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Don't Focus On How: Start Moving Your Feet

dymond phillips • May 12, 2021
Sunday was Mother’s Day. A day to celebrate all the mothers and grandmothers out there. Not only was it Mother’s Day, but it was my mothers birthday. Last year, her birthday was during quarantine, and I knew I wanted to make it special this year. My aunt, dad, and I decided to plan her a surprise birthday dinner with all her loved ones. We picked the perfect place, ordered the perfect cake and decorated the space. When it was time to decide what to get her for a gift, I went directly to her to ask what she wanted. She gave me a list of items, and this one particular thing was at the top of her list.  She wanted a YSL Handbag. Saint Laurent, YSL, is a luxury designer. The specific handbag she wanted started at $2,300. On April 21, I was sitting in my room trying to figure out what to get her. I said out loud to my friend, I’m going to buy her that YSL bag. When I said that, I had no idea how I was going to do it. I didn’t want to pull money from my savings, and I had just got done paying off all my debt for my birthday, so funds were limited. 

The next morning, I said it out loud again, but to myself. I prayed and I asked God to make away for me to get her this bag. I sat at my desk and thought about ways I could get it, in two weeks. If you don’t know, I used to work at Chili’s in college. Well, not only Chili’s, I served at many restaurants for years. I called my local Chili's and talked the manager into getting me a job without training. He threw me on the floor and I worked 12 days straight. A week later, I was approached by a brand to collaborate. I negotiated them paying me upfront, instead of a net 30. When I say I was in grind mode, I was working nonstop. Every dollar that came in, I saved. I didn’t eat out, I didn’t go anywhere, I was stacking everything. A few days before her birthday, when it was time to order the bag, I saw they had a discount. 20% might not sound like a lot to you, but to me it was perfect. I ordered the bag and felt accomplished. 

The bag came in two days and when I opened it, I cried. I couldn’t believe I really did it. The next day, my cousin texted me and said she wanted to contribute to my moms bag. I told her I already ordered it. She insisted on sending me some money. When she sent it, I couldn’t do anything but sit and give God thanks. Not only did he bless me with the means to get the bag, he reimbursed me for some of it. I’m telling you this story because I learned three major things from buying this bag:


1. Your tongue is so powerful. Something happens when you say things out loud, even to yourself. Not only did I say it, but I meant it, I believed it. I might not have known how, but I knew I was going to. When you say things, you need to really truly wholeheartedly believe them. Whatever goal you have, say it out loud confidently.


2. You’re waiting on God, and he may be waiting on you. So many times I pray and ask God for things, but I don’t apply any work. Faith, without work is dead. If you want God to move, you have to move. Right after I prayed, I got another job, and was actively working. I showed up every day and gave my all to each job that I had. I was showing God that I was willing to work for it. Saying it out loud, was the first step. The second step, was actively applying work. You must do both! 


3. Setting goals, no matter how big or small, and achieving them, will always keep you motivated. "The act of achievement is a muscle and you must actively work it out.'' I set a goal of getting my mom the bag, and when I completed it, I loved the feeling so much, I now want to complete other goals. For example, days when I make my bed in the morning, I'm more productive. It's the first task of the day and sets the tone. When you achieve a goal, it activates something in you, which will push you to achieve more. 


I say all this to say, don't be afraid to think beyond where you are now. Dream big and make goals. Whatever you want, you can have as long as you're willing to do the work. 

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