Chargers running back Melvin Gordon had a lot of people that were supportive of him, but he also had critics that felt like a 64-day holdout wasnt necessary just because contract negotiations werent in his favor .

Gordon, who returned from his lengthy holdout, said on Friday that he is hungry to get back on the field this weekend. One of his motivations is all the negative talk surrounding his decision to remain away from the team and the amount of attention that Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott got during his.

Im definitely motivated. No one cared that Melvin Gordon was out. It was all about Zeke. And it aint no hate. Thats Americas team, but some players on talk shows they care less to talk about it.

You got people in your corner, and they in your corner one second, and the next second, theyre hating on you. You got a lot of people hating on you. The best way to do that is to go shut them up. I remember what everybody said, Gordon said, per Orange County Registers Gilbert Manzano.

Gordon was seeking a contract that would pay him between $13 million and $14 million annually, but he was unable to accomplish that, as Los Angeles wouldnt budge from their original offer from $10 million yearly.

Meanwhile, Elliott signed a six-year, $90 million extension, which made him the highest paid running back in the NFL. Gordon hasnt done enough yet to garner that kind of money, but he wants to make sure that everyone is watching him during the rest of his contract year.

Gordon wont have that big of an opportunity against the Broncos on Sunday because hes going to be on a limited snap count, but hes out to silence all the critics during his holdout and show hes worth a hefty paycheck.

Continue reading here:
Chargers' Melvin Gordon motivated to quiet critics of holdout - Chargers Wire

The New York Red Bulls exited the practice field Wednesday afternoon looking in better spirits then they had in a while.

It would be hard to blame them. This season, despite minimal roster turnover, the team dropped well back from their record breaking 2018 campaign. Throughout the year, the words consistency and complacency lingered over the club.

The reaction within the group seemed negative, and the Red Bullss fans echoed that negativity.

The Red Bulls only glimpse at the top of the table this season came from nearly leading the league in points dropped from winning positions. The Red Bulls ranked second in the league behind only the Vancouver Whitecaps as of September 10th per Dylan Butlers article on MLSsoccer.com.

There is some poetic justice, that even here, they fall short of the top.

Over the last three matches however, the Red Bulls seem to have figured themselves out, putting together their first solid run of results since their five game unbeaten streak in May. So, what changed?

Speaking to Marc Rzatkowski after practice, he noted that working through these negative experiences has begun to galvanize the team.

The answer came during a question about finding consistency defensively down the stretch, but the response piqued my interest. It recalled the early days of the Jesse Marsch Red Bulls. The idea that they needed to prove themselves amongst those that doubted them.

A chip on their shoulder.

Speaking to Brian White about what he has seen while awaiting his fitness to return to the field, it came up again.

So much of the success of the Jesse Marsch era was predicated on this very principle. Whenever the Red Bulls faltered under Marsch, the need for the team to play with a chip on their shoulder seemed to be questioned.

Since Chris Armas took over for Marsch last July, that phrase disappeared from the Red Bulls lexicon. But now, after their worst home record since 2009, it seems to be returning, and just in time. The MLS Playoffs are tailor-made for teams that pick up steam as the season ends, and the single elimination format might prove favorable to teams carrying momentum into the tournament.

Still, the Red Bulls have no illusions of the expectations most have placed on the squad to continue their playoff futility. For Chris Armas, hes always felt comfortable being viewed as the underdog.

Is it possible the Red Bulls put together a dramatic, positive end to the season? As possible as anything else in the strange world of the MLS Playoffs, but it would certainly help to keep that mindset moving forward. Against the rest of the Eastern Conference playoff field, the Red Bulls have a 5-4-3, with most of their wins playing at Red Bull Arena.

The likelihood of any home playoff games remains in doubt, making the task much harder for the team. But if the Red Bulls really have regained the chip on their shoulder, then maybe it is possible.

Armas knows the perception the Red Bulls carry, even at their best, and he shows his contempt for the teams portrayal.

The ultimate proof wont come until after the Red Bulls season ends. They hold the keys to their destiny, in a vehicle powered by their need to prove doubters wrong. Will they finally deliver the fans the most elusive prize, or will the playoffs end in heartbreak as they have since their inception?

The team certainly look stronger now than they have all season, and Armas says they are prepared to prove it.

Photo by Bill Twomey Photography

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Proving doubters wrong providing Red Bulls motivation down the stretch - Red Bull News Network

Clayton Sustala was born in Fort Worth, Texas and moved to Aledo, Texasat the age of 3. After graduating from Aledo High School, he moved toLubbock, Texas to attend Texas Tech University, where he majored in FamilyFinancial Planning. After graduating from university, he moved back to FortWorth where he took a job selling tanning and workout memberships. Within sixmonths, Clayton had the top sales and set all sales records at the company. Dueto his success, he was promoted to area manager and broke all branch salesrecords. Afterwards, Clay Sustala moved on torecruiting, accounting, and finance at Accounts on Call. In 2008-2009, thecountry suffered a financial crisis and he waslaid off because no company was paying recruiters. Due to the financial crisis,Sustala felt pressureto change careers and he decided to move to the medical field. With his wifealready in the medical field, Clayton Sustala was able to navigate thedifferent types of jobs and helped find the right fit for him.

1. Tell me a little bit about what you do atMajors Medical Service.

At Majors Medical Service, I market our in-home products so that patients can have a better quality of lifein managing their ailments. Majors Medical Serviceoffers an extremely wide array of products, from rollators to masks and fromorthopedics to sleep aids. With the variety of DME products that we have instock, I can market effectively to hospitals and doctors offices within theDallas-Fort Worth region.

2. What do you love most about the industry youare in?

I love meeting new people and getting to make patients lives a littleeasier.Knowingthat everything that I am marketing to hospitals anddoctors is directly improving the quality of life of people that are strugglinghelps me to work my hardest every single day. Having seen the impact that ourDME products can have on both an individual and a family is something thatmotivates me to continue my efforts and is one of the greatest rewards that cancome in the marketing industry.

3. What does a typical day consist of for you?

My day is fun albeit extremely busy. I spend all day, every day, drivingto doctors offices and hospitals within the Dallas-Fort Worth region. At eachlocation, I spend time marketing our products as well as helping nurses, socialworkers, and patients get settled into using the products and teaching them howto use other products for when I am not there to help them.

4. What keeps you motivated?

My family keeps me motivated. I work hard every day for them.However, my drive to be the very best and helping my clients is my motivationat work.Being able to see the results that our products can provide topatients and givingthem the support they need to improve their qualityof living is one of the greatest rewards, andis one of the reasons why the medical field is amazing to work in.

5.Who was a personal role model to you and why?

I have had many role models, but my uncle is who stands out the most. He has a no-nonsenseapproach to life, and it has led him to be very successful in both business andfishing. I have always wanted to be just likehimand modeling my business attitude after his has been one of the bestdecisions that I have made. It has helped me to succeed in every job I have hadas one of the top sales representatives for each company.

6. What trends in your industry excite you?

My industry has been very frustrating with Medicare reimbursementsdropping year after year, meaning thatmany hospitals and doctors offices have not been able to afford to givethe service parishes deserve, or pay their employees fairly. But Im excited to hear this might be turning around soonand Medicare reimbursements should start to rise.

7. How do you maintain a solid work lifebalance?

Maintaining a work and home life is very hard in this industry asmy job requires long hours and a lot of driving around the Dallas-Fort Wortharea. I struggle with maintaining a balance every day. I am very fortunate thatmy family helps me and understands the difficulties of the job and helps tomake my personal time as enjoyable as possible.

8. What are some of your favorite places to fish?Whats your proudest catch?

Port Aransas, Texas as well as Port OConnor, Texas are places myfamily and I have gone fishing often. I try to go there at least 4-5 times a year for fishing. But Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is myfavorite location that I have had the opportunity to fish. Its on thePacific and thats where I caught my 10-ft Blue Marlin.

9. What has been the hardest obstacle youveovercome professionally?

The hardest obstacle to overcome has been Medicare reimbursements dropping and forcing commissions todrop.My life has changed a lot because of something that is out of mycontrol. All that I can do is work hard every day to ensure that Immaking the most of the opportunities we get. I havefaced a lot of obstacles in my career with the financial crisis and Medicare adjustmentsbut I believe that it has helped to make me better at my job.

10. The variety of game in Texas makes for ahunters paradise. Tell me about Clay Sustalas favorite game to hunt.

I hunt everything I can in Texas. Dove, ducks, whitetail deer,mule deer and wild hogs are among the most common game that I hunt when I getout. However, my favorite hunt every year is our annual pheasant hunt in the Texas panhandlethat I go on with my family.It is something that we look forward to participating in every year.

11. What is one piece of advice that you havenever forgotten?

The best piece of advice that I have ever received and has helped methroughout my career is if you act like you are supposed to be there, no onewill assume otherwise. This has helped me whenever I have transitioned to anew career as even if I am nervous, as long as I am able to look calm andcollected, my nerves are never displayed.

Follow me here: https://www.claytonsustala.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/claysustala/ and https://twitter.com/@claytonsustala

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Interview Series: A Discussion with Clay Sustala on Staying Motivated in Work and Life - Thrive Global

East Ibervilles 45-19 win over Central Private last week helped elevate the profile of a team most people don't know a lot about.

The St. Gabriel-based Tigers are inching closer to the Top 10 in the Class 1A Louisiana Sports Writers Association's statewide poll.

The win also gives EIHS (4-0) its best start since 2011. The Tigers were winless in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and won one game in 2016 before Ron LeJeune returned to East Iberville for a second stint as head coach.

But there is more to the motivation for the Tigers than the typical desire to win. The sudden death of defensive coordinator Gary Burnett over the summer has made an already solid defense even more determined to excel.

The Tigers have limited opponents to 12.3 points per game, including a shutout win over Slaughter Community Charter in Week 1.

The defense has been playing really good, LeJeune said. Obviously our defensive coordinator, coach (Gary) Burnett died suddenly. Our defense has been playing hard for that.

Burnett, a longtime coach in the Baton Rouge area, was East Iberville's defensive coordinator in 2018. His coaching career included numerous stops, including a stint as head coach at Glen Oaks.

Gary and I had been friends since 2002, LeJeune said. We coached against each other for a long time when he was at Glen Oaks and I was at Belaire. Not only was he a really good coach, but a good friend.

After serving as an assistant to Burnett a year ago, Clark Nocentelli stepped into Burnetts role. He said the toughest part is not having Burnett's daily presence and wisdom.

(Burnett) was a friend of mine, Nocentelli said. We worked together in 2006 at Redemptorist. A lot of the stuff I learned, I learned from him at Redemptorist. We got back together in 2017 at East Iberville. Id give anything to have him back. His absence has been the biggest thing.

The transition from Burnett to Nocentelli has looked seamless as the Tigers continue attacking opponents with their 4-2-5 defense. The philosophy is the same and Nocentelli said the players familiarity with the scheme has paid dividends.

The main goal is to stop the run and bring as much pressure as possible, Nocentelli said. We try to emphasize everybody getting to the ball, getting as many people to the ball as we can.

In addition to dominant play from the defense, continuity is another strong suit for East Iberville. The Tigers have only six seniors. The rest of the players have been with the program since LeJeunes first year.

Our first year, we had six guys who had played football," LeJeune said. We got our numbers up the first year and now we have about 52 kids. Our big class is our junior class (16). The juniors dont know anything, but us.

Week 5 is a bye week for the Tigers. East Iberville hosts St. John on Oct. 11. East Iberville was without five starters in the win over Central Private and two other starters played through injury.

LeJeune said he hopes the week off helps with the injuries so the Tigers can pursue the two main goals they have for the season.

Our goals are to win district and make it past the second round of the playoffs, LeJeune said. The last two years weve lost in the second round. Once we get past that, go as far as we can and hopefully give ourselves a shot to play in the dome.

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Tragedy to triumph: Death of defensive coordinator provides motivation for East Iberville - The Advocate

Be it in reel life or real life, Taapsee Pannu stands out for her honest and outspoken approach to life, and is not one to mince words when it comes to issues close to her heart. The multi-faceted actor has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films.

Taapsee worked as a software professional before becoming a model and actress. She took up acting to try something new, and did not expect to make a career out of it. Apart from acting, she also loves sports, and the 32-year-old can be seen cheering for her team Pune Seven Aces at the Badminton Premier League.

Here are 10 quotes by Taapsee Pannu that will motivate you to live your life on your own terms, be badass and honest to yourself.

Either I choose to behave or live a life of someone else, or I choose to be myself and live the life the way I want.

There is no way everyone will approve of what youre wearing. So just do what makes you happy.

There are so many fish in the ocean. I had to be a different kind of fish.

I am an outsider. I was never offered the kind of roles where I could play the glamorous diva, because there are already so many of them doing it - and doing it well. So I had to bring to the table much more than just looking good.

I dont regret a single decision of mine. Even if I made mistakes, they helped me evolve.

Truth is, Im less heroine and more the hero in my story and for some thats a bitter pill to swallow, but then thats tough because Im not going anywhere.

We have to jump into the competition and prove ourselves every moment.

I never regret or sit back and think that I shouldnt have said something. There are a lot of people who tell me that you shouldnt say this or that or should keep quiet, and I really think that I can either be true to my conscience or can live a fake life by staying quiet.

I always find a reason to be happy before I sleep. For me, happiness is a choice that is in your hands.

As long as I get to do the kind of work I want to do, I am okay with being a Z-lister.

(Edited by Rekha Balakrishnan)

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10 motivational quotes by actor Taapsee Pannu that will remind you to live life on your own terms - YourStory

GettyChiefs Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions.

With 2:26 left in the fourth quarter, Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass that gave the Detroit Lions a 30-27 lead. The crowd was believing but they left too much time on the clock for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Needing just a field goal, the Chiefs took the field with extreme confidence led by their MVP quarterback. Before they even stepped on the field, Mahomes was preparing his team to go on a game-winning drive.

Mahomes reminded the Chiefs to just be themselves. So who are they? They are a team with one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He is throwing to the best tight end in the league, Travis Kelce and is protected by the best right tackle in Mitchell Schwartz.

The Chefs are averaging 474.8 yards per game this season. This is good for second in the league. They are tied at the top of the league scoring 33.8 points per game. With 2:26 on the clock, a field goal seemed like a piece of cake but Kansas City had bigger things on their mind. And it almost did not work out.

The Chiefs final drive was orchestrated perfectly but it came down to one play to get things going. They picked up a first down right away on an 11-yard pass to Darrel Williams. After that, the drive seemed to stall.

Kansas City was facing a fourth-and-eight at their own 34-yard line. The Lions put pressure on Mahomes but did not protect the middle of the field. Mahomes scrambled, got out of the pocket, and picked up 15 yards using his legs. This was the play of the drive for the Chiefs and it was back breaking for Detroit.

The next two plays were first downs after an 18-yard pass to Kelce and a defensive holding call. Just like that, the Chiefs were in field goal range but there was over a minute left to get in the end zone. Byron Pringle made the next big play on the drive when he caught a pass over the middle and absorbed two huge hits. He spun for a 13-yard gain down to the three-yard line. Two handoffs later, Williams was in the end zone. Chiefs win.

Leadership, passion, knowledge, talent. Those are four attributes that are important for starting quarterbacks and Mahomes checks all the boxes. He is a player that is mature beyond his years. The great players know how to get the best out of their team then they go perform on the field. That is what Mahomes did on Sunday against the Lions. He showed his ability to make big play with his arm and legs.

Safe to say, the Chiefs knew what they were doing when they traded up to draft Mahomes as their next franchise quarterback. Kansas City is now 4-0 with a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Arrowhead on the horizon. There is some magic so far in Kansas City this season. They hope it can end with a Lombardi Trophy.

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Patrick Mahomes Provides Motivation Before Winning Drive [WATCH] - Heavy.com

OAK PARK, Mich. (FOX 2) - Motivational speaker Demarjay Smith is in town - just 12-years-old, he's getting national attention on shows like Ellen. His YouTube videos have been viewed millions of times.

"I'm a fitness guru - I'm a motivational speaker - I love to inspire the youth and the adults," Demarjay said.

Motivational speaker Demarjay Smith is in town - just 12-years-old, he's getting national attention on shows like Ellen. His YouTube videos have been viewed millions of times.

"I'm going to say believe it. Achieve it. Become it," he said to a crowd of students.

In the gym at Einstein Elementary, Demarjay is doing just that, inspiring. And perhaps his message means more to kids when it comes from someone their own age.

"We can tell a kid - like I said - time after time - they listen but I don't think they really hear us," said Bobby Thompson of Oak Park schools. "But coming from a 12-year-old - I think they're going to listen and I think they're going to hear the message as well."

As Demarjay travels the country with his message of strength - no weakness - he's also giving back - he's in town here for a three-on-three basketball tournament to benefit a non-profit.

"This is my first time here in Michigan," he said.

FOX 2: "And how do you like it?"

"I love it," he said.

And these students seem to love him. Many, like Braylen Thompson, have watched his videos - and say they feel inspired by his message both in school and in sports.

"I can accomplish all as," said Braylen.

FOX 2: "How do you do that?"

"I've got to stay in school and keep working," he said.

It's all about the attitude and the commitment - something someone this young is hoping others his age will embrace.

"If you have goals, aspirations, you can fight and accomplish those things," he said.

Continue reading here:
12-year-old motivational speaker comes to Oak Park, inspires others - FOX 2 Detroit

"Motivation" is a song by American singer Normani, released on August 16, 2019. The song was written by Ariana Grande, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Max Martin, Normani, Savan Kotecha, and produced by Salmanzadeh. The music video was released the same day.

"Motivation" was initially teased with a snippet by Normani on her Twitter on August 2, 2019.[2] She further spoke on the song, as well as Ariana Grande's involvement in co-writing, during Rolling Stone's Morning Sessions at Lollapalooza, explaining "[Grande]'s dope. She also has a part in the record that I'm releasing, too. She wrote on it."[3] The song was officially announced on August 9 and released on August 16, 2019.[4]

A music video was released alongside the song on August 16, and was directed by Dave Meyers and Daniel Russell.[5] It features homages to music videos from the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as "Crazy in Love" by Beyonc, "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears and "I'm Real" by Jennifer Lopez.[5]The location of the video is in the same Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, neighborhood and park (Pecan Park) of J-Los Im Real video.

The video begins with a younger version of Normani watching the BET music video countdown show 106 & Park and daydreaming that former hosts Terrence J and Rocsi Diaz announced that she has the "#1 video in the world", while her grandmother in the background tells her to lower the noise but then gives her blessing.[6] As "Motivation" starts to play, it transitions from the living room to the screen where she is seen walking in the middle of a road, inspired by Beyonc's "Crazy in Love".[7] The second sequence is a dance sequence, with Normani dancing with her dancers in a Los Angeles neighborhood. The scene shifts to a fence background where Normani is seen climbing the fence while dancing before moving to a basketball court where she performs a gymnastics tumbling pass and a basketball technique. The rain sequence is then shown where Normani is accompanied by a band. The video ends as Normani performs a final dance routine in the late afternoon. [8]

Forbes wrote that "Motivation" "sounds like the perfectly-crafted pop song [...] catchy, summery and fun", adding that it is reminiscent of co-writer Ariana Grande's sound, and while familiar, it "provides something currently missing from the pop landscape."[9] i-D said the song is a "smash" with a catchy chorus, and it recalls the "Rich Harrison-produced pop of the early 2000s" and Beyonc's Coachella performance.[10] Pitchfork named it "Best New Track", saying Normani's "sultry, syncopated vocal lines bear the imprint of co-writer Ariana Grande", and she "seems to draw on both "Check On It"-era Beyonc and the brassy sounds of Homecoming."[11] The Guardian described the song as a "buoyant, horn-laced, late-summer BBQ bop that nestles in the nook between Ariana Grande and 2006-era Beyonc."[12] Los Angeles Times considered the track a "sticky bop perfectly primed to get us through the rest of the summer".[13] Rolling Stone called the song when you can "actually hear a pop superstar be[ing] born." [14]

Normani first performed "Motivation" at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards on August 26, 2019.[15]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[16]

Read the original:
Motivation (Normani song) - Wikipedia

[Intro]I'ma break you off, let me be your motivationTo stay and give it tonightAnd baby turn around let me give you innovation, hey'Cause I do it so right

[Verse 1]You got that good good, baby don't you?Got that good good, baby, don't you?But you leavin' soloAin't regular that ain't regularI ain't gon' keep, keep fightin' for itAin't gon' keep, keep fightin' for it'Cause you know this thing hereAin't regular, that ain't regular

[Pre-Chorus]Fallin' into the bedWhy would we ever do somethin' instead ofFallin' into the bed right now? Yeah

[Chorus]I'ma break you off, let me be your motivationTo stay and give it tonightAnd, baby, turn around, let me give you innovationHey, 'cause I do it so rightThink about it, ooh, I think about itThink about it, ooh, take a look at me nowHey, a little motivation, alright

[Verse 2]You got a bad one, baby, don't you?Got a bad one, baby, don't you?And we both know there's noOne better, boy, no one better, boyToo late, won't make it, I'ma tell 'em (Yeah)Get you naked, but I won't tell 'em (Woo)'Cause you know that there's noOne better, boy, no one better, boy

[Pre-Chorus]Fallin' into the bedWhy would we ever do somethin' instead ofFallin' into the bed right now?Eh, right now, now

[Chorus]I'ma break you off, let me be your motivationTo stay and give it tonight (And give it tonight)And, baby, turn around, let me give you innovationHey, 'cause I do it so rightThink about it, ooh, I think about itThink about it, ooh, take a look at me nowHey, a little motivation, alright

[Bridge]Hey, ohA little motivationOh

[Chorus]I'ma break you off, let me be your motivationTo stay and give it tonightAnd, baby, turn around, let me give you innovationHey, 'cause I do it so rightThink about it, ooh, I think about itThink about it, ooh, take a look at me nowHey, a little motivation, alright

[Outro]OhOh

Read the original:
Normani Motivation Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Contributed ByMarianne Holman Prescott, Church News staff writer

Start now. Live a purposeful life. Put the power of the compounding of daily disciplines in place in the important areas of your life. Brother Randall L. Ridd of the Young Men general presidency

It is through living a deliberate, focused life that we will find success and become more like our Heavenly Father, taught Brother Randall L. Ridd, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, during a recent worldwide devotional.

The compounding effect of daily disciplines, with purpose and real intent, can make a big difference in all areas of your life, he said. It can mean the difference between struggling through an ordinary life or being immensely successful and filling the measure of your creation.

Passive drifting

Having so many choices and opportunities can be a blessing and a curse. Too many choices, and the fear of making bad decisions, often lead to decision paralysis.

Too often people question whether a better option is around the corner, so they wait and choose nothing. That passive state is like being in a lifeboat with nothing but rolling waves in every direction and not knowing which way to row. A glimpse of land is needed to provide both motivation and purpose. People who dont maintain a clear sense of purpose are drifters. Drifters allow the tides of the world to decide where they are going.

The antidote for that passive state is living with purpose and real intent.

Living with purpose

Because of the gospel, we can focus on fulfilling our purpose, rather than spending our entire life trying to discover our purpose.

When Brother Ridd was trying to decide whether to serve a mission as a young man, he was enrolled in school, had a good scholarship, a girlfriend, and a good job, and was in the army. He started to think it was too late to serve a mission because he was a little older than other missionaries. He prayed to receive the answer to not go. Then the thought came to him, What does the Lord want you to do? At that time he had to decide if he was going to do what he wanted to do or what the Lord wanted him to do.

That is a question we would all do well to ask ourselves often, he said. Many times we have the attitude of Ill go where you want me to go and do what you want me to do, dear Lordas long as it is where I want to go and what I want to do.

Living with real intent

Living with real intent means understanding the why and being aware of the motives behind your actions. Socrates said, An unexamined life is not worth living. Ponder how you spend your time and ask yourself regularly, Why? This will help you develop the ability to see beyond the moment. Its far better to look ahead and ask yourself, Why would I do that? than to look back and say, Why, oh, why did I do that? If the only reason why is that God wants you to, thats reason enough.

Avoiding distractionsthe importance of focus

When we are distracted by the things of the world, we are robbed of time we could invest in doing good, plus we miss out on the spiritual world around us. We may not be able to recognize the spiritual promptings that the Holy Ghost is anxious to give us to direct our lives and to bless others. Conversely, if we focus on the things of the Spirit were less likely to be sidetracked by the temptations and distractions of the world.

The power of small things

The idea that small, simple, but purposeful acts can have dramatic consequences is supported all throughout the scriptures. There is great power in the compounding effect of little things done each day.

Small and simple things are at work in your life right nowworking either for you or against you, he said. Just as the Lord uses things to build you up, Satan uses them to distract you and lead you slowly, almost imperceptibly, off the path.

Three small and simple things that can help us look to God and maintain our eternal focus are:

Taking the sacrament

Praying

Studying the scriptures

Make regular disciplines like taking the sacrament, praying, and studying the scriptures a top priority, Brother Ridd taught.

Prophets past and present have pleaded with us to do small and simple things like praying and studying the scriptures. So why doesnt everyone do them? Perhaps one reason is that we dont necessarily see dramatic negative consequences if we miss a day or twojust as your teeth dont all decay and fall out the first time you don't brush. Most of the consequences, positive and negative, will come later, over time. But they will come.

It is through living a deliberate, focused life that individuals will find success and become more like their Heavenly Father.

Start now. Live a purposeful life. Put the power of the compounding of daily disciplines in place in the important areas of your life. I promise that in a year from now, you will either be glad you started today, or you will wish you had.

Brother Ridd spoke at the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, which originated from the BYUIdaho Center in Rexburg, Idaho, and was broadcast via satellite throughout the world on January 11.

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Simple Habits Help Us Live with Purpose and Real Intent ...