3 things everyone can do to become a saint

In a culture where we’re constantly going and doing, it’s easy to get caught up in everyday life and forget to stop and smell the bacon, or incense, to make that analogy more Catholic.

As is the case for many people, we fall into bed wishing we had the time to finish those last couple things on our to-do lists. We check our email and Facebook dozens of times each day to see if there’s a new notification. Maybe we check Buzzfeed or blogs or Twitter. There’s so much noise in our minds. And there’s so much we want to do that we don’t do.

But what if I told you today can be the day that changes?

Each of us is born with the ability to do something great in our lives, to build a legacy worth remembering, to become a saint. Here are three steps you can take to get started.

1. Prioritize and get rid of excuses.

Did you know that you are the only thing standing between who you are and who you are made to be? You have the capability to be a saint, but when we fail to prioritize, we fail to harness the grace God gives us to do just that. Take some time to step back and take stock of your life. Why did God make you? What abilities has He given you to use in the world? He gave you the grace and capability of being someone awesome for a reason. Recognize that, and identify what’s standing between you and the life you’re capable of living.

2. Do more of what you should be doing.

Once you prioritize, it’s time to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. It’s easy to say you’ll pray more, eat healthy, or start volunteering at a local soup kitchen. But it’s harder to actually do it. Recognize those moments of triumph when you overcome bad habits by choosing something better, and let that drive you forward. Remember why you’re doing it in the first place: priorities.

3. Do less of what you shouldn’t be doing.

If you’re dealing with serious issues or addictions, it might be necessary to seek help to overcome them. There is no shame in that. There is victory in choosing a life free of an addiction. If you’re dealing with less serious issues, it might be worth your time to find a friend who can be an accountability partner. Tell a friend about habits you want to kick, and virtuous habits you’re trying to develop, and then hold each other accountable! Celebrate the success of kicking bad habits, and encourage each other to do better when it gets hard.

Now this is the part where you find out who you are.

Are you a person willing to continue life without priorities? Or are you serious about becoming a saint? You’re a child of God capable of doing what you should be doing and kicking bad habits. You've got this, because He's got your back.

Let’s get started.

What are some of the habits you’d like to get rid of, and ones you want to develop? Let’s help each other out in the comments!