How many people do you depend upon for your success every day? Who are they? How are they doing? What kind of contribution are you making in their lives? Remember, you depend upon them for your success. You are living in a time when people are overwhelmed and increasingly disengaged. Your attitude about others will greatly influence, if not dictate, the quality of your own life. Here are some life questions for you to consider?
Does your life revolve around you or around them? It is an important question. Is your customer really first or is it your employees? Is it your spouse first or you first? Your answer to these questions will be responsible for whatever life result you are currently experiencing. To the degree your point of beginning is off, to that degree, you will experience a corresponding measure of disappointment and depression.
How dependent are you in life? The independent spirit may be killing you. It has come into vogue to use the word "interdependent". I understand the thought. I just think it is an attempt to avoid reality. You are a dependent person. You are dependent upon God for breath and life and you are dependent upon others for the relationships you need to create a positive context for living. They clearly need you but you don't choose for them. You choose for you.
What kind of influence do you have upon the lives of others? It is your responsibility. It might be your greatest responsibility. So, what kind of priority does it represent? The truth is you do have influence. The question is are you having the kind of influence that will bring the best out in others. You will experience the result. Are you pleased with your life experience?
Life is about your relationship with others. It certainly revolves around your philosophy about you. Were you created for you or were you created for others? Deep, huh? If you believe you were created for a glorified and glorifying relationship with God then others will be the object of your focus because they are His. If you believe you were created for you and for getting all you can get out of life and from others then your focus will be you. You choose. Your answer is critical. Do well, my friends.
Whenever someone asks this question, there is usually a reason. Someone is acting like they don't know. Or, at least, their actions are producing that opinion. Not knowing who you are, creates the kind of behavior that is trying to prove something or explain something. So, do you know? If you say you do, my suggestion is you are probably still trying to figure it out. Our knowing will always reflect insight into just how secure we are. Think about these questions.
Do you do what you do because of who you are?
or
Do you do what you do in order to establish who you are?
If you spend your life trying to prove yourself, you will probably never make it, there will always be more to prove. You will always be challenged by others who are trying desperately to establish themselves. Life spirals toward increasing insecurity. To the degree you have clarity about who you are, to that degree you will live out of a sense of purpose and meaning. You will do what you do because of who you are not in order for you to be who you are. Life flows with greater clarity and security.
Everyone faces the challenge. I decided a long time ago that I was going to leave it to the God who created me and who brought the answer to this world in the Person and Message of Jesus. His message explains me. Not through what I do (religion) or don't do (morality) but because of who I believe Him to be and who He is making me to be. I know it is a matter of faith. I am good with that. Do well, my friends.
I live in Arlington, Texas. Contrary to continued references to Dallas, the Super Bowl this year is in Arlington. It is a big deal. It is purported to be the biggest party in the world. I can't believe that is what makes it super. I know it is supposed to bring in over 100,000 people into Cowboy Stadium which means Jerry thinks it is super. Millions of dollars will be made by a select few and only a select few will be able to personally experience it. So, what really makes it super?
I don't particularly love what it is doing to Arlington. I do, however, love excellence showcased. This year I was fortunate enough to be in New York City for the U.S. Open. The best tennis players in the world displaying skills very few will ever achieve. The Texas Rangers brought the World Series to Arlington. It has been a great twelve months for Arlington.
So, when you are enjoy the game and all of the food that goes with it, look for the real show. It will be seen in the little things done to perfection. It will be in the coaching pulling it all together. It will be seen in risks taken and routes run. You will see it in the Packers and in the Steelers. As you watch them, think about your own pursuits in life. Think about the things you do and how you do them. Then go out and change your game. Establish yourself as someone people love to see in action. You are in your own Super Bowl. Go for it ! Do well my friends.
