My recent post A day in November 2012

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Jen · 650 weeks ago

I remember that I did a blog post one time about how all I could do in my relationship with God at that time was show up. And somehow that was enough.

My hardest discipline? Praying for my kids at night before they go to bed. Because I am so stinkin' tired. And yet, if I just open up my mouth and whisper "Dear God..." the rest seems to flow.
My recent post Do you walk on water? and the Soli Deo Gloria Party

1 reply · active 650 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 650 weeks ago

Yep, that first thing..."Dear God..." I need to remember that when it comes time to pray with my husband before bed. We've gotten out of the habit. Thanks, Jen.
My recent post A day in November 2012

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Brenda · 650 weeks ago

Enjoyed this Lisa. I don't have trouble doing my daily walk. I have a friend who comes at 6 AM to walk with me and the dog. We have been doing it for 15 years--half the year in the dark. Wore out so many tennis shoes and several dogs. It is the bike ride in the afternoon I put off. In my spiritual life, I don't have trouble with my quiet time of Bible Study, but it seems like I delay my prayer time. Don't mean to put it off but sometimes rush it after Bible Study. Need to work on improving there. Thanks for the reminder.

1 reply · active 650 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 650 weeks ago

Oh my, you are my hero! :-) That's fantastic that you have been taking a 6 a.m. walk for 15 years. Mama and Daddy used to be very faithful about taking early morning walks after he retired. Even when Mama got to where she hated it...and then finally got to where she told him so. ha.

The prayer time does seem to be the easiest to push off in a quiet time because, for me anyway, it's the most unstructured. I need to work on improvement there too.

Sure did enjoy getting to see you last weekend! And you with Susan. Sisters are special.
My recent post A day in November 2012

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Monica Sharman · 650 weeks ago

I'm a runner, too. And a memorizer.
Thanks for the great encouragement. Now...headed for the door.
My recent post Read It Like You’re Bleeding [and a book giveaway!]

1 reply · active 650 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 650 weeks ago

I don't get to run anymore; my knee revolted when I picked up running again two years ago. So I just exercise inside where it's warm and dry--can't complain too much about that part. Ha. Glad you are a memorizer, too. Let's keep encouraging each other to stick with it! Blessings to you, Monica.

My recent post A day in November 2012

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Brooke Espinoza · 605 weeks ago

Excellent, Lisa! "I don’t look forward to the discipline of it, but I never regret having done it." Like Galatians 6:9 says, " Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Yes discipline is never fun, but the harvest we reap as a result make it all worth it in the end if we don't give up. Whenever I need a nudge to do the right thing, I like to ask myself, "What is at stake if I don't do this?" For memorizing Scripture, so much is at stake if we don't discipline ourselves to do it. So thankful for you leading us in hiding His Word in our hearts at Do Not Depart and Hide His Word. God bless you richly!
My recent post Hope For Today!

1 reply · active 605 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 605 weeks ago

I agree with you, Brooke, that I never look forward to the discipline part of it either (although I do enjoy planning that out! ha). But yes, the results are ALWAYS worth it. Even when I fail to get the words right time and again, I know the Word is still at work doing His thing.

I appreciate that you're such a great example to all of us of how to be disciplined with scripture memory!
My recent post No regrets for this

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Dianna · 605 weeks ago

Do the first thing! LOVE it! It's opening up that binder and saying, "go for it!" Next thing you know, I'm sitting at the computer typing away. Before much time has elapsed I'm finishing the goal I've set for myself for each day! You are an inspiration to me in so many ways, Lisa! Love you.

1 reply · active 605 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 605 weeks ago

"Next thing you know..."

Yes, that's how it often happens, yes? If we'll just take the first step, the Spirit will keep us going in the right direction. Thanks for all you do to keep me going in the right direction, Dianna. Love you too!

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LuAnn Braley · 605 weeks ago

Excellent advice. We just moved in in mid-July, so my garden started way late this year. I have to get out every morning to tend it (weed/water etc) and some mornings...I just don't want to go! But when I get my "dirt shoes" on, they kind of steer me out there and I always feel better when it's been done. Which leads me to the next part of my day...whatever that might be.

1 reply · active 605 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 605 weeks ago

It's hard for me to get motivated to do the weeding too, but yes, once I put my shoes (and gloves!) on, things just fall in place. I just need to do it more often. :-) I imagine you have a beautiful garden!

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senkyoushi 8p · 602 weeks ago

This is a motivational post. I often say that the hardest part is getting started. I need to replace that with 'do the first thing.'

1 reply · active 602 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 602 weeks ago

I agree--getting started can often be the hardest part. But it really does help me when I tell myself all I have to do is that first thing. And then the next thing. And then the next after that. Just one thing at a time. That's all God ever asks of us anyway!
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