Present Tense

We got back from Dream Island yesterday.  It involved a boat trip, plane trip and a car trip.  But we made it.
This is by a guy both Merril and I really like.  He is the grandson of a guy called Robert Schuller who wrote lots of books one of which on Possibility Thinking I read.  We like Bobby because although he is obviously from a well to do area, he is incredibly down to earth.  He sends a weekly email called “positive minute.”
I include this this time as it is a timely reminder to me and the thinking is something I had not considered before but I do like.
“When you write down your goals, it really helps to phrase them in the present tense. I learned this a long time ago, and it truly works better. Many people tend to write goals like, “I want to be kinder,” “I’m shooting for this occupation,” or “I’m aiming for that financial status.” However, there’s a significant shift that occurs in your mindset and spirit when you express your goals as if they have already been achieved. It may seem unusual, but this approach is an effective technique.
You all know that I have many goals, and one of my biggest desires is to be filled with God’s life. Instead of saying, “I want to be full of God’s life,” I write down, “I am filled with God’s life.” I aspire to be the world’s greatest husband and dad, but rather than writing, “I want to be the world’s greatest husband and dad,” I affirm, “I am the world’s greatest husband and dad.”
Friend, it’s important to create a new image of yourself in your mind. Instead of saying, “I want to feel terrific in the morning,” write down, “I feel terrific in the morning.” This approach works because it helps to change your mindset. When you say, “I want to be the world’s greatest parent,” you’re implying that you’re not, which can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. However, when you say, “I am the world’s greatest parent,” you start to envision what the world’s greatest parent would do, just as you would for the world’s greatest friend, boss, or business person. By stating it in the present tense and with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will begin to change your heart. And as your heart and vision change, my friend, everything changes.”