Questions

We have already talked about the importance of questions in helping those we lead. Now I would like to suggest a few questions that may serve that purpose. A friend of mine asked me “what is going on in your life right now that can be celebrated?” That question helped me see I had allowed myself to degenerate into a negative place. That negativity was contaminating everything I was doing. That simple shift toward a positive outlook changed everything for me from that day to this one, and I have been much more productive. For others the questions can be just as simple. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What things have you been involved in that were surprise successes? What has your history shown you about yourself? What types of opportunities are there that seem to present themselves to you repeatedly? What resources do you need to be more effective? Who could come beside you to help you reach your goals? These are a sampling of questions that may help people in your circle of influence. Have a great day asking and watching the light come on in the eyes of your friends.

Making The Switch

There is a famous saying that could be slightly adjusted. We have been told if at first you don’t succeed try, try again. That is a good challenge to be persistent. We cannot give up because things do not immediately slide into the realms of success. However, we can take that too far and simply spend way too much time barking up the wrong tree. Some of us have a tenacious grip on some things that just are not going to work. It can be equally true that if we are not seeing success it’s time to try something else. There is no profit in clinging to a thing that is dead. Ineffective effort can also be switched to a thing that could bring more positive results. We know that there is only so much time, talent and treasure to use in a lifetime. None of us can afford to waste what we have been given because of some sort of martyr complex. Our lives were designed by the Lord be fruitful. If we are not bearing fruit it could simply mean we are occupied with the wrong things. We cannot be afraid to try new things. Have a great day taking a small step toward what is next.