It Does Matter

I heard a story this week that reminded me of something that I needed to work on – being prompt.

As the story goes, a man was perpetually late to everything he did and everywhere he went.   Meetings, events for work, commitments to his wife, Church functions, kids baseball games, etc.  If he said he would be there he basically either didn’t show up or got there well after the time he was supposed to be arriving.

Then something finally clicked.  One day, after he attended a Zig Ziglar training seminar, a light bulb finally went off and he suddenly realized how inconsiderate, rude, selfish and hurtful his tardiness was to other people.

He made a commitment that day, to say out loud the following statement:

“I am always prompt and on time.”

Now obviously his history had shown that he was not at ALL prompt or on time, but the key point here is that he changed his mind set.  He said this statement OUT LOUD every morning when he woke up, several times during the day, and every night before he went to bed.

Years later, as this story concluded, it was revealed that this man had not only seen an increase in his business profits since starting his daily verbal reminder (he was up 300% just from the year prior – 500% over the span of several years since starting this), but his relationships with his wife and children had improved beyond measure!

This struck me again after hearing it right in the face – as I am not and have not always been the most prompt person around.  More importantly it amazes me how this one statement can affect all aspects of someone’s life.

I’m writing this today to challenge us all to step up and be a Real Christian Businessman – to “always be prompt and on time.” Start out by saying this every morning when you wake up, every night when you go to bed, and keep it on your mind throughout the day.  SAY IT OUT LOUD THOUGH!

The Bible doesn’t have any specific verses about being late, but this one below from my favorite book of the Bible speaks to it in a unique way:

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:13-17 (bold is my emphasis).

Start NOW by saying this statement every day, and see great, positive changes happen in your life.