4:8 Principle -- Step 1: Recognizing the true source

"Most players are pretty good, but they go to where the puck is. I go to where the puck is going to be." -- Wayne Gretzky

We've been uncovering tools and steps to unleash a more confident, purposeful, joyful self. Here's the good news... regardless of where you are now or where you've been,  you can take your self-concept to new heights by putting into practice any or all of the 8 steps we are going to cover.

Your self-concept is your personal foundation for the future. Every effort you make to fortify it will pay multiple rewards -- and you will be well on your way to living a joy-filled life and having an even greater impact on the world.

Step One -- Recognizing the true source

Legitimate, lasting self-worth can come only from God's love, from knowing and experiencing who you are as a new creation in Christ. See yourself as a child of God. If you keep thinking of yourself the way you used to be, that is exactly what you will continue to be.

Too many people base their self-worth on what others think about them. Beware of making a god of other people's opinion. Wow... let me say that again... Beware of making a god of other people's opinion. This is a whole other series...and here's a secret -- we are going to be going through this topic next.

When you stay focused on God's promises and opinions, you realize you have already been approved. Needing approval from others is a trap that will hold you down. It is essentially saying that someone else's opinion of you is more important than God's. His opinion is best and true. After all, He created you!

Despite your shortcomings, weaknesses and mistakes, God loves you. He knows everything about you, about me and still chooses to love us with an indescribable love.

Today's task: Revisit your list you have made... 5 things I am thankful for, 5 strengths or positive traits, 5 of your best achievements so far.  Now, make a list of 5 people that love you the most. Also, consider what sort of self-image you are building with the flow of words, pictures and images that race through your mind. What is your true opinion of yourself?  How does that compare to God's opinion of you in His Word?