Confidence=Faith

Do you believe that confidence and faith are the same?  The reality is that they are connected.  Unfortunately, faith has been relegated to the land of spirituality only.  It rightfully belongs to things pertaining to God, but it shouldn’t be limited…

At the end of the day thinking of confidence as a statement of faith has helped me.  It thrusts me into the unknown, and allows me to speak to the future.  It also can be very lonely, but this is part of the refining fire of growth.

Living Like Alex Plays Drums

I had a chance recently to "stop" and observe a talented musician.  Alex plays drums in a worship team in my church.  What was striking to me was the passion around his playing.  I leaned over to my wife that morning and said; "if Alex lives as he plays, then he must live life well."  His playing reminded me of the importance of giving it your all in all aspects of life.

Sadly, many will only have certain areas of life where their passion erupts.  We were meant to be fully alive.

Go live like Alex plays drums!

Do You Love What You Do?

As we continue to look at some key questions from the October 6 entry, let’s address "loving what you do." 

Do you love what you do is a very penetrating question.  There have been times in my life where the answer was an emphatic no.  Most have been and are there.  Its wise to be balanced in your assessment of the question.  For example, avoid the extremes of quick emotional decisions that came out of some momentary circumstance.  Time is a good friend in revealing whether we’re in the wrong place.  Let time have the opportunity to teach you.

Loving what you do is part of a successful life.  If we are participating in things that make us "come alive," then we are on our way to being fully alive.  Additionally, we will impact our relationships (family, friends and co-workers) more positively.  If you’re in an environment where people don’t love what they do, then your living in the land of the "working dead."  Consequently, loving what you do is an essential key in becoming and staying a success.

If you’re not sure (or are afraid of) what you love, then start by making a list of what makes you smile…what makes you come alive.  This will provide you with a map of where you should go.  Have the courage to pursue what you were meant to be.

The world needs more people who love what they do.

Are You Authentic

This is my third commentary on the October 6 entry (A Sky Full of People). 

Today’s world speaks of the desire for authentic people, but in practice shuns that type of individual.  Why is that?  Mostly, because many organizations (profit and non-profit) value conformity more than authenticity.  Authenticity is more difficult to lead than conformity, and in a culture that has gradually become intellectually lazy (see the stats on reading vs. television watching), we want it "easy." 

So how can you be authentic when the winds seem to blow against that choice?  First, it starts with counting your days (how many days of a typical life span) and thinking what your legacy will be.  All people share one common destiny, we’re all going to die.  So what mark do you wish to leave?  That answer should drive you to authenticity.  If you don’t care about your legacy, then please stay single, don’t lead people and go live on a deserted island.

If the choice is authenticity, you will not be disappointed.  Authenticity leads to greatness and happiness.

What Are You Afraid Of

In my entry (A Sky Full of People) from October 6, I listed some items that hinder growth.  The second one was the question of what are you afraid of.  Fear is prevalent in so many areas of our life…even for those who claim to be fearless and daring.

The process of removing this obstacle is all in the "tackling."  The Christ-based approach would be to "confess."  Essentially, we must admit and note what we’re afraid of.  This creates a realistic start that can help tremendously. 

Remember this age old acronym; F (false) E (evidence) A (appearing) R (real).  What you fear (failure, rejection, death, etc.) is more than likely the thing that won’t happen under your microscope. 

The thing you fear most is the thing holding you back.  Let go of that fear and you’ll see a significant lift in your path of growth.  Just the liberation alone will give you renewed confidence.

Knowing When You’re Alive

Think of the roles you play and ask yourself the following question:

"Do I feel alive doing/living this?"

If the answer doesn’t come immediately, you’re probably not fully engaged, not fully alive, or dead.  Don’t panic!  Check your breath in the mirror, if it fogs up, there’s still a chance.  Wake up!  There will be a point in your life where you will fail the mirror test, until then wake up!

The critics (remember nobody remembers the critics) will say that what I’m advocating is not realistic.  Forget them!  What’s more realistic than living out who you were made to be?  We’ve been duped into believing that its crazy to be who we truly are. 

You might be surprised at how many famous, rich, beautiful and smart people are not living out this reality.  They have resources, but are bankrupt inside.  The corporations and well-intentioned advice givers have tried to choke out our destiny, but that voice will never be silenced.  Don’t allow your dreams to be the inheritance of the grave.

While you have time (nobody knows how much), be willing to fail at the pursuit of your dreams, rather than the successful compromise of them.

Harvey’s Message

Had a good friend and mentor give a keynote speech this morning.  He’s accomplished in many ways, but I’ve never had the privilege of seeing him speak in this arena.  He struck a chord in me.

I am learning more and more about "being still."  The art of "being still" is not easy, but necessary.  Harvey addressed this in a very heavenly way.  His words made me sad, and in a strange way blissful.

In our busy lives we are focused on doing.  But its the being that matters most.