Where have you been? Where are you now? Where do you want to go?
Growth depends on how well we can answer the above…
When it comes down to it, the very answers have more influence on the direction we are going than we often would like to admit. I have found myself overwhelmed and stumped by all three.
Each time I’m forced to answer, I move a little closer to realizing just how important it is for me to continually keep these questions close to me.
There was a time when I stared at them for months…feeling as though I’d never be able to give an acceptable answer. One I'd be happy with. How could I even think of being successful, if I couldn’t bring myself to find answers.
I discovered answering them every day, was easier for me. A daily basis, for some reason, eased the overwhelmingly scary feeling associated with giving one great big answer…
Especially if my answer was, "I don't know!"
The more familiar you become with answering, takes away the stigma that your whole life depends on your answer. Yes, in a sense it does, but you can move forward a step at a time. Every one is entitled to “baby steps” once in a while.
In 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, John Maxwell describes three different kinds of people, when it comes to answering the above three and knowing life’s directions:
1. Individuals who just don’t know what they’d like to do…
· confused
· lacking purpose
· unfocused
· drifting...they are overwhelmed by answering the questions.
2. People who know what they’d like to do, but they are…
· frustrated
· see gaps in their plan
· have great responsibilities elsewhere holding them back
· fear of changes
· unable to see full potential…as a result they just don’t move.
3. Those who know what they want, because they…
· know themselves well
· know their passions
· are focused
· experienced recent growth
· are fulfilled...they make things happen.
Is it possible to influence effectively without paying attention to where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going?
Paying attention to your passions and what is driving you personally, will move those you lead…their eyes are always on you, watching your every move.
“True vocation joins self and service, the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” Frederick Buechner
What brings you joy?
Joy in your life affects how you lead. So, let’s just say that maybe today, you aren’t particularly that happy about anything…you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Trying to be as productive as you can. You tell yourself, "The bottom line is joy doesn’t pay the bills"…
Or, maybe in a roundabout way, joy does pay you…
Moods effect how people work, being upbeat boosts cooperation, fairness, and business performance. Laughter is contagious. Smiles have irresistible power.
When people are enjoying working together…laughter will undoubtedly be present. As a leader, you are the one that sets the tone...that will leads to successful performance for everyone.
“The group creates the emotional soup, everyone adds his or her flavor, but you as the leader adds the strongest seasoning.” John Maxwell
Which of the three life direction examples are you in at the moment? This affects your mood...There is no shame in admitting which group you are in.
We don’t stay in one group all the time. If we do, we aren’t growing and aren’t being as honest as we should. Regardless of where you’ve been, where you are, or where you want to be going…it's possible to incorporate more laughter, joy, and passion into your life.
It is a catalyst to keep you influencing those who need you in their lives...
How often do people laugh in your presence?