While traveling and listening to a podcast recently, I reflected on how gaining responsibility in one area can easily translate to other aspects of our lives. Rachel Cruze, podcaster, author, speaker, and daughter of Dave Ramsey, was being interviewed by Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo about financial planning and execution. A key takeaway from Rachel during their conversation was that those who realize success in their financial management are the ones who take responsibility and control what they can control. While external factors can definitely impact personal finances, ultimately, success is 80% personal behavior vs. head knowledge. You have to put what you know (and can learn) into practice. Sounds simple, but consider how this also applies to other aspects of our lives — maybe those areas we perpetually struggle.
When trying to achieve health goals, like managing weight or overcoming a stronghold, we most likely know by now the information that will move us toward our goals but are not consistently putting what we know into practice. The 1988 Nike® slogan, “Just Do It®” was used to encourage action and overcome self-doubt. The words may apply here. Don’t just know it, but do it.
God’s Word lights our feet and illuminates our path. (Psalm 119:105) Those feet are moving forward! His Word supplies us with knowledge and convicts our hearts, but then it takes root and grows. It takes action as we move forward in obedience. James calls us to not just hear, but do. (1:22–25) He says that if we just keep studying but not applying, our faith is dead. (2:26) He even goes so far as to say those who know the right thing to do, and fail to do it, sin. (4:17)
I get that telling someone to “just do it” may seem less than understanding or sympathetic to their struggles. But as youpersonally think about whether or not your wellness goals are being met, honestly consider whether or not you are putting what you already know into practice — on a regular and consistent basis. Just as growing your savings and getting out of debt takes acting on the advice you’ve received, our behavior is key to achieving our wellness goals.