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Have you ever watched a Monstera deliciosa leaf open? It starts off as a long roll of green, then gradually unrolls to reveal a large, magnificent leaf characterized by those amazingly formed openings or ‘Swiss cheese’ like spaces.

It reminds me of our human endeavours as we strive to succeed in various areas of personal endeavour. We begin, but will we continue and achieve our desired goal? Like the leaf will we continue to develop and finish well.?

In recent years there has been a development of methods to help us attain success. In addition to hard work the value of positive thinking has been applied, the practice of visualization and the psychological principle described as Self-efficacy.

Efficacy is the ability to produce a desired or intended result. (Oxford Languages). Personally, it is our ability to succeed in achieving a goal.

“Self-efficacy, a concept introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, refers to an individual’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviours necessary to produce specific performance outcomes”. Ref. Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory Of Motivation In Psychology by Gabriel Lopez-Garrido. Updated on May 1, 2025 Reviewed by Saul McLeod, PhD

Looking at the goal of achieving personal success from a Biblical perspective we can discover helpful principles. The premise of hard work is never compromised by God’s Word. Diligence and commitment to the task we undertake is essential for success. Prov.14:23, Col. 3:23 NIV. Spiritually, we also find additional help: –

The Lord Jesus is our mentor, one who showed us such high levels of personal achievement in his own earthly life; his commitment to prayer and ministry are just two examples. But more than this, Jesus Christ is the one who enables us, motivates us and gives us that extra strength to succeed, Phil. 4:13 NIV.

We also have a Heavenly Father who gives us encouragement to succeed, affirming his love for us by the Holy Spirit, Romans 5:5. Also, Jesus speaks to us… ” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV.

WE CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND ACHIEVE OUR PERSONAL GOALS!

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