Imagine two fishermen. Fisherman #1 wakes up early and heads for the coast with a well-maintained boat, a new fishing pole, and a tackle box full of the best lures and gear.

Fisherman #2 wakes up late with a hangover, has to fix his broken-down pickup truck before he can tow his broken-down boat all the way to the coast. He figures he will find some frozen bait somewhere. On his way south, he forgets that his rod and reel are still hanging up in the shed.

Question: Who’s gonna catch the fish?
Question: Which fisherman are you?

So, here is the point of this funny analogy: When fishing, being organized, prepared, and outfitted with the gear you need is mighty important. And, our business is no different.

We have been busy this year launching a number of combined website/email campaigns for growing small businesses. These custom-designed websites and email templates are created in a way that makes them easy and economical to update by your organization. And, best of all, they are such a bargain that your return on investment will be rapid.

Great design and effective tools for communication are no longer a luxury. Your customers need to know what’s happening with your excellent organization.

At Van Wyk Design, we can outfit you with a simple and systematic approach toward online marketing.

Ready to go fishing?

—Joe Van Wyk

“Moving the goal post,” “raising the bar,” and never quite reaching the carrot dangling out there in front of us. The eternal quest. Does this sometimes describe you? It does me.

Last month we talked about the magic of an “Attitude of Gratitude.” Today, let me share an idea that will give you relief from the pressure of the approaching new year: Forget your New Year’s resolutions and instead, create your own “definition of abundance” in each area of your life.

Here are a few of my categories:
- Spiritual
- Family
- Relationships
- Physical
- Professional
- Financial

An example of a definition of financial abundance might be: Living below my means, being a financial “giver” and blessing others, being free to travel the world, and being free to pursue professional dreams.

Our personal definition of abundance is different than our goals. A goal is measurable. And, goals can certainly be a good thing. However, goals shouldn’t take the place of a vision that paints a vivid picture of your ideal, abundant life. Definitions of abundance can adapt to changing circumstances but rigid goals cannot. Our own idea of personal abundance is flexible and allows for alignment of our will to God’s will for us. Isn’t that what we really want?

Your new abundance list should be displayed prominently and reviewed regularly. Have fun with it! You may experiment with a “vision board.” Get a poster board and glue photos and images of your abundant life to it. I’ve even created a “vision movie” for myself.

So I encourage you right now to be bold. Draw a line in the sand. Don’t fall for the “raising the bar” mentality that keeps us perpetually wanting more. Define your idea of abundance, stand firm, and give thanks for God’s promises.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11