Thought of the Week 1-31-2008
"The few things that work fantastically well should be identified, cultivated, nurtured, and multiplied."
- Richard Koch: Author, management consultant
Recently, Johnny Crist, (the man I consider my mentor/coach/pastor), called and spoke to me about what my goals were for the church this year. He then took some time helping me unlock my potential and embrace my unique calling and identity. He did this not in many words, but in a single sentence: “What is it that you are best at? What’s your biggest strength?” It dawned on me. I have spent over 10 years working on all the things I am NOT strong at, attempting to become a more well-rounded person and leader. Yet, we have been given strengths for a reason and if we spend so much time on those things that are simple the, “Good things” in life, we don’t have time to work on the “BEST things.” The question is no longer what is GOOD? But what is BEST?
I realized that day that I have spent so much time on my weaknesses that is has been to the detriment of my strengths. All of sudden, I could really SEE! This year, I WILL WORK ON MY KEY STRENGTHS!
So, how do we spend more time on the things that are our strengths?
Number 1 – Find your biggest STRENGTH. Take some time. Sit and meditate on this. Think about it as you drive down the road. What is the one thing about you, that if you cultivated it, would help you live your values and empower you to reach your goals?
Now, let’s make a plan to work on it by…
Number 2 – Do you find yourself persisting in unwanted habits, procrastinating, avoiding things that are good for you? If you could break through these obstacles, nothing would be impossible. The power of self-discipline holds the key to unlock the door to accomplishing anything. What is one habit you could create that would develop that strength.
For example, if my strength were learning foreign languages, (which if it were; I would be rich here in this area just translating for businesses and government! So, if you have this talent, you should probably read this), I would spend my car rides on listening to language tapes. This is a creative use of LOST time.
If I am a great sales person, but I need to develop relationships, I would make a meeting weekly at a networking luncheon, or dinner or attend events that my target audience attended and simply make FRIENDS. Sales are about talk. Learn to talk by developing your listening ear. If they are the ones that have needs, go to school on them by listening to their needs and learning to speak their language.
Number 3 – Simply your life. It’s a much-needed concept to combat the disorder and frenzy that so many of us face in our daily lives. We must discover how to bring more happiness into our lives by taking things we don’t want out of it.
We need to:
Identify and eliminate the major sources of complication in our lives. (This takes time to think and hear your inward self).
Rid your home of space-consuming clutter (This takes commitment to get rid of anything you don’t NEED or USE. My theory is anything that does not have story and hasn’t been used in over a month can go).
Simplify household tasks like cleaning, cooking, and laundry (Make them 15 minute routines along with anything that is simply a daily chore).
Dramatically reduce your monthly expenses without sacrificing fun (Just spend more purposefully, set a day of the week for certain things like eating out and NEVER outspend your pre-decided amount).
Feel comfortable saying “no” to invitations and commitments you really don’t want to accept (I’ve said this before).
Make wiser choices about how, when, and where you spend your time and money (Never do anything unless it grows you, your relationships, your family or heads you toward your goals!)
“Nothing is worse than active ignorance.”
-Goethe
So, take the time to learn and then act. It’s time to study our own lives and then to move toward activity.
Have a great week!
dh
Dustin Hedrick
Operations Manager
Burt Associates, Incorporated
6010 Executive Blvd., Suite 900
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone 301-770-9880 x23
Fax 301-770-9885
Email dhedrick@burtassociates.com
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