Starting Off On The Right Foot

Starting Off On The Right Foot

As I take the first breath of my "Blogging-life", I have to admit that I am extremely disappointed in myself for using a classic cliche. However, in this situation I believe that the cliche is completely excusable and necessary. "Starting Off On The Right Foot", it is a saying that we have probably all heard and have most likely even used ourselves. As much as it disgusts me to admit, I am so guilty of such ,"teacher-like", lingo. I sometimes catch myself saying things like, "Come on man, you need to 'start off on the right foot'", or "lets go guys! lets do this thing right, we gotta 'start off on the right foot!'". Yes, I know, it's terrible and it kinda makes me want to puke. Nevertheless, I feel like we use that cliche so loosely, that the statement becomes simply that. A cliche with no real value or challenge. However, as I have been thinking on this statement recently, it has become very apparent to me that our society as a whole, and even our Christian society, fails so many times because we do not understand this simple cliche. Now i'll be the first to admit that this seems a bit elementary, but lets be honest, we need to learn and understand the importance of "Starting off On The Right Foot". 

 Let's look at a track runner for example. When a track runner is running a sprint, one of the most important techniques for him or her to perfect, is the starting position and takeoff. As a sprinter trains to perfect these techniques, he or she has to practice starting on the correct foot with the correct form. Often times a sprinter will spend hours practicing nothing but his or her starting position and takeoff, so that when that gun shot sounds, the runner "starts off on the right foot". This technique is so important in sprinting because it can change the entire race in a split-second. When performed correctly, the starting position and takeoff gives the runner a slight physical edge at the beginning of the race. Which then gives the runner a jolt of mental confidence. Which in turn, allows him or her to be in position to compete for the win in the final seconds of the race. When the starting position and takeoff are performed incorrectly in a sprint, it can set the runner too far back to catch up and win, or it can even lead to disqualification. Either way you look at, a poor start results in a loss. So naturally, the instruction would be, "Start off on the right foot". Simple right? Well, maybe in the world of sports it can be looked at as simple, But what about in our personal, social, and spiritual lives? yes, you probably knew it was going to end up here. And yes, this is where it becomes a bit more complicated.  

In all areas of our life, "starting off on the right foot" is absolutely crucial if we hope to reach our full potential. Just like a track runner, there is a certain confidence that comes when we start something off strong. Whether it is a new job, a new class, a fresh dating relationship, a new friendship, a new workout plan, or even a new hobby. Whatever new situation we find ourselves consumed in, if we learn to "start off on the right foot" or start doing things the right way from the very beginning, there will be a propelling confidence that pushes us along. A propelling confidence that helps us accomplish our goals and reach our potential. One area that many of us have probably experienced this, is in the classroom. Whether it be a high school class, a college course, or even a post-graduate course, I'm sure we have all had that class that just "didn't go so well". Now I am willing to bet that if we went back and did that course over a second time, it would go much smoother and the final grade would be better. Not because we have already seen the material before (chances are, if we did poorly, we crammed for tests and wouldn't remember any of it anyways.), but because we would take it more seriously from the very beginning. We would "start off on the right foot". So that should get us thinking, why don't we start implementing this concept into our everyday lives? Why don't we buckle down and do things right from the very beginning? As we look at this concept of "starting off on the right foot", I just want us to be challenged. Whatever new situation or responsibility that we are all about to head into, lets "Start off on the right foot". Lets make a commitment to ourselves and even to God, that whatever new journey we begin, we will start off strong and do our very best. In Colossians 3:23 Paul says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." We are called to a high standard, one that requires us to accomplish every task as if we are doing it for God himself. We are called to do things right, so lets start off right! You see we as people are called to greatness, so let's achieve it from the very beginning! "Start off on the right foot!"  

Peace

Love

God Bless