As the year comes to a close, I find myself looking back at the many plans I made at the beginning of the year that never quite came to fruition. It could be easy to feel disheartened, but I’ve learned that even in those unfulfilled plans, there are valuable lessons to be gained. Each idea that didn’t work out has taught me something important, and those lessons are just as meaningful as any success.
The first lesson I’ve learned is to stop spending time on thoughts that don’t bring value or lead to positive outcomes. I’ve realized the importance of filtering out the distractions and focusing on the thoughts and ideas that truly matter. Proverbs 4:23 reminds me of this wisdom: “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” This verse has taught me that our thoughts shape our actions and ultimately guide the direction of our lives.
The next lesson I’ve learned is to never wait for signs or perfect conditions. Mother Mary is a powerful example of this; she was a woman of both action and deep faith, always saying “yes” to God’s call. What made saints truly great wasn’t waiting around for the right moment—it was their willingness to act, even when it required courage. Take St. Teresa of Calcutta, for instance. She didn’t just leave behind inspiring words; she built a living legacy through the Missionaries of Charity. Her actions spoke louder than anything else, and that’s how she became such an important figure in the world.
For much of my life, I’ve allowed ideas to linger in my mind without truly bringing them to life. There were moments where sparks of inspiration would flicker, but they never quite caught fire. I’ve come to realize that few things can weigh on the soul more than an untapped idea or an unrealized dream. It’s as if the potential we carry within us, when left unexpressed, quietly dims our spirit.
This brings me to my third and final realization for this season: I need to focus on ideas that truly inspire me—ideas that ground me and are actually within reach. I’ve learned enough about myself to know that if I’m not genuinely passionate about something, it won’t drive me forward. Similarly, if an idea is driven by selfish motives or an impure intention, it’s not worth pursuing. I’ve reached a point in my life where I understand that my journey isn’t just about me anymore—it’s about the people around me, too. Their lives, their well-being, and the impact I can have on them matter just as much as my own.
I’m excited for the new year ahead, as it’s a chance to leave behind unproductive thoughts and commit fully to living as a man of action for others. Reflecting on Acts 20:35, where Paul says, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This verse reminds me that true fulfillment comes not from what we receive, but from what we give to those around us.
Guarding Your Heart and Mind 