6 THINGS YOU MUST GIVE UP TO SUCCEED

From a biblical perspective, Success is achieving God's will and purpose for one's life, which is rooted in a personal relationship with Him.

KEY PRINCIPLES:

1. Faithfulness: Being faithful to God's commands and principles (1 Corinthians 4:2, Psalm 119:1-8).

2. Obedience: Obeying God's voice and following His guidance (Joshua 1:8, John 14:15).

Text:  Luke 9:23-25  (KJV):

"23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"

Romans 12:1-2 in The Message (MSG) Bible

"1. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

2.. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit in without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

Also Read: Abundance Life, A life of purpose and meaning 

INTRODUCTION

Success is a desire that burns within many of us. We strive to succeed in our careers, relationships, and personal goals. However, success often requires us to let go of certain things that hold us back. In this sermon, we will explore the things we must give up if we want to succeed.

I. Give Up Your Fear of Failure

What is the Fear of Failure?

The fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia or kakorrhaphiophobia, is an excessive and irrational fear of failing or making mistakes. This fear can be overwhelming and debilitating, causing individuals to avoid taking risks, pursuing opportunities, or even trying new things.

The fear of failure can manifest in various ways, such as:

1. Procrastination: Putting off tasks or decisions due to fear of not doing them perfectly.

2. Risk aversion: Avoiding challenges or opportunities that may lead to failure.

3. Self-doubt: Questioning one's abilities or second-guessing decisions.

4. Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards, leading to disappointment and fear of not meeting them.

*How to Give Up Your Fear of Failure*

Overcoming the fear of failure requires a mindset shift, self-reflection, and intentional actions. Here are some strategies to help you give up your fear of failure:

1. Recognize and accept your fear: Acknowledge your fear of failure and accept it as a normal emotion.

2. Reframe failure as a learning experience:  View failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.

3. Set realistic goals and expectations: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable tasks, and set realistic expectations.

4. Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate small wins and progress, rather than striving for perfection.

5. Develop a growth mindset: Believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence.

6. Take calculated risks: Gradually take on new challenges and risks, starting with small, manageable ones.

7. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience when you make mistakes or experience setbacks.

8. Seek support and feedback: Surround yourself with supportive people who can offer constructive feedback and encouragement.

9. Learn from others' failures:  Study the failures and successes of others, and apply those lessons to your own life.

10. Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Remember, overcoming the fear of failure is a process that takes time, effort, and patience. Be gentle with yourself, and don't give up!

2. Give Up Your Need for Control

What is the Need for Control?

The need for control is a deep-seated desire to manage, direct, or dominate people, situations, or outcomes. This need can stem from various factors, such as:

1. Fear of uncertainty or unpredictability

2. Past experiences of powerlessness or trauma

3. Perfectionism or high expectations

4. Low self-esteem or insecurity

5. Cultural or societal pressures

When we try to control everything, we can become:

1. Overly critical or judgmental

2. Micromanaging or dictatorial

3. Anxious or stressed

4. Resistant to change or flexibility

5. Isolated or lonely

How to Give Up Your Need for Control

Letting go of the need for control requires surrender, trust, and self-awareness. Here are some strategies to help you give up your need for control:

1. Recognize and accept your limitations: Understand that you can't control everything, and that's okay.

2. Practice self-awareness: Identify your motivations and emotions behind your need for control.

3. Let go of perfectionism: Embrace imperfection and uncertainty as natural parts of life.

4. Trust in a higher power: Surrender to God's sovereignty and providence (Romans 8:28).

5. Focus on what you can control: Concentrate on your own actions, attitudes, and responses.

6. Develop flexibility and adaptability: Learn to adjust to changing circumstances and outcomes.

7. Cultivate humility and openness: Be willing to listen, learn, and receive feedback from others.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Remember, giving up the need for control is a process that takes time, patience, and practice. Start by taking small steps, and trust that God will guide and sustain you along the way.

3. GIVE UP YOUR NEGATIVE MINDSET 

What is a Negative Mindset?

A negative mindset is a pattern of thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that focus on the bad, the worst, or the pessimistic aspects of life. It's a mindset that:

1. Expects failure or disappointment

2. Focuses on problems rather than solutions

3. Criticizes or judges oneself or others harshly

4. Dwells on past mistakes or hurts

5. Fears the future or unknown

A negative mindset can lead to:

1. Anxiety, stress, or depression

2. Poor relationships or social isolation

3. Lack of motivation or productivity

4. Physical health problems or chronic illness

5. Missed opportunities or stagnant personal growth

How to Give Up Your Negative Mindset

Breaking free from a negative mindset requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and practice. Here are some strategies to help you give up your negative mindset:

1. Recognize and challenge negative thoughts: Become aware of your thoughts, and challenge those that are negative or distorted.

2. Practice gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small.

3. Reframe negative experiences: Look for lessons or opportunities for growth in difficult situations.

4. Cultivate positive relationships: Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging people.

5. Take care of yourself: Engage in activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

6. Practice mindfulness and presence: Focus on the present moment, without judgment.

7. Set realistic goals and celebrate achievements:  Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate your successes.

8. Seek professional help: If negative thoughts or emotions persist, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Remember, giving up a negative mindset is a journey that takes time, patience, and effort. Start with small steps, and trust that God will guide and support you along the way.

4. Give Up Your Selfish Ambitions

What is Selfish Ambition?

Selfish ambition refers to the drive to achieve personal success, recognition, or power at the expense of others, often motivated by pride, greed, or a desire for self-aggrandizement. Selfish ambition can manifest in various ways, such as:

1. Prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others

2. Seeking to elevate oneself above others

3. Manipulating or exploiting others for personal advantage

4. Focusing on external validation rather than inner fulfillment

Selfish ambition can lead to:

1. Damaged relationships and isolation

2. Inner emptiness and dissatisfaction

3. Conflict and competition with others

4. Missed opportunities for genuine growth and contribution

HOW TO GIVE UP YOUR SELFISH AMBITIONS 

Letting go of selfish ambition requires a shift in perspective, values, and motivations. Here are some strategies to help you give up your selfish ambitions:

1. Recognize and acknowledge your motivations: Reflect on why you're pursuing your goals and ambitions.

2. Cultivate humility and empathy: Practice putting others' needs and feelings before your own.

5. GIVE UP YOUR PRIDE 

What is Pride?

Pride is an excessive and inflated sense of self-importance, self-worth, or accomplishment. It involves an exaggerated view of oneself, one's abilities, or one's achievements, often accompanied by a sense of superiority over others. Pride can manifest in various ways, such as:

1. Arrogance or haughtiness

2. Self-aggrandizement or boastfulness

Also Read: Should Christians celebrate Christmas?

6. Give up The Excuse Mentality

The "excuses mentality" refers to a mindset or attitude where individuals consistently make excuses to justify their behavior, decisions, or lack of progress. This mentality involves:

1. Blaming external circumstances: Shifting the blame from oneself to external factors, such as others, circumstances, or luck.

2. Denying responsibility:  Refusing to take ownership of one's actions, decisions, or mistakes.

3. Rationalizing behavior: Creating logical-sounding explanations to justify one's behavior, even if it's not justified.

4. Avoiding accountability: Evading responsibility and accountability for one's actions and decisions.

Common characteristics of individuals with an excuses mentality include:

1. Frequent complaining:  Consistently complaining about circumstances, others, or themselves.

2. Lack of self-awareness: Failing to recognize one's own strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

3. Defensiveness:  Becoming overly defensive when confronted with criticism or feedback.

4.  Procrastination: Consistently delaying tasks or decisions, often citing external circumstances as the reason.

The excuses mentality can hold individuals back from achieving their goals, developing meaningful relationships, and growing as individuals. It's essential to recognize and challenge this mentality to develop a more accountable, responsible, and growth-oriented mindset.

HOW TO GIVE UP EXCUSE MENTALITY 

Giving up an excuse mentality requires a combination of self-awareness, mindset shifts, and intentional habits. 

Here are some steps to help you overcome an excuse mentality:

Self-Awareness

1. Recognize your excuses:  Become aware of when you're making excuses. Identify patterns, triggers, and common excuses.

2. Acknowledge your emotions: Understand the emotions driving your excuses, such as fear, laziness, or perfectionism.

3. Identify underlying beliefs: Recognize the underlying beliefs or assumptions that lead you to make excuses.

Mindset Shifts

1. Take ownership: Accept responsibility for your actions, decisions, and outcomes.

2. Focus on solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions.

3. Cultivate a growth mindset: Believe that you can learn, grow, and improve.

4. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding when you make mistakes.

Intentional Habits

1. Set clear goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

2. Create an accountability system: Share your goals and progress with a trusted friend or mentor.

3. Track your progress: Regularly monitor your progress, celebrating successes and learning from setbacks.

4. Practice mindfulness: Develop mindfulness skills to stay present and focused.

5. Reframe negative self-talk: Challenge negative self-talk by reframing excuses into positive, empowering statements.

Additional Strategies

1. Seek feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from others to identify areas for improvement.

2. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories to build momentum and confidence.

3. Learn from failures: Treat failures as opportunities for growth and learning.

4. Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with people who support and encourage you.

Remember, overcoming an excuse mentality takes time, effort, and practice. Be patient, persistent, and kind to yourself as you work through this process.

CONCLUSION:

Success requires us to let go of certain things that hold us back. By giving up our fear of failure, need for control, negative mindset, selfish ambitions, and pride, we can position ourselves for success. As the Bible says, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it" (Luke 9:24). May we be willing to let go of our old selves and take hold of the new life that God has for us.