If you’re the same person at 36 you were at age 16 you’re not growing. At all! A problem-plagued life stays that way until we take steps to grow up. Remember, you’re not 16 anymore!
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn weekday entries for the month of April 2023.
Invest Where It Matters!
In a former life I was a business school dean, which involved relationship building and fund raising.
Recently, I learned that friends endowed a new scholarship. I was one of the two individuals honored by the scholarship naming.
An Observation: People show kindness, at times, in the form of a gift because they recognize the incredible value of giving to others. They give out of a kind heart with no expectation of getting back.
The Precept: Proverbs 13.7 says we can make ourselves rich yet have nothing. Conversely, we can make ourselves poor yet have great wealth. It speaks to the blessings that come to us by our generosity.
A Question: What giving is a source of deep contentment for you?
People show kindness, at times in the form of a gift, because they recognize the incredible value of giving to others. They give out of a kind heart with no expectation of getting back. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Becoming Our Life’s Focus
We become the focus of our thinking – we’re who we think we are!
In addition, we attract others who are just like us.
Today’s Observation: Be careful where you focus your thinking as it multiplies by way of those who influence us.
A Question: What helps you build an abundance mindset so your thinking is where it should be?
With a growth mindset we recreate ourselves every day as we are transformed from the inside out. proverbsforprofessionals.net
What Good is Discernment?
Discernment helps us see below the surface and around corners.
It’s especially valuable in recognizing the motives of those who want to influence us.
Today’s Observation: The motives of others can be problematic, especially when we’re unclear about our own values.
The Precept: We’re warned in Proverbs 23.1-3 to discern (“consider diligently”) the motives of others because sometimes they are deceptive.
A Question: How do you define discernment?
We are in a hurry to experience many things, but we only gain insights when we slow down to discern what’s happening around us. proverbsforprofessionals.net
You’re Not 16 Anymore!
Years ago we had friends who were dealing with a problematic teenager.
Now, he’s 36 but still causing lots of problems for the family.
Unfortunately, he’s the only person who DOESN’T recognize the problems!
Today’s Observation: If you’re the same person at 36 you were at age 16 you’re not growing. At all! A problem-plagued life stays that way until we take steps to grow up.
The Precept: Foolish overconfidence produces a destructive lifestyle. Proverbs 10.23 paraphrase
A Question: As a parent, or a friend, what works for saying “enough” so you are no longer an enabler?
Living with intention matters. That said, we must be extremely careful that we’re being intentional about the right matters! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Friday Short: My Life is Good
Gratitude enables us to see the good in life that’s around us.
An Observation: We tend to see what we are looking for in life.
The Precept: Ecclesiastes 3.13 encourages us to enjoy the good that comes from our life as it is a gift from God.
A Question: My outlook isn’t naturally optimistic. What helps you be positive in your life outlook? I’m asking for a friend!
One problem with our limiting beliefs is that they are just that – those things in life we are convinced are true! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Nothing Succeeds Like Persistence!
Last week our grandson had a tough outing in an athletic event.
Three days later, against a much more skilled team, he played extremely well as judged by the game stats.
Same person. Same position. And the same sport.
Today’s Observation: It’s good to learn from failures, then let them go. Move on. Try again differently. In short, be persistent.
The Precept: Our integrity enables us to rise up after repeated failures. Proverbs 24.16, my paraphrase
A Question: How have you been able to connect integrity to persistence?
Persistence, not perfection, is life changing! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Contact Confusion!
One of our grandsons plays both lacrosse and football (not soccer).
Lacrosse is much less a contact sport than football. But, sometimes he forgets! Then, it’s off to the penalty box!
Today’s Observation: In the heat of competition we forget, or simply ignore, fundamental rules of engagement. Thus, to avoid responding inappropriately, it’s best to give yourself some time. Step away. Stop pushing so hard.
The Precept: Proverbs 16.32 points out the great value of being self-controlled, as it is a source of power and success.
A Question: What interaction habits help you to relieve some pressure in the moment?
My personality isn’t my biggest problem. Instead, my self-perception and mindset are, at times, very problematic. When I adjust my view of myself I can more successfully engage with life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Friday Short: What I Believe About Myself Is Important!
For better or worse, I am what I believe about myself.
More importantly, I am becoming who I believe I can be.
Today’s Observation: Given the impact of self-belief, always ask yourself: Is what I believe about myself really true?
Releasing the unused, untrue, and unimportant frees up space in our lives for that which is most essential. proverbsforprofessionals.net
An Impactful Life!
Impact is all about what we can DO with what we know. Thus, it’s how well we practically apply insights from life experiences.
Conversely, having a positive impact in the lives of others isn’t at all about what we know.
Actually, how smart we are doesn’t count for very much at all.
Today’s Observation: An impactful life isn’t about native intelligence. Instead, it’s about executing fundamentals such as persistence and self-discipline.
The Precept: Proverbs 14.6 argues that a know-it-all (“scorner”) doesn’t grasp the basic precepts of life (“wisdom”).
A Question: After getting the facts correct, what life practices help you rely more on insight and empathy than on head knowledge?
Our assumptions about the intentions of others may be incorrect if not backed by supporting evidence! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Why Am I Doing This?
This question is important.
It pushes us to consider why we’re doing what we’re doing.
Not simply so we can find a better way of doing the same thing.
Instead, we consider doing something totally different.
Something more impactful.
Today’s Observation: Considering different possibilities identifies hidden opportunities. To grow. To have an impact. To adopt new priorities. Therefore, to recognize what’s essential.
The Precept: Grasping what’s essential is a spring of life, thus don’t be unteachable! Proverbs 16.22
A Question: What’s your process for selecting what is, thus what is not, a life priority for you?
Without clarity of life purpose there’s no foundation for making life choices or setting our priorities. proverbsforprofessionals.net
What’s Inside Me That I Can Share?
Regular self-care lets me to bring my best self to each relationship.
Likewise, intentional personal growth expands my capacity to share with others.
Today’s Observation: Self-care and personal growth give me more experiences and added practical suggestions to draw from that can be shared with others.
Our intentional personal growth produces the character changes inside of us that must happen before we can expect to see any observable changes take place outside of us. proverbsforprofessionals.net