I suspect “living the dream” varies by age and season of life. Moreover, our level of emotional maturity drives much of what we envision as “living the dream.”
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn weekday entries from January 10 through 15, 2022.
Seeing vs. taking action!
Recognizing opportunity and acting on opportunity aren’t the same!
Granted, it’s hard to not recognize the “harvest time” in seasonal industries.
But, harvest may be less obvious in other cases when there’s a narrow window of opportunity.
In such cases, perceptive leaders have the vision and foresight to see what others don’t see.
Today’s Observation: I act on opportunity because I see beyond the immediate. I’m playing the long game.
Perception is of limited value without the motivation to act decisively. proverbsforprofessionals.net
As described in Proverbs 10.5, some opportunities are seasonal. Hence the phrase “gather in summer.”
What got you here!
You’ve heard “what got you here won’t get you there.”
The implication? Existing skills will only carry you so far.
You must grow. Extend your set of experiences. Build capabilities. Expand capacity.
Self-confidence and past experience aren’t enough with a never-before-faced challenge.
Huh? Why? Because new challenges often require different approaches that aren’t in our toolbox.
Hence, the need to look outside ourselves as we grow.
Today’s Insight: Impactful leaders are continual learners who are enhancing the breadth and depth of what they offer to others.
It’s foolish to invest in professional growth without bringing along side it personal transformation. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 17.16 observes that the balanced life of knowing (e.g., new skills) and doing (i.e., application of the new knowledge) takes time and demands character transformation.
Living the dream!
What’s that phrase mean to you?
Twice in one week a different person said that to me!
I suspect “dream” varies by age and season of life.
Moreover, our level of emotional maturity drives much of what we envision as “the dream.”
Unfortunately, our level of attachment to material things can skew what “dream” means. It was that way for me.
Interestingly, “living the dream” may be as much perception as reality. Thus, what I envision as “the dream” in someone’s life may be very different for that individual.
Today’s Question: What’s the connection between “living the dream” and your life vision right now?
I believe the dream is past, present and future. Learning from the past tempers the reality of my dreams. Then, gratitude makes me aware of what I’m receiving in the present. Finally, a clearly understood life purpose drives me forward toward the dream yet realized. proverbsforprofessionals.net
In First Kings 3.15 Solomon awakes from a dream. The dream was about his future as a leader. His response was to bring offerings to God for blessings to be received. God’s revelation to me of my life purpose should awaken in me a deep sense of gratitude!
What’s wrong with you?
Now, there’s a great way to motivate someone!
Perhaps the only motivational technique worse than guilt is fear.
Guilt erodes self-worth; fear blocks rational thought. Neither is sustainable.
Leaders, like parents of teenagers, are unlikely to see improvement by using guilt, fear, or intimidation.
An alternative? Be a source of encouragement and inspiration. Don’t be a constant dripping of negativity!
Today’s Question: How do you control the easy-out techniques of guilt and fear when dealing with others?
Unaddressed concerns don’t go away on their own. Effective influences get to root cause, thereby stopping the constant complaining. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Proverbs 27.15 compares a contentious person to a constant dripping on a rainy day! The next verse says dealing with that contention is like a healing ointment. So, be that leader!
Quick change of a LinkedIn byline!
I received a LI connection request – the byline under the name was “forex trader”.
I sent a response saying I wasn’t a prospect for digital currency but am Ok with professional relationships.
Less than five minutes later: byline changed to read “novelist”.
Hum. Anyone else have a similar experience?
Make self-care a priority!
Really? I’m busy doing important stuff! I have my goals to attain!
Self-care can come later.
Fact is, goal accomplishment is empty when it comes at the expense of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Worse yet, when you’re stressed and burned out your life is hollow.
So, really, make self-care a priority!
Ok, how?
By recognizing what’s most critical to you and forcing non-negotiable time into your schedule.
Here’s a simple example. If you view quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning as vital, you already have that time blocked on your calendar.
I’m asking you to do the same thing for self-care:
1). Time for important relationships
2). Exercise, sleep, and proper diet
3). Your own spiritual nurture
You likely practice The Four D’s: Delete, Delegate, Delay, and Decide. Thus, Decide what must be Deleted or Delegated in order to keep your life in balance.
In short, use the tools already in hand to make self-care a priority.
Remember, a balanced life enables you to live with purpose, on purpose!
