You want to succeed, so you’re trying to figure out how. First, you’re told: run faster, sleep less!

Then you hear: just see it done, then let go ~

So you try that—until a voice in the back of your mind screams, "You’d better do more, or it’s not going to work!"

Then another whispers, "Relax ~"

Back and forth it goes:

Work harder!

Stop and smell the roses ~

Go the extra mile!

Peace, be still ~

Oh, for crying out loud—WHICH IS IT??

Let me give you some background:

I came from a deeply ingrained mindset that if anything was going to get done, I had to do it myself. I hustled like crazy for years, just trying to get my life out of chaos and dysfunction and into a place of peace and normalcy.

So when things started smoothing out—after I finally began living the basics—and when change truly came, my message naturally became: "Relax!" Because coming from the opposite extreme, that was clearly the missing piece.

You may remember how The Secret emphasized the "relax and attract" message. It sparked backlash for focusing only on one side. In response, a counter-movement rose, preaching, "You’ve got to WORK for what you want! Don’t just sit around hoping for a miracle."

This pendulum swing isn’t new. We’ve seen it in Christianity too:

"Faith without works is dead" (James 2:17) versus "By grace are ye saved ... not of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

So, if you’re like me, it makes you wonder: what’s the balance? What really IS the Lord’s part, and what is mine?

"How far can my belief carry me? And how much can I actually accomplish without it?"

The truth is, pursuing a goal is a fine line between making it happen and letting it happen. Stray too far in either direction and you’ll feel it—and likely won’t like the outcome.

If eternal life is the ultimate goal, then the principles that apply to that pursuit can teach us how to achieve every other meaningful goal:

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14

That narrow way? It’s the fine line between forcing and surrendering.

Push too hard and you’ll burn out—wreck relationships, wreck your health, and possibly chase a goal that doesn’t even satisfy once you reach it.

(We’ve all heard: Be careful what you wish for—it just might come true.)

Related: Human empowerment, in perspective

Because yes, we are powerful—but our power has limits. When we recognize that, we can finally partner with God to accomplish so much more.

"But Jesus ...said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26).

And if we lean too far the other way—just waiting for things to happen—we risk missing our moment. Opportunities will surely knock but we won't step forward to open the door.

It is by faith that opportunities arise, but by action that we receive them.

Wherever you fall today on the action/faith spectrum, know this: there is a still, small voice that will help you discern the timing and direction that’s right for you.

If it says, "Slow down..."—slow down.

If it says, "Move now!"—get moving.

That voice knows your desires, your needs, your circumstances, and the unseen opportunities within reach. It will speak to you in the exact way you need for your journey.

But remember, there’s more than one voice vying for your attention.

The voice of God, like a loving Father, has your best interests at heart. But there are other voices—subtle, clever, and misleading—that seek to pull you off course.

So yes, listen for that inner voice—but also test it.

"In the great revelation on signs, the Lord says, 'He that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation.' (D&C 63:7.) President Spencer W. Kimball explained: 'I believe if one wants revelations enough to crave them beyond the rightness of it, that eventually he will get his revelations—but they may not come from God. I am sure that there can be many spectacular things performed, because the devil is very responsive. He is listening and he is eager to do it.'" (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 458)

Spectacular doesn’t always mean spiritual.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

So how do you stay safe? Seek revelation, yes—but with patience. Trust in God’s timing. Submit your desires, then walk forward calmly and faithfully. That’s the key to staying balanced between faith, belief, and works.

If you push too hard and lose your peace, you’ve gone too far. That’s your sign to come back to center.

If you’ve stopped acting, and your faith begins to fade—that’s your cue to get up and DO something. Return again to that fine line.

Related: The Unexpected Cure for Doubt

Set your goals. Take faithful, inspired action. Trust His timing. Tune your heart to His will.

Because when your goals align with gospel truths, you’ll hear the right voice leading you there.

If they don’t—you might still get what you wanted. But the cost? It may be higher than you think.

"And ...thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell." Alma 30:60

Each of the different voices are like a radio broadcast on different frequencies, and we naturally become attuned to the broadcast that matches the desires of our heart.

"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21)

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8)

As we adopt the kinds of goals that scripture teaches us to seek, we think like God, tune into his broadcast, and hear his voice more easily. (See Matthew chapter 6)

So back to the original dilemma: Should you relax? Should you hustle?

Yes. But not at the same time.

You’ll know what to do—when to push and when to pause—by listening for the still, small voice that comes from God. Let that voice be your compass. Everything else? Let it confirm or clarify, not control.

Want help learning how to hear and trust that voice? Read The Jackrabbit Factor (it’s free!) or join us for Genius Bootcamp (not free—but oh, so worth it).

Warmly, Leslie

_________________

•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
•   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
•   If you want my help overcoming that giant obstacle right in front of you, learn more and sign up for Genius Bootcamp.