Are you a basketball fan?

Well, I can’t say I watch a lot of basketball, except when it comes to March Madness. The tournament has its way of raising the bar.

It amazes me every time how underdogs can come out on top. Where do they find that extra something special?

You and I both know where that comes from; deep down, taking it to the next level.

But, like with any game, there is a plan of execution. You get to plan your practice to prepare for your performance.

So how do you show up to your game?

Are you complaining that you have more work to do?

Are you wondering if you can get done what’s on your to-do list?

Or are you secretly wanting nothing to happen so you can chill out?

The K.I.S.S. ~ Be free to thrive!

Sounds super easy — But keeping up with everyone else is tough.

However, I’m here to remind you that you don’t need permission to do what God has called you to do.

You need to ready yourself today and be present with what God has placed before you to accomplish.

As I watch some of these college basketball teams throw down their best stuff, I wonder what it would be like if they all settled for mediocrity.

I don’t think March Madness would exist. There would be no chance for anyone to stand out differently because it was okay to be okay.

But that’s the awesomeness of March Madness. It’s a level playing field. Did you know there are 11 conferences represented in the Sweet Sixteen? What a spread of talent across all the colleges.

This is a reminder that not one team is perfect. Every team has a shot at winning the championship. And so do you!

You don’t have to do everything right all the time. But you do have to take A.I.M. — action ignites motivation.

Be free to thrive!

So much of our days are spent pondering what we should have or could have done. But what does it matter if we aren’t willing to do what’s next?

At some point, you have to realize how your thoughts can counteract your actions. And believe it or not, your mind just follows.

Why?

Because it’s easy! The brain doesn’t want complications. So keep it simple to the habits you know.

WoW!!!

If you want to keep moving forward, you’ve gotta play with a little madness, just like in basketball.

• You gotta dig deeper; find the next level to rise up to.
• You gotta ready your head and heart to do what you don’t feel like doing.
• You gotta play the game every day; flex that consistency muscle.

And most importantly, you gotta believe and trust.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Are you ready to go above and beyond your feelings?

It’s time to be free to thrive!

PRAYER: May you delight in the presence of what God has placed before you. Don’t let the sun go down on the God-size dreams He has for you. Keep moving forward by taking A.I.M.! One step at a time leads to miles of greatness.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“