The Power of Diligence.
There are disciplines and behaviors that when exercised by one will attract unusual results. One of such disciplines is diligence, yes you heard it right diligence. Diligence attracts power and results. The Bible our manual for life in the book of Proverbs 10:4 (AMP) says, Poor is he who works with a negligent and idle hand but the hand of the diligent makes him rich. Notice here with me that the scripture before us is informing us of the power of diligence. It says here the one whose hands are diligent will be made rich. It is not just a matter of luck that some people’s lives seem to be more productive than others. In most cases, it is diligence that attracts the results. Which is the opposite of negligence, idleness, and laziness.
The diligent will see results, putting it in the words of scripture the diligent will be rich. If this phenomenon can attract results, then it is worth studying. What is diligence then? Diligence is defined as a careful and persistent effort towards a goal or a task. Take note of these three keywords and phrases. Number one, it is “careful work”. The second is “effort”. Lastly, it is “persistence”. That is careful, persistent, effort. Let us look at the words one at a time. Careful means to be attentive and to put thought into a matter. It is not hurriedly or blindly attacking a task but there is deep thought, consideration, and weighing of options. Haphazard unthought work is often unproductive. Diligence calls for planning how a task can best be undertaken with the least possible resources and at the earliest possible time. Make sure that research has been done and there is a clear understanding of what needs to be done and how.
The second aspect is effort. In physics, effort is defined as applying a force in order to bring about a desired change of position. After studying and researching how best to undertake a task the next important step is to exert some effort and some energy into making sure that you accomplish that which you desire. Any knowledge not applied is just data and it will not attract results on its own. There is a great need to apply oneself to the things you know. I feel this is where my generation needs to improve greatly. We are a generation of information but little application. Whereas the generation before us was action and work-oriented generation. Can you imagine what great feats we will achieve when we decide to apply ourselves to action with all the information we have?
Efforts applied need to be accompanied by persistence. Persistence is the rule of the game in life. I have seen many people start projects and they leave them halfway or quarter way or three quarters to finish. I have done the same too at some point. This does not bring about any desired results. The rule here is there has to be persistence in our carefully planned efforts. We need to persist until we succeed. A half-done job is not good enough, a small trial is not good enough either but a careful and persistent effort will deliver the results. Without these three things, it cannot be diligence. It has to be careful, effort with persistence. And when you are diligent the bible says you will be rich, you will see the results.
Let us conclude with an exercise, write down a goal that you would like to work towards. Then write down some ideas and a plan to achieve that goal. Always remember that it is the hand of the diligent that will make rich. Excuses will not bring any results. Demand of yourself to be diligent. Even in the midst of challenges and setbacks demand yourself to be your very best of yourself and the results will speak in the end.
