http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/01/whats_your_influencing_style.html

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/01/whats_your_influencing_style.html

Something Got To Give!

Pardon the late follow up since the last posting!   

By now you’ve probably inferred that I am on the pathway to …well exploring other possibilities in this journey of life.  Whether this happens tomorrow, two years from now or two decades from now, I will rejoice in the fact that I opted to confront the unknowns facing the challenges head on.  

As you very well know or have experienced; thinking of a thing and doing something are two different entities.  In fact, much thinking and analysis in decision making can often lead to ‘analysis paralysis’ if one is not careful.  Therefore, getting ones actions behind his/her words is the place to start.  The author of the most ironic book of all times i.e. The Book of Ecclesiastes puts it this way, “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.  Therefore stand in awe of God.”  My understanding… fearing God and allowing Him to lead in every step of any pursuits is what will determine one’s success.  Imagine what it would be like to be connected to the right resources, people and platforms that you need to get to that edge—divine connection is what I’m referring to?  Otherwise, we can strategies on how to achieve, and even embark on this journey, but the attainment of it all depends on God’s leading and the understanding of the knowledge necessary to get there.  The past indicates that the most successful people e.g. Dr. David Livingstone, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mozart, Vincent Van Gogh, and Henry Ford, etc.  In my view, am convinced all operated under their convictions to pursue their passions by harnessing the one thing they each believed was their core strength, and by so doing they inspired many generations after them. 

To perceive and behold success, I believe it is imperative that one ask he/herself the very question of what is endowed to him/her.  Ensued by the will, resolve, tenacity to embark on the journey towards the destination and acknowledging that getting there will be coupled is with much activity and a price tag—as is the case with anything worthy of your time and pursuit!   This reminds me of a Kikuyu proverb, “Gutire kiega kiumaga hega” meaning there is nothing of worth that is without toil.  In other words, the dream is free because one has the talents, will, resolve, etc [that is of course] if he/she chooses to exploit these attributes, however; the way there is not free.  Hence, something must give!   There is cost involved, could be time, money, even comprising some relationship for some but in the end the dream is realized.  I like my Master’s words  the best, “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Frankly speaking, this can be overwhelming and many have shared their fears on their way, nevertheless; I find that the more I just let things be with ease and without self criticism, the more I am able to get in touch with my real niche.  For now however, my prayer is to allow the Supreme Giver of all gifts to magnify the ‘it’: my passions and propensities, and trusting that as I follow Him closely, He will lead me there.  After all, He is the good Sheppard/Master Creator, and only He knows just what He deposited in me, or better yet the gifts He wired within me just as is with the likes of the late Steve Jobs or Bill Gates—only they being ‘creator’/master designers know why they designed the Apple and PC computer [respectively] the way they did and for the very distinct functions though they be similar in general.  And by trusting in the Master Designer, I know He will complete that which He has begun in me because He has also imbued me with the vision, power, will, tenacity, foresight to get there.   Furthermore, He promised, “Whoever walks the road, although a fool shall not go astray.”  Wooohaaa, this is exciting!

Why Do I Exist?

Why do I Exist? I often find myself asking this question more often than I like to. At times, am skeptical and other times, am as certain and zealous as you can imagine. Whether you admit it or not, I bet you've probably asked yourself similar question at sometime in your life. If you’ve not, well ...keep on living. I dare argue we are designed to seek a deeper meaning in life, and while some find the answer earlier on in their life, for others; this the question remain unanswered. So, why do you or I exist?

One of my mentor remarked "Work is what we were designed to do, but Job is what we are trained to do". To contextualize this statement, the topic in discussion was surrounding the issue of how peoples’ life have transformed over the last few years either due to catastrophic events e.g. Haiti’s/Japan’s earthquake, drought in Africa, high numbers of unemployment across the global, etc. The point; we have all witnessed untold changes than we would like proving that change is perhaps the only change we should expect. I suppose what I inferred from the statement is that if I focus on the question, 'what is my work/destiny' am more likely to push forward with zeal, joy and tenacity, and ultimately reach my destiny if I faint not. However, the same is also true; if I choose to focus on the antithetical, I will end up in apathy, dissatisfied, and being tossed and turned to various directions.

So, how do you pursue your destiny you ask? Focus on your gifts: all of us have God-given gifts that are unique to each individual. I would therefore argue that it all starts by knowing what you are best in or simply ask yourself; if money and time was not an issue, how would I be spending my life? Would I be painting, traveling, writing, fighting for justice? Once you identify what that is, proceed on to developing that gift if this is necessary e.g. sign up for voice training if your gift is singing. For others, this might mean a complete life change, seeking training or a mentor to harness your gift, and for others it might mean get your hands dirty, start doing what you love now because well, tomorrow is not guaranteed.

The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon asked this question, "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown [foolish] men". He continued by adding... "Like a bird that wanders from its nest [one who does not know his [gift/talents], is a man who wanders from his place [purposes/calling]".

By now you are probably wondering, have I then answered the question above? My answer, yes; however, much toiling is inevitable as Rome was not build in a day. If you need some inspiration, this short text might help: Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson or better yet, get a copy of King Solomon’s Proverbs!

A Fresh Perspective

Recently this thought flooded my mind, and overwhelmed my thinking for a while. A simple truth, yet proved by conditions of the world we live in. 'The Strength of a Nation: spiritually, economically and militarily is in the Strength of its Men/Fathers; while the Strength of its Kings: Leaders, Rulers, Children is in the Strength of its Women/Mothers'.