Joel Osteen - Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential

Copyright 2004 by Joel Osteen

Copyright 1954, 1962, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinios 60189. All rights reserved.

Warner Faith

Hachette Book Group

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New York, NY 10017

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ISBN: 978-0-7595-1272-6

First eBook Edition: October 2004

This book is dedicated to my father, John Osteen (1929-1999). My dads integrity, humility, love, and compassion for all people left an indelible impression on my life. I will be eternally grateful for his example.

To my wife, Victoria, the woman of my dreams and my best friend, I dedicate this book, and my life, to you. You amaze me more every day. When God gave you to me, He gave me the very best. Your unconditional love and enthusiastic spirit have made me into the man that I am today. I love you.

To Jonathan and Alexandra, my two precious treasures. You bring me more joy than I could have ever hoped for! Being your dad is my greatest reward.

And to the people of Lakewood Church, your love, loyalty, support, and enthusiasm are second to none. I am committed to youcommitted to helping you to live your best life now. Our greatest days are ahead!

As with any major building project, it takes a great team to make all the elements come together in a book. I want to extend my personal and sincere thanks to:

Ken Abrahamwithout your expertise, this project wouldnt have been possible. Thanks for encouraging me to put my heart on paper.

Duncan Doddsthe great facilitator: thanks for bringing us all together and helping us to see the world as our audience.

Rolf Zettersten, Warner Faith, and the staff and sales force of Time Warner Book Groupfor believing so passionately. Your enthusiasm and excitement is contagious.

Michelle Trevino and the staff of Lakewood Church, as well as our many teachers and volunteersjust as David had his mighty men, I have been blessed to work alongside you, the mighty men and women of Lakewood! You are the greatest church on the face of the earth.

John E. Walvoordyour godly wisdom and unique insights have made us stronger.

Ray Davisfor helping us take our message of hope and encouragement to the four corners of the world.

To my immediate familyyou know me the best; you love me the most and have supported me in all my endeavors. I love you all very much. And to those who serve alongside me at Lakewood...

Paul and Jennifer Osteenfor your sacrificial, unconditional love expressed to us on a daily basis.

Kevin and Lisa Comesfor your steadfast support and persevering love. Thank you for modeling real-world faith.

Don and Jackeyln Ilofffor your unwavering enthusiasm and constant encouragement.

And most of all, to Dodie Osteen, my motherfor teaching us what really matters in life and for showing us what faith really is. Thank you for providing an example of what a life totally committed to God can achieve.

T he future is yours for the taking! is an often quoted expression of hope passed on to graduating seniors, new employees, and wide-eyed couples on their wedding days. Yet we all know that while some people grab life with enthusiasm and take control of their futures, such a grandiose promise doesnt always pan out for everybody. Why is that? What makes the difference?

Happy, successful, fulfilled individuals have learned how to live their best lives now. They make the most of the present moment and thereby enhance their future. You can, too. No matter where you are or what challenges you are facing, you can enjoy your life right now!

Many people go through life with low self-esteem, focusing on the negative, feeling inferior or inadequate, always dwelling on some reason why they cant be happy. Others put off their happiness till some future date:

Someday, things will be better in my life.

Someday, I will be caught up with my work long enough to enjoy making memories with my family.

Someday, Ill earn more money, and I wont have to worry about how I will pay the bills.

Someday, Im going to get in better physical condition.

Someday, Ill have a better relationship with God and enjoy more of His goodness.

Unfortunately, someday never comes. Today is the only day we have. We cant do anything about the past, and we dont know what the future holds. But we can live at our full potential right now!

In this book, you will discover just how to do that! Within these pages, you will find seven simple, yet profound, steps to improve your life, regardless of your current level of success or lack of it. I know these steps work, because they have worked in the lives of my family members, friends, and associates, as well as in my own life. Im confident that if you will take these steps along with me, you ultimately will be happier than ever before, living with joy, peace, and enthusiasmnot just for a day, or a week, but for the rest of your life!

In Your Best Life Now, well explore how to:

Enlarge your vision;

Develop a healthy self-image;

Discover the power of your thoughts and words;

Let go of the past;

Find strength through adversity;

Live to give; and

Choose to be happy.

In each of these areas, you will find practical suggestions and simple choices that will help you to stay positive in your lifestyle and believe for a brighter future.

You may have experienced adversity or trials in your past. Perhaps youve had more than your share of setbacks and heartaches. But today is a new day! By following the principles Im going to share with you in Your Best Life Now, you can be happy and fulfilled, starting today.

I will challenge you in this book to break out of a barely-get-by mentality, to become the best you can be, not merely average or ordinary. To do that, you may have to rid yourself of some negative mind-sets that are holding you back, and start enlarging your vision, seeing yourself as doing more, enjoying more, being more. That, my friend, is what it means to live your best life now.

Are you ready to develop your full potential? Lets get started! Its time to begin living your best life now!

ENLARGE YOUR

VISION

Enlarging Your Vision

I heard a story about a man on vacation in Hawaii with his wife. He was a good man who had achieved a modest measure of success, but he was coasting along, thinking that hed already reached his limits in life. One day, a friend was driving the couple around the island, showing them the sights. They stopped to admire a gorgeous house set high on a hill. The property was replete with beautiful palm trees and lush green gardens in a picturesque, peaceful setting with a panoramic view overlooking the ocean.

As the man gazed at the magnificent home, he commented to his wife and friend, I cant even imagine living in a place like that.

Right there, something inside him said, Dont worry. You wont. You will never live in a great place like that.