In my early days of musicianship (I'm still a musician) I really become fond of improvisation. There was something magnetic about creating without a "script." Not to mention, when you had to make a change because the performance demanded it.
This post came to me from Rose over at BSchool.com. It's an extensive list of why improv matters in your business life. I think it's also applicable to your personal life too.
What if you're the guy or gal who has decided to embrace change, even if you're not sure what that change may bring? I applaud you if you are. It's healthy and the life you want is paved with your willingness to move forward.
How about those that decide not to go with you? Not a huge deal when it's the co-worker who likes to gossip or the brother-in-law that seems to think he has the best plan for your life. But when it's someone you love or someone you call a friend it can stop you in your steps. You might even think about going back to Egypt. A place you think, even if it was miserable, as a safer bet with no resistance.
From my own experience it is never easy to change. And conversly it is not easy for those that are watching or playing a part in your motion picture-your life. Your changes may be a source of discomfort, construed as a violation of a committment you supposedly made, or like the fool who believes only the stuff flowing through their head, you refuse to be the person they define you to be.
Here's what I've done so far to manage what others may not see on my journey:
First, you could change the title of this post to "The Danger of Personal Arrogance" if you so desired.
When you have a enough time in your rear-view mirror you can soberly look at your past. If you're like me, you have had enough experiences to have a track record/history. You can see what you missed as well as what went wonderfully when you look back-don't stay there too long though.
I was warned at an early stage in my career to avoid arrogance. It was a poison many advised. I did a decent job of heeding their advice. But like any human being, I took my share of poison pills. Some people and organizations were hurt by my arrogance. Some applauded with a knife ready to pierce my back, while others figured I'd find my way back home. And yes, my arrogance was fueled by my power and success.
Now that I've set the context, I'd like you to consider the following:
Your history is shaping your future. Not uncontrollably, but subtley and deliberately. Has a lot to do with our choices.
We really are a motion picture. Hollywood can only touch the tip of a life's iceberg.
You're not one of those that says; "so what" are you?
A lot of people are now faced with multiple, multiple paths and crossroads. Whether it's financial, career, family or social, it all adds up to confusion. Who do you trust? How do you know how to trust? Often people just guess and hope it turns out okay. History is riddled with folks who found those guesses produced nothing but regret.
There is an opportunity to course correct or to begin again. It won't be easy and it won't be free. But when did easy and fee get you to a better future?
If you want to know the solutions, then contact me to begin the journey and learn how Epic Living can help.
As we've crossed over into a new year, and decade for that matter, I thought I would share some of what I'm planning for 2011.
The importance of having a growth plan is nothing new to you if you've read my work before. It truly is the fuel behind any vision. If you haven't embarked on this type of journey, I highly recommend you do and we can help. Click here to learn more.
The following is my vision and some bullets from my 2011 growth plan supporting it:
God’s destiny for me is to have and live an Epic Life. This life will address multiple facets of living. My life will be a motion picture that births joy and changes lives. My legacy will be built accordingly.
I see myself as an excellent husband and father. Eileen, Lauren and Grant are my most important priority. Their lives will be wonderfully impacted by my love, time and influence.
As it relates to Influence, God intends for me to lead on a large scale and stage. I will communicate encouragement, development and opportunity to people of diverse backgrounds. The marketplace is the arena in which He intends for me to have impact. I see myself expanding that influence through speaking, writing, teaching and one-to-one mentoring. I also see Epic Living as the organization focused on developing and reproducing people of influence within the public and private sector.
My physical and mental health will be strong due to the conscious choices I will make. I see a long an vibrant life ahead as God allows.
I see my finances reflecting strength, knowledge and wisdom. I will make decisions that are investor-minded versus consumer-minded.
In His church and community, I will minister to individuals and groups by the same methods above. My key focus areas are influence development and personal growth. God will also use me as source of encouragement to all I encounter.
My vision and growth plan have more elements than what I've listed, but I wanted to give this to you as source of "example." I hope it will stir you.
The following is a typical day in my life relating to my health and fitness:
OK, now that I've given you what a day in my health and fitness life looks like, I thought I would give you a list of my weaknesses. I am human after all.
I do indulge from time-to-time, but the first list is my "everyday habit."
So why do I bother? I've been given this gift of life and I want to take care of it. I also have enough years of totally disregarding my health to know it's important to not take anything for granted.
This video is from a song by Coldplay. Maybe you've heard it before. But have you had the chance to read the lyrics? Take a look:
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
One thought occurred to me this morning (very early); what if power is best understood once its been lost. Maybe when you're powerless you gain the sweet awareness of what it all meant. Sounds like the writer of Viva La Vida understood this.
In our time humilty is something we say we admire, but rarely do we want to actually, authenically, live it out. There's still a bit of mental stigma with the whole idea. Not many messages out there about letting someone or something else go first. Sadly, we often crave to be number one and in-turn crave power.
What if power is a wild beast that can only be handled by people who understand its ferrious nature and all the dangers accordingly? What if power is subtle and can sneak up on you after you've stop paying attention?
Here are some points to consider around power:
Very easy these days to want success, fame and fortune. I mean who wouldn't want that? When the economy is not performing like we want or we're knocking on the door of landing a prized client, it kind of justifies our pursuit. An understandable discontent to be sure.
But it's an illusion. Think of it like a golden carrot that's always one step out of our reach. And just like a drug, we keep coming back for more. We always find an excuse for what we know deep down is true.
In my experience what we aspire to should be Real and within our reach. That implies that we can aspire to the wrong things. And the wrong things create a question of trustworthiness.
Can you be trusted with the vision given to you? Can you be trusted with the aspiration that comes along with?
The following are some tough questions to ask as you consider:
No one really knows what's around the corner-in any respect. It frustrates us, confounds us and can generally paralyze us if we're not careful. It's a battle and riddle we all do a dance with.
My core answer has been found in my relationship with God. Seems fitting since he knows what's around the corner. Don't get me wrong, this isn't always a pretty picture. I still have things in my life that I question why he didn't warn about what was awaiting me. Over time life has met up with a lesson that when first experienced seemed straight from hell. Funny how that can work. He knows that even the crushing blow can produce something beautiful.
But what about the stuff we mostly control? Our career choices, our health choices, our relationship choices. A wise man once told me that 90% of my life would be determined by the choices I'd make. That's staggering when you think about it.
So maybe we need to focus on making good choices. Maybe that has some impact on what's around the corner.