I am a pretty simple guy.

I really appreciate and try to give thanks for the simple things in life.

I have found that the times I get the most stressed are usually the times I overthink things. So I try to keep life as simple as possible. I like routines. I like plans. I like knowing where I am headed.

One thing I have started doing when my mind begins to wander, or I start to feel overwhelmed, is thinking about quotes. Not just reading them. Really thinking about them. The best quotes, in my opinion, are the ones that stop you in your tracks and make you think a little deeper. Here is one that has done that for me.

“If it is important to you, you will make time.” – Nick Bare

At first glance, it seems like a pretty simple quote. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true it really is.

If taking care of your health is important to you, you will make time to work out.

If growing in your faith is important to you, you will make time to pray, read your Bible, and spend time with God.

And if your family is important to you, you will make time for them too.

The lesson is simple. If something is important to you — make time.

The next quote comes from a book I am currently reading, The Courage to Commit by Shawn Johnson and Andrew East.

“Every time you recommit to a person, a craft, or a cause, you’re building momentum. You’re stacking invisible gains, discovering depths and insights that only sustained attention reveals.”

That one stopped me. I had to read it a couple of times.

We live in a world where people are afraid to commit. We are afraid of failing. We are afraid of missing out on something better. We are always looking for the next opportunity instead of investing in the one right in front of us.

But this quote says the opposite. It says to double down. Triple down. Keep showing up. You are stacking invisible gains.

Whether it is your marriage, your faith, raising your kids, your career, or your health, the greatest things in life are usually built one day at a time.

Our world is obsessed with instant gratification. But the best things in life are almost never instant.

The last quote is from Tim Tebow, and I hope it helps put life into perspective on the days when you need it most.

“I want to be someone who was known for bringing faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.”

Tim was asked how he handles pressure while playing baseball, and I thought his answer was incredible.

When we are going through difficult times, our first thought is usually, How is this going to affect me?

Or — How do I get through this?

What if we changed the question?

What if instead we asked, Who can I help?

Or — Whose day can I make a little brighter?

During a difficult season and while answering a tough question, Tebow chose to flip the script. Instead of focusing on himself, he focused on how he could serve and encourage others.

Sometimes it helps to stop focusing on ourselves and start looking for someone else who needs encouragement. Be a life-giver!

Sometimes the simplest thoughts end up changing us the most.

So I want to challenge you.

Pick up a good book. Listen to a podcast. Read a quote that makes you stop and think.

Do not just consume it. Digest it. Reflect on it.

Then ask yourself one simple question:

How can this make me a better person for the people around me?

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24-25