I go about the task of getting out of my own way by doing the hard work of self-reflection and accepting sound advice.
This blog posts contains my personal LinkedIn posts for August 23 through August 27, 2021.
Low-point Conversations
So, when you’re at a low point, do you reach out for help?
If Yes, to whom? And, if No, why not?
If you’re the hearer, I think it’s important to express concern. But, it’s not critical that the listener fix the problem. Instead, just be there!
That is, I can be caring and concerned without providing a quick-fix that wasn’t asked for.
Question: As a leader, do others trust you for these low-point conversations that are often not work related?
Being an encourager requires my time, my sensitivity, and the discretion to respond appropriately. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 12.25 notes the impact of stress on a life, as well as the usefulness of words that encourage, saying: “A good word makes the heart glad!” Therefore, be that encourager!
Bless your heart!
I recently saw a post that began with an inaccurate statistic. Unfortunately, that error was the basis for the entire post.
Now, how do you respond to such simple-minded beliefs?
Well, one response is bless your heart! You believe everything you hear and read!
Seriously, the solution is develop an ability to think critically. That is, ask yourself, Is that really true? What’s the supporting evidence?
Proverbs 14.15 defines the simple-minded as those who believe everything they’re told. In contrast, a critical thinker considers deeply what’s being said.
Getting out of my own way!
Ok, what does that mean anyway? In short, I think it means I do the hard work of self-reflection and accepting sound advice.
Then, I recognize aspects of my life that don’t contribute to where I’m going.
Thus, I get out of my own way by letting go of attitudes and behaviors that don’t lead to personal and professional growth.
Question: Is there some aspect of your life that’s nagging you to let go?
Proverbs 18.1 speaks about desire, focused activity, and personal growth. As such, the verse presupposes that I’m learning and changing!
Releasing and multiplying!
What are you grasping tightly? More importantly, what would happen if you released it?
Here, I mean release in the sense of allowing it to grow. For example, my guarded inner self.
Most practically, think of releasing as spreading seed wisely. But, not like the grass seed the crows are eating in my yard!
As I release seed I spread it, making possible dramatic multiplication!
Question: Where are you witnessing significant multiplication in your life?
Proverbs 11.24-25 speaks of scattering and increasing. The contrast in those two verses is to hold back more that is necessary, producing poverty. So, let it go!
Are you living in a circle of comfort?
“You’re very guarded” my mentor said to me. How so? Because I was living in a Circle of Comfort, doing my job extremely well.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t expanding my Circle of Competence so I wasn’t growing professionally as rapidly as I could have been.
However, with some deliberate effort I began to grow professionally. Consequently, I stopped living inside a Circle of Comfort and began to expand my Circle of Competence.
The result? Over time, I witnessed a significant improvement in my career trajectory.
Question: What are you doing to expand your Circle of Competence?
Proverbs 12.24 encourages me to be diligent, that is, sharply focused and decisive. In so doing, I position myself for personal and professional growth.