Have you ever had one of those days when nothing went as planned? You over sleep. You arrive at work and realize you put on unmatching socks. (Faded black does look like charcoal gray at times doesn’t it?)
Your boss complains about something you messed up. You try to fix it but your computer decides it’s in opposition. And so on.
When we have days like this, it’s normal to just want to crawl back in bed, press rewind to start over or fast forward to get it over.
I’ve had days like this for sure. Days when I just couldn’t get anything done that I planned to. But have you ever had a month like this? A year? A decade?
As 2012 approaches, are you looking back at 2011 and wondering where the days went and what you accomplished, if anything? Perhaps maybe you accomplished a lot but just didn’t complete a few goals you set?
If so, do you know why?
If you’re anything like me, it’s because you’re like a fig tree. Perhaps you know the story of Jesus and the barren fig tree.
Matthew 21:18-19 says, “Now in the morning as he returned to the city, he hungered. And seeing a fig tree by the way side, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only; and he saith unto it, Let there be no fruit from thee henceforward for ever. And immediately the fig tree withered away.”
He is, of course, Jesus. These verses document Jesus making a point to his followers about Israel, which was often compared to a fig tree. Simply put, Jesus said that when Israel obeyed God, it would produce fruit and when it did not, it was akin to a fruitless tree, not good for much at all.
What’s keeping you barren? What’s stopping you from producing more? What’s preventing you from setting and accomplishing goals?
Here’s what stops me at times:
1. Distractions like social media and online news
2. Laziness
3. Apathy
4. Over sleeping
5. Procrastination
These are things that I allow to get in the way of goals and living my God-commanded why – to advance others through personal-growth education. This list is the enemy of productivity and achieving my dreams. These five things prevent this fruit tree, me, from serving God and serving you better.
What’s keeping you from producing more?
Joel Fortner's blog 
The social media and other things online is an interesting one, since blogging is sort of part of this. I love Dan’s idea on writing before looking at anything else. I now realize, i have been doing it the wrong way, look at things and then write, i’ll reverse things and see how things go over the next couple weeks. Excellent post Joel.
“See how things will go” is really not a good idea, is it now..(thinking aloud here), No i’ll plan on making the change, definate, and better for goal setting. What do you think?
Yes, that’s a better approach. More concrete, intentional and accountable.
I agree that’s a good idea. Put what’s more important on top!
I would say social media and laziness keeps me from reaching some of my goals sooner. I have been focusing on these two areas the past few months. Having a day agenda and goals helps me stop from becoming lazy. Making sure I write or read before I use social media outlets is another. Still working through this though. Looking forward to a productive 2012. Great post and insights.
Right now YouTube is sucking my life away! “Greatest guitar solo ever” to be specific. =)
Great application of this scripture. Fruit should be the expectation of believers who are good stewards of their resources. Its absence reveals much to us.
I think the key is taking a brutally honest look at yourself and seeing what your problems are. For me, it’s often a lack of clear-cut planning on how to proceed. I think it will vary with everyone.
“Fruit should be the expectation of believers who are good stewards of their resources. Its absence reveals much to us.” I love that. Thanks for reading! Glad to see you over here. =) I spent some time on your blog today and love it. You’re definitely going to grow me.