Friends, in what other life are you going to go all out? We all have one shot and one shot only to leave a lasting legacy – a definitive mark on this world that reflects our decision to lean into, not away from, our areas of holy discontent.
– Bill Hybels: Holy Discontent (pg 136)
Category: lead vividly (Page 15 of 18)
What is my Holy Discontent? What is it that I am placed on this planet to achieve? Not why do I exist; I know that, rather what I’m going to be known for.
I found myself asking questions like the ones above a couple of times in the last week. The first was at a funeral I attended last week. They lady who had died was a lovely lady and raised two great sons on her own after her husband died. They said she was caring and loving and kind and generous.
As I considered these things I was reminded again that they are attributes I really want to have. But, for me personally, they are not enough. I really want to make an impact on this world or more specifically this region. OK well maybe a significant dent.
The second time was on the flight to Melbourne. I listened to an audio book of Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels. In the book he asks what is it you bugs you the most? What really annoys you? What lights a fire in your belly that you can’t ignore? As I consider these things there are a few things I know a few things for sure.
I know it includes agoge, but that agoge is a means not an end.
I know that it is not about me.
I know that it is about people reaching their full potential, leadership I guess.
I know that my heart aches for justice and mercy and those in poverty.
I know even now my hard work is preparation for the cause.
I know I will give my time and money and energy.
I don’t know yet exactly how it all comes together, but I am also confident that it is a work in progress and in time it will be revealed. I think it has to do with showing, enabling and equipping people to make a difference without giving up their day jobs, but by doing more than just sending a cheque.
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
When you boil it all down, this is what you've got.
… You can live a wasted life.
… Or you can live a wise life.
Getting There – Steve Farrar (Pg 11)
In response to the question "How long would an executive last who didn't agree with where the organization was headed?" the answers range from days to minutes.
– Less is more (pg 31)
Grafism (Gr' af 'ism) – noun
Used to describe someone with one or more of the following traits;
- casually changeable,
- overexcited; overstimulated; flamboyant;
- resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc
- obstinate in your opinions
And I didn't even know it was a real word.
If you didn't want anything in return, nothing at all, what's the most generous thing you could do for your best customer, your best friend, your most important prospect? Give it a try.
– Seth Godin
It’s called a moment.
And it often only lasts an instant.
Its defined as “an indefinitely short period of time.”
a moment.
Recently I had a moment. A time where I sat down and thought about some of the things I want to try and fit into a week. Good things generally. Things that I know will make me, by my own high expectations, a better human.
A better leader. Dad. Husband. Friend. Things that will help me to impact the world I live in more positively.
Things like journaling; which for me is a blend of slowing down and spiritual growth.
Or exercise: which relieves stress, fills my lungs with fresh air and generally makes me more productive.
Or reading; which challenges my thinking, sharpens me, keeps me at the edge and ahead of my team.
Finally writing; I have this desire to learn to write creatively, passionately and evocatively.
Now what I realised in this moment was two things. Firstly each of these things takes between 3 and 4 hours a week to do them well. That’s 12 – 16 hours a week before I start work or spend time with family or fly planes or anything. No wonder I never fit it all in.
Secondly I realised that I have never really nailed down which of these I am really passionate about and built a strong resolve to do them. The result is that they all happen sporadically, just like this blog.
I know I need to resolve to change things, but I haven’t. If I am not careful another 6 months will pass before I have another … moment.
I hope not.
If someone has to explain to you the things he is doing; he probably isn't doing them!
– Alf's dad.
I (agoge) purchased 2 second hand imate k-jam phones off trademe this week.
V cool and now I can blog direct from my cellphone.
Don't get too excited not sure if it will lead to more frequent posts …