At times, it’s easy to miss what’s obvious because I see what I’m looking for! I address this problem by being open to many options.
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn entries for the week of August 9 through August 15, 2021.
End-of-the-rope living!
For some, summer months include vacation. Time to get away. To relax. Refresh. And, reflect.
But, without reflection, then what? Frustration. Burn out. And, end-of-the-rope living. Thus, multiple social media posts about being stressed beyond limits!
So, what to do?
We can take a hint from Covey’s Quadrant 2 living. Block time for that which is important but not urgent. Force self-care time into your daily routine.
Choose self-care over end-of-the-rope living! That said, how have you worked regular times for self-care into your schedule?
Proverbs 3.1-2 teaches that peace (Hebrew shalom), and increased capacity, are two outcomes of a life that’s lived in balance.
Time to check in!
Take time to step back and ask “Where am I?” But, why do this?
It shows a desire to learn from recent experience. To renew commitment and focus. And, to put in the hard work to continue toward desired goals.
What’s the outcome of this type of purposeful reflection? Personal and professional growth!
What process do you use for a personal check-in?
Proverbs 2.1-4 is a parent-child conversation where the dad emphasizes a learning character (verses 1-2), a deep desire for making sense of things (verse 3), and intentional growth that’s like treasure hunting (verse 4)!
You’ve been passed over!
You perform well. Contributed. Unfortunately, expectations were higher than your level of contribution.
I’ve been there. It hurts! Now what?
Well, until I decided to continue my personal and professional growth, nothing happened!
It’s Ok to briefly argue “unfair” or “why me,” but it’s not Ok to live there! So, move on. Find a way forward.
What helped you get unstuck after a serious career setback?
I believe it’s a high-risk strategy to define self-worth by a single life event. Give yourself other options! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 14.10 notes the deeply personal nature of bitterness that reaches down into the soul. The implication is to not stay there permanently.
You’ve been cut from the team!
Our grandchild was cut from a travel athletic team because the coaches were moving the team up in competition and didn’t think he was ready to move.
With the encouragement of his parents, and as a multi-sport athlete, he will weather this. In part, by trying out for other travel teams in the same sport.
Sometimes, my career path is similar. I compete not just against myself, but against others. As such, I have choices about where I choose to compete.
Thus, one aspect of self-awareness is recognizing where I can make the greatest contribution. I choose to compete there.
What criteria do you used for deciding where to compete?
Ecclesiastes 9.11 teaches that despite my best efforts and inherent skills, some aspects of competition are uncontrollable. Thus, be prepared for set backs. Learn to be flexible by finding another way forward.
I see what I’m looking for!
Time for an early AM walk. Late summer, in the mid-60’s F (15.5 C) outside. At the top of the hill I get a first glimpse of the fog on the mountains.
That said, I can complete a 45-minute walk without noticing the mountains. Why?
Because I see what I’m looking for. But, how do you miss a mountain ridge? Easy – look elsewhere!
Unfortunately, “look elsewhere” also applies to relationships. Leaders must be sensitive to what’s happening around them. So, don’t be clueless or insensitive. Instead, pay attention!
What helps you to slow down so you can be more observant of co-worker needs?
From Proverbs 11.25 I learn that I’m personally enriched by showing grace to others. This observation is an early version of “give and it will be given to you.”
I’m sure I’m right!
Be honest. Ever been absolutely convinced you’re right? But, you were wrong? I have!
Why so wrong? Here are some reasons why:
First, I ignored the obvious.
Second, I lacked access to key data.
Third, Conditions changed.
What to do? See the blog post that’s linked in the first comment below.
The 8/15/21 blog post is available at: