Where do you get your hope from? What is your source of joy and strength? If it is found in anything short of Jesus Christ you are in big trouble! We are just a few days from Palm Sunday. This historic event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-18, Luke 19:28-48 and John 12:12-16). Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on a colt that was secured by His disciples. The people of Jerusalem lined the streets and sang out "Hosanna." They believed that Jesus had entered Jerusalem to release them from the bondage of the Roman Empire. They had placed their hope in Jesus establishing an earthly, physical Kingdom. To the contrary Jesus had entered Jerusalem to die for all man's sins and become the Savior of the World. His Kingdom was to be a spiritual kingdom.
The people who lined the streets celebrating Jesus quickly realized they had placed their hope in the wrong thing. The physical over the spiritual. What about us? Do we ever place our hope in the wrong thing? I say "Yes" and it can happen so easily and the results can be so disastrous.
Here are some things that people put their hope in:
1.) Riches/Finances. Anyone who follows the stock market or who has ever managed a household or business budget has come to realize that sometimes money is up. Sometimes money is down. Putting our hope in our financial resources is a recipe for disaster.
2.) Health. We have hope when us and our loved ones are healthy and we have despair when illness strikes its ugly head. I struggle particularly with this false hope. Health comes and goes, it fluctuates and hoping in our health will leave us on an emotional roller coaster.
3.) Position/Power. Many times we get hopeful when we have a new promotion or additional power at work in or in other civic positions. We put our hope in the fact that things are going well and we are becoming more powerful. This is a terrible way to live. Position and Power come and go. They are nothing to put our hope in.
4.) Abilities. We put our hope in our abilities. We feel hopeful when we can bring our "A game." Hoping in our fading abilities is silly.
5.) Children and Their Successes. This could certainly be an entire post but sum it up to say that hoping in our children can lead to all kinds of disaster and despair in our lives.
6.) Political Party. Since I have been born (1982) I have seen 20 years of Republicans and 16 years of Democrats. Some good, some bad but clearly politics holds no hope for this sin sick world. Whether you favor D's or R's or even I's please understand that placing hope in politicians is a losing proposition.
So then where do we put our hope? We put it squarely in Christ and His finished work on Calvary. Christ will never fail us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our rock and anchor. Worthy of our trust and hope.
This Easter I encourage you to examine where your hope lies. Is it in things of this world or in the unfailing Savior of the World. Is your hope in the physical or Spiritual?
The incredibly cool thing is that when we do put our hope in Jesus Christ all the other things naturally fall into place. Placing our hope in Jesus gives us peace to accept what comes our way financially. It gives us courage to face an uncertain future in terms of health or jobs or the political landscape. Hope in Jesus leads to comfort and peace. Hope in the things of this world lead to despair, discouragement and depression.
May you be filled with HOPE this EASTER!
Canoeing on Christmas 2015
Friday, March 23, 2018
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Live 2 Lead 2017 Notes
Executive Summary
Live to Lead
November 9th,
2017
John Maxwell
“If you aren’t changing, you aren’t growing.”
‘If you are still happy with what you were doing 5 years ago
you have real problems.”
Common denominator of leaders – Leaders see more than others
see and they see it before others see it.
“See more More and More Before
1.)
How to
increase more More and more Before
a.)
Understand it’s out there if you chase it
b.)
Think Abundance
c.)
Creativity says there is always an answer
d.)
Flexibility says there is more than one answer
2.)
Nobody wants to buy less and less
3.)
People buy into something bigger than them
4.)
Develop a Process to find more more and more
before
a.)Test
b.) Fail
c.) Learn
d.) Improve
e.) Re-enter
1.)
If you never improve and re-enter you may appear tenacious, but likely you are
just stupid.
I don’t care how good you are right now, you can get better.
5.)
Ask questions to help you know more more and
more before
6.)
Intentionally grow everyday
7.)
Invest time with people and places that will
inspire you.
Average people want you to stay average.
Dave Ramsey
Serve others well and you will make money
Managers Count Stuff
An organization with no entreprenuers is “government.”
Organizations are never limited by their opportunities, they
are limited by their leadership.
You are the problem in your organization but you are also
the solution in your organization
All the attributes of leadership are attainable.
The quirky brilliance of an organizations founder can only
take the organization so far.
When you are a leader you must have power, but rarely use
it.
Bosses push, leaders pull
To be a true leader you must be a servant.
Cheryl Bachelder
Are people better off because of your leadership?
3 Key’s to Popeyes (Chicken Restaurant) Turnaround
1.)
Declare a Daring Destination
2.)
Choose to Serve
3.)
Deliver Results
Do you love those you lead?
Love, not as a feeling, but as an action.
There are no great leaders without results
How to become a Dare to Serve Leader
1.)
Courage – Are you courageously leading your team
to a place beyond their wildest dreams?
2.)
Humility
How well do you know your followers?
Do you demonstrate your love for your followers?
Your leadership should deliver standing ovations.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Serving in a Full-Time Capacity
Some times there is an alignment of opportunities that almost defies explanation. It's that eerie feeling hits you and you know something supernatural has just occurred. For me one of those circumstances aligning, blow your roof off type moments happened yesterday. Some may say it was a coincidence, but I believe in God and His sovereignty over the affairs of man. I don't believe in coincidence and I don't think things "just happen." I had one of those moments yesterday and I can't wait to share it today.
Here is what happened. Several weeks ago (Mid-December) I wrote a series of Sunday School Lessons about "Gaining God's Favor." I was prepared to deliver the fifth and final lesson yesterday (January 7th). One of the key elements I learned about in my study on Gaining God's Favor is alignment with what God is doing. For example: God used Nehemiah to restore the physical protection of Jerusalem as the exiles were returning. In the same way God used Ezra to restore the spiritual foundations of the nation of Israel following exile. Their lives aligned with a need that God wanted taken care of. The challenge to my Teen Sunday School Class was "Are you willing to consider Full-Time Christian Service for your life?"
I had that lesson prepared weeks prior to yesterday. Then two events of note took place prior to church yesterday morning. One was that I was up early and my boys and wife all slept in. Those two things almost never, ever simultaneously occur. Another event worth noting was that since the first two things happened I was able to read my devotional book BEFORE heading into church. Another event that almost never happens as I usually do most of my reading in the early afternoon or after everyone else has gone to bed. Because I was able to have devotions in the morning I was able to read the following devotion prior to teaching the lesson on "Full-Time Christian Service."
Amazingly, here is what Author (and Congressman) Jim Ryun, in his book The Courage to Run had to say on January 7th (the 7th entry of his devotional book): One Eye on Eternity (some excerpts) "It has often been said that men and women who truly do great things in this life have kept one eye on eternity. When I consider the lives of committed Christians... I see a common thread. To a person, their focus was on Christ and eternity while fulfilling their time on Earth." WOW! WOW! WOW! God truly wanted me to see and be able to teach on the value of living our lives full time for Christ. Congressman Ryun goes on to say that some of the greatest accomplishments for Christ have come from people who were "counted fools at one time or another, but they were willing to lay down this world's fame and wealth to achieve truly great things. They had one eye on eternity."
I was able to weave that day's devotional into my Sunday School lesson and challenge our teens to consider Full-Time Christian Service as their career choice. Let me challenge you to consider the same. I read an interesting quote from one of my former basketball players, Seth Parris, recently. He made the statement in a tweet "Funny how many seminary students feel "called" to the big cities and never a small country church #christians." I have often thought the same thing when I hear Christian college students claim that they are being "called" to teach in public schools (where the pay is typically 2-3 times higher than christian schools). Not to demean anyone who is serving in a well-paying position in a large city church or teaching in a well paying public school, but God does call people to lower paying, less prestigious posts all the time. How many of these people are missing out on God's true calling in favor of a fatter paycheck and more opportunities for them personally.
The teens in my Sunday School were asked what types of jobs can be considered "full-time ministry positions?" Most only came up with Pastor, Youth Pastor or Teacher. I challenged them to think a little more creatively and pretty soon we realized that almost any profession can be done for God in a Full-Time Ministry setting. The church and its related ministries need doctors, lawyers, teachers, coaches, nurses, accountants, computer and tech people, etc., etc., etc. My group of High School students quickly realized that everything can be done for Christ that can be done in a secular setting.
Next we considered the reasons that many Christians don't consider Full Time Ministry positions as careers. The answers basically boiled down to 1.) Earn Less Money 2.) Fear of the Unknown (like being called to be a missionary somewhere like Africa, or even worse places like New Jersey or Alabama) 3.) Less Prestige Personally or 4.) Less opportunity for advancement.
If you have read this far please take just another moment to consider my final thought. Are any of those reasons valid? When you stand (and then fall down before Christ someday) are you really willing to say to Him that you worked in a secular field simply because you wanted more money and a more prestige? Are you willing to think that you won't be terribly ashamed of how you selfishly spent your life living for your pleasures and security? I am asking you to spend some time in prayer today, and tomorrow and for at least a few days and strongly consider whether or not you may be a candidate for Full-Time Christian Ministry. Whatever experiences, qualifications, skills and degrees you possess can be used to further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Are you willing to pray and seek God in this area?
Maybe you will still be led to serve Christ in a secular setting. I am so glad for those of you who are able to serve in that arena. We need you there shining Christ's light into the darkness. However, I believe that many are called to Ministry that are not answering the call. Parents, are you willing to let your sons and daughter attend a Christian or Bible College? Are you willing to support them if they decide to go into Full Time Ministry? Remember you will stand before God someday. I hope that when you and I do we are able to answer the question "Did my career make a difference for Christ?"
Here is what happened. Several weeks ago (Mid-December) I wrote a series of Sunday School Lessons about "Gaining God's Favor." I was prepared to deliver the fifth and final lesson yesterday (January 7th). One of the key elements I learned about in my study on Gaining God's Favor is alignment with what God is doing. For example: God used Nehemiah to restore the physical protection of Jerusalem as the exiles were returning. In the same way God used Ezra to restore the spiritual foundations of the nation of Israel following exile. Their lives aligned with a need that God wanted taken care of. The challenge to my Teen Sunday School Class was "Are you willing to consider Full-Time Christian Service for your life?"
I had that lesson prepared weeks prior to yesterday. Then two events of note took place prior to church yesterday morning. One was that I was up early and my boys and wife all slept in. Those two things almost never, ever simultaneously occur. Another event worth noting was that since the first two things happened I was able to read my devotional book BEFORE heading into church. Another event that almost never happens as I usually do most of my reading in the early afternoon or after everyone else has gone to bed. Because I was able to have devotions in the morning I was able to read the following devotion prior to teaching the lesson on "Full-Time Christian Service."
Amazingly, here is what Author (and Congressman) Jim Ryun, in his book The Courage to Run had to say on January 7th (the 7th entry of his devotional book): One Eye on Eternity (some excerpts) "It has often been said that men and women who truly do great things in this life have kept one eye on eternity. When I consider the lives of committed Christians... I see a common thread. To a person, their focus was on Christ and eternity while fulfilling their time on Earth." WOW! WOW! WOW! God truly wanted me to see and be able to teach on the value of living our lives full time for Christ. Congressman Ryun goes on to say that some of the greatest accomplishments for Christ have come from people who were "counted fools at one time or another, but they were willing to lay down this world's fame and wealth to achieve truly great things. They had one eye on eternity."
I was able to weave that day's devotional into my Sunday School lesson and challenge our teens to consider Full-Time Christian Service as their career choice. Let me challenge you to consider the same. I read an interesting quote from one of my former basketball players, Seth Parris, recently. He made the statement in a tweet "Funny how many seminary students feel "called" to the big cities and never a small country church #christians." I have often thought the same thing when I hear Christian college students claim that they are being "called" to teach in public schools (where the pay is typically 2-3 times higher than christian schools). Not to demean anyone who is serving in a well-paying position in a large city church or teaching in a well paying public school, but God does call people to lower paying, less prestigious posts all the time. How many of these people are missing out on God's true calling in favor of a fatter paycheck and more opportunities for them personally.
The teens in my Sunday School were asked what types of jobs can be considered "full-time ministry positions?" Most only came up with Pastor, Youth Pastor or Teacher. I challenged them to think a little more creatively and pretty soon we realized that almost any profession can be done for God in a Full-Time Ministry setting. The church and its related ministries need doctors, lawyers, teachers, coaches, nurses, accountants, computer and tech people, etc., etc., etc. My group of High School students quickly realized that everything can be done for Christ that can be done in a secular setting.
Next we considered the reasons that many Christians don't consider Full Time Ministry positions as careers. The answers basically boiled down to 1.) Earn Less Money 2.) Fear of the Unknown (like being called to be a missionary somewhere like Africa, or even worse places like New Jersey or Alabama) 3.) Less Prestige Personally or 4.) Less opportunity for advancement.
If you have read this far please take just another moment to consider my final thought. Are any of those reasons valid? When you stand (and then fall down before Christ someday) are you really willing to say to Him that you worked in a secular field simply because you wanted more money and a more prestige? Are you willing to think that you won't be terribly ashamed of how you selfishly spent your life living for your pleasures and security? I am asking you to spend some time in prayer today, and tomorrow and for at least a few days and strongly consider whether or not you may be a candidate for Full-Time Christian Ministry. Whatever experiences, qualifications, skills and degrees you possess can be used to further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Are you willing to pray and seek God in this area?
Maybe you will still be led to serve Christ in a secular setting. I am so glad for those of you who are able to serve in that arena. We need you there shining Christ's light into the darkness. However, I believe that many are called to Ministry that are not answering the call. Parents, are you willing to let your sons and daughter attend a Christian or Bible College? Are you willing to support them if they decide to go into Full Time Ministry? Remember you will stand before God someday. I hope that when you and I do we are able to answer the question "Did my career make a difference for Christ?"
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Leadership Changes Things - Biblical Leadership Suggestions for 2018
Leadership Changes Things
“Everything will get
worse naturally over time. Positive change only occurs when someone decides to
make positive changes.”
Examples: Run down houses can be restored to beautiful
homes. – HGTV
Our bodies, we gain
weight and get unhealthy effortlessly but lose weight and get in good shape
only with extreme work
Our Brains – Use it
or Lose it. Think algebra skills you had in HS but that have seemingly disappeared now.
Our Relationships
will break down easily, it takes work to maintain them. Marriage, Family and Friendships.
NFL Examples of Leadership Making a Huge Difference:
1.)
Sean McVay – New Coach of LA RAMS. Completely
turned the team around (4-12 last season and 7 wins as best season in 5+
years). This year they are currently
11-4. He instituted a Culture of Accountability. Started fining players for being even 1
second late to meetings, practices, etc. No excuses allowed! His leadership has made a huge difference for this team.
2.)
Tom Coughlin – Former Coach of NY Giants. Led team to 2 Super Bowls. Let go 2 seasons
ago. Now is an advisor to Jacksonville
Jaguars. Jaguars are now poised to make
the playoffs for the first time in 10+ years and the Giants are an utter
disaster since he left. Culture of an
Experienced Winner.
3.)
Jimmy Garoppolo – Tom Brady’s (New England
Patriots) Back-up Quarterback for several seasons. Gets Traded to 49er’s in the middle of this
season. The 49’ers were 1-10 before he
started playing QB for them. He has won
his first 4 games and the team is now 5-10.
Culture of Learning and Winning.
Leadership Changes Things!
Some Suggestions on How
to Lead Biblically in 2018
1.)
Be Humble- Admit you Don’t
Know Everything. Humility gives God room
to bless us. Psalms 138:6, James 4:6
2.)
Be a Servant- Serve your
family, your boss, your co-workers and your spouse. Servant Leadership Says “What can I do for
you?” instead of “What can you do for me?”
“You will either use your people
to build your position or use your position to build people.” Nehemiah 5:14-16
3.)
Be Present – Be Where You
Should Be – 2 Samuel 11:1 – Make time with those you lead a key part of your
life.
4.)
Be Consistent – Allow
those you lead the luxury of knowing what to expect day in and day out. There is great comfort and security in
knowing that the one you follow is consistent.
Don’t make your family, team, co-workers or followers guess what type of
mood you are in. Nothing is more
frustrating to followers than not knowing what to expect. Ephesians 6:4
5.)
Be a Vision Caster – Have
a Vision of a preferred future for your family, your organization, whatever you
lead. Have a plan to make people’s lives
better, more fulfilled and be able to implement that plan. “Where there is no vision there is no hope”
George Washington Carver. Proverbs 29:18
6.)
Be a Teacher – Everyone
loves a person who can teach them something new. Teachers (not in the strict, professional
sense of the word, but to include anyone who can teach us something) are an
extremely valuable and much loved person in any society. Be a person who can teach others things and
you will greatly bless anyone who follows you.
Particularly teach your children how to live for Jesus Christ. Provide opportunities for them to see how God
has blessed your family and will continue to bless you in the future. Proverbs 22:6, Joshua 4:1-9
7.)
Be a Lover - Love Your Followers. Love Your Family. Love Like
Jesus Loved and Love Those
Jesus Loved. I John 4:7-11
Monday, December 4, 2017
Does Sports Participation Build Character???
I had the opportunity to attend a 3D Coaching Clinic this weekend sponsored by Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The entire clinic was a blessing and a great learning opportunity. I am thankful for the chance I had to go and learn. The presenter was a man by the name of Kerry O'Neil and the following thoughts come from him and his organization with a few of my thoughts sprinkled in.
One of the many questions he asked was: "Does Participating in Sports Build Character?" Since the room was filled with 40 or so coaches the overwhelming response was "Yes, Absolutely, sports build character." Mr. O'Neil's next question of course was "What character traits do sports build." Typically, the answers provided (one came from me) were Dedication, Teamwork, Sacrifice, Time-Management, Organization, etc. You could probably add a few others to the list but that is the basic idea and all the coaches in the room agreed. Mr. O'Neil then rocked my world. He said "Do you know who also possesses those qualities in very high amounts other than athletes? Terrorists and most master criminals." Terrorists are highly organized, work in teams, manage time well and make tremendous sacrifices to further their cause. You could hear a pin drop.
Mr. O'Neil explained that the above character traits are "social traits" and while good, they are not ideally what we should be teaching our athletes. He claimed that as coaches we must be teaching our athletes "moral traits." For those of us in Christianity we must be teaching the next generation "christian values." Coaches who only teach, model and require social characteristics are not doing much at all. He states that to be an effective coach and leader we must be teaching "moral/Christian" character qualities. Those qualities include empathy, integrity, trust, value of human life.
Mr. O'Neil claims that a 20 year study that involved 70,000 athletes, coaches, parents and and former athletes shows scientifically that participation in sports actually lowers an athletes attainment of "moral values." That is shocking but looking back over my close to 18 years in coaching I can see how it may be true. Sports participation is not necessarily valuable in building the "important" values in young people. Basically, it all comes down to who is coaching and how they are coaching. We as coaches must be teaching, modeling and requiring our athletes to gain moral/christian values if we are to be effective.
One of the many questions he asked was: "Does Participating in Sports Build Character?" Since the room was filled with 40 or so coaches the overwhelming response was "Yes, Absolutely, sports build character." Mr. O'Neil's next question of course was "What character traits do sports build." Typically, the answers provided (one came from me) were Dedication, Teamwork, Sacrifice, Time-Management, Organization, etc. You could probably add a few others to the list but that is the basic idea and all the coaches in the room agreed. Mr. O'Neil then rocked my world. He said "Do you know who also possesses those qualities in very high amounts other than athletes? Terrorists and most master criminals." Terrorists are highly organized, work in teams, manage time well and make tremendous sacrifices to further their cause. You could hear a pin drop.
Mr. O'Neil explained that the above character traits are "social traits" and while good, they are not ideally what we should be teaching our athletes. He claimed that as coaches we must be teaching our athletes "moral traits." For those of us in Christianity we must be teaching the next generation "christian values." Coaches who only teach, model and require social characteristics are not doing much at all. He states that to be an effective coach and leader we must be teaching "moral/Christian" character qualities. Those qualities include empathy, integrity, trust, value of human life.
Mr. O'Neil claims that a 20 year study that involved 70,000 athletes, coaches, parents and and former athletes shows scientifically that participation in sports actually lowers an athletes attainment of "moral values." That is shocking but looking back over my close to 18 years in coaching I can see how it may be true. Sports participation is not necessarily valuable in building the "important" values in young people. Basically, it all comes down to who is coaching and how they are coaching. We as coaches must be teaching, modeling and requiring our athletes to gain moral/christian values if we are to be effective.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Not a __________ Person
I have heard and given the excuse "Sorry, I am just not a ________ person." That blank is usually filled in with "Math", "Science", "People", "Spelling", "Names" or something similar. I guess we feel like if we say we weren't born good at something we are excused from ever having to be decent at it.
The areas that I feel like I am the weakest in "handyman", "Mercy" or "Car." I have used these excuses on a multitude of occasions in my life to excuse my inability to do something. Are these really valid excuses for us to use as adults? Sure, we all have different gifts and abilities. Surely, some of us will excel at laboring with our hands better than others. Some can do complex math problems and make them look easy. Others can remember people's names and other details while I struggle to remember where my keys are. But are we really given a free pass through life by saying I am not good at ________. Are we then excused from ever trying to develop in that area?
In their awesome book "Do Hard Things" the Harris twins explain the silliness of this kind of thinking through an illustration. Babies are born unable to walk, talk, feed themselves or use the restroom. That's fine for infants and toddlers but by the time these kids reach school age they need to have come close to mastering these things. It would be pretty awkward if an 8 year old said "I am not a walking person" or "I am just not gifted in the area of using the restroom, I think I will stick to my diaper." Kind of a silly illustration but hopefully it paints a picture.
One of my focuses this year has been on trying new things. Specifically things that I consider manly. I have taken on new projects, worked around the house, tried new things. Some things I have found I am truly no good at, YET, but with practice I am getting better. Also, having a willingness to change and grow has proven useful and helpful.
What about you? What areas do you struggle in? What are some weaknesses? You need to spend the vast majority of your time working in the areas in which you are strong. You definitely need to delegate out the work that you aren't gifted to perform, but at the same time have a willingness to spend some time improving your weaker areas. The best way to get better at something is to do it.
Let me close with an undocumented/uncited story. Two people were brought into an art studio. One person was given an unlimited amount of clay and told to make as many pots as he could that week. His job was quantity He spent his week making a ton of clay pots. The other person was only given enough clay to make one pot and told to make the best clay pot he possible could. His job was quantity. Well, guess what? By the end of the week the potter who only needed to make one clay pot hadn't delivered an excellent pot. He made a pretty good one. However, the potter who went for quantity had delivered an extremely high quality clay pot? How did he do it. Well he got to work and made so many pots that by the end of the week he had learned the secret to making a high quality product. By being forced to work and produce a high quantity of the pots he learned how to make them with great quality.
Task: Find one area in which you are weak and find ways to develop those skills. Instead of saying I can't do it, or I am just not a __________ person, give it a try and see what can happen.
The areas that I feel like I am the weakest in "handyman", "Mercy" or "Car." I have used these excuses on a multitude of occasions in my life to excuse my inability to do something. Are these really valid excuses for us to use as adults? Sure, we all have different gifts and abilities. Surely, some of us will excel at laboring with our hands better than others. Some can do complex math problems and make them look easy. Others can remember people's names and other details while I struggle to remember where my keys are. But are we really given a free pass through life by saying I am not good at ________. Are we then excused from ever trying to develop in that area?
In their awesome book "Do Hard Things" the Harris twins explain the silliness of this kind of thinking through an illustration. Babies are born unable to walk, talk, feed themselves or use the restroom. That's fine for infants and toddlers but by the time these kids reach school age they need to have come close to mastering these things. It would be pretty awkward if an 8 year old said "I am not a walking person" or "I am just not gifted in the area of using the restroom, I think I will stick to my diaper." Kind of a silly illustration but hopefully it paints a picture.
One of my focuses this year has been on trying new things. Specifically things that I consider manly. I have taken on new projects, worked around the house, tried new things. Some things I have found I am truly no good at, YET, but with practice I am getting better. Also, having a willingness to change and grow has proven useful and helpful.
What about you? What areas do you struggle in? What are some weaknesses? You need to spend the vast majority of your time working in the areas in which you are strong. You definitely need to delegate out the work that you aren't gifted to perform, but at the same time have a willingness to spend some time improving your weaker areas. The best way to get better at something is to do it.
Let me close with an undocumented/uncited story. Two people were brought into an art studio. One person was given an unlimited amount of clay and told to make as many pots as he could that week. His job was quantity He spent his week making a ton of clay pots. The other person was only given enough clay to make one pot and told to make the best clay pot he possible could. His job was quantity. Well, guess what? By the end of the week the potter who only needed to make one clay pot hadn't delivered an excellent pot. He made a pretty good one. However, the potter who went for quantity had delivered an extremely high quality clay pot? How did he do it. Well he got to work and made so many pots that by the end of the week he had learned the secret to making a high quality product. By being forced to work and produce a high quantity of the pots he learned how to make them with great quality.
Task: Find one area in which you are weak and find ways to develop those skills. Instead of saying I can't do it, or I am just not a __________ person, give it a try and see what can happen.
Monday, October 2, 2017
No Time for Envy or Jealousy
I posted this message on Facebook and Twitter earlier today:
You have zero right to look at somebody else's career success, wealth, house, car, fitness etc. and get jealous or envious. They have worked, sacrificed, studied, learned and grown in ways that I guarantee you haven't been wiling to. How can I guarantee that? Because if you were working, sacrificing, studying, learning and growing in that way you wouldn't have a spare second to be jealous or envious of anyone else.
Let's unpack it a little bit in the blog. Almost all of the great men and women in history have had to endure a tremendous trial or negative circumstance. It is typically the lessons that they learn through that tragedy or bad situation that allows them to excel and achieve at a high level. Most of us want to experience the success without paying the price of going through the negative life event. We want to earn "doctor/lawyer" money but are not willing to endure 7-10 years in college preparing. We wish we had a beautiful house, but are unwilling to earn the money to pay for it or are unwilling to do the upgrades to make it possible. We wish we were more successful as coaches, leaders or teachers but rarely read anything that will help us achieve those goals. When was the last time we gave up a weekend to attend a training session or a leadership clinic. Do we listen to talk radio, pop music, sports talk or Podcasts when we are in our cars driving around. Are we actively turning off the TV so we can carve out time to develop the talents and abilities God has given us.
To sum it up a quick story... When I coached basketball at a camp in New York an obese teenager came up to me and said "when I make it to the NBA I am going to have an entire kitchen stocked full of junk food so I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want." I tried to sensitively explain to him that in order to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA he would likely have to closely monitor his caloric intake and that he would have to sacrifice eating junk food in order to reach his goals. Clearly crushed and dejected he walked away. He had no intention of changing his lifestyle in order to reach his dreams. How many of us are the same? How many of us are unwilling to sacrifice in order to reach our dreams?
You have zero right to look at somebody else's career success, wealth, house, car, fitness etc. and get jealous or envious. They have worked, sacrificed, studied, learned and grown in ways that I guarantee you haven't been wiling to. How can I guarantee that? Because if you were working, sacrificing, studying, learning and growing in that way you wouldn't have a spare second to be jealous or envious of anyone else.
Let's unpack it a little bit in the blog. Almost all of the great men and women in history have had to endure a tremendous trial or negative circumstance. It is typically the lessons that they learn through that tragedy or bad situation that allows them to excel and achieve at a high level. Most of us want to experience the success without paying the price of going through the negative life event. We want to earn "doctor/lawyer" money but are not willing to endure 7-10 years in college preparing. We wish we had a beautiful house, but are unwilling to earn the money to pay for it or are unwilling to do the upgrades to make it possible. We wish we were more successful as coaches, leaders or teachers but rarely read anything that will help us achieve those goals. When was the last time we gave up a weekend to attend a training session or a leadership clinic. Do we listen to talk radio, pop music, sports talk or Podcasts when we are in our cars driving around. Are we actively turning off the TV so we can carve out time to develop the talents and abilities God has given us.
To sum it up a quick story... When I coached basketball at a camp in New York an obese teenager came up to me and said "when I make it to the NBA I am going to have an entire kitchen stocked full of junk food so I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want." I tried to sensitively explain to him that in order to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA he would likely have to closely monitor his caloric intake and that he would have to sacrifice eating junk food in order to reach his goals. Clearly crushed and dejected he walked away. He had no intention of changing his lifestyle in order to reach his dreams. How many of us are the same? How many of us are unwilling to sacrifice in order to reach our dreams?
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