When Your Name Is Called

Dale Carnegie said that “There is nothing sweeter than for a person to hear their  own name.” 

William Shakespeare even asked “What’s in a name?” Well, the obvious answer is, it’s you! Your unique identity. It’s who you are, what you do, your character, behavior, values and so much more that's associated with YOU. There’s not another person in the world with YOUR name.

In early June, every year in America, the Major League Baseball draft happens affecting hundreds of young athletes. Young men who have dreamed of making it to the pinnacle of their sport, “The Big Leagues.” Over a 3 day period they intently listen to hear if their name will be called by one of the 30 professional baseball teams. As an avid fan of my Arkansas college team, it was exciting to watch 11 kids who’s name’s were called. After years of preparation and hard work, a dream come true for them when they heard “the sweetest sound…” their name.

In the past year some men and women I know and consider friends in the business world have had their names called. Just like the athletes in the sports world the

pay- off for their hard work and dedication has landed them positions of importance and influence at significant levels in their organizations. 

Some people will say that those “who’s name was called” were lucky. But as the Roman philosopher Seneca reminds us we make our own luck. He suggest “that luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” I’ve had people tell me over the years how lucky I’ve been to travel the world and do what I do. Most often I respond politely, acknowledge the compliment, but then say to myself “luck had nothing to do with it.”

But having your “name called” is not the end if a person wants to continue to excel in a successful and long-term impact on their chosen field of endeavor. Actually, it’s in many ways just the beginning. I heard someone once say that it’s not how a person deals with hardships and difficulties that determines a person of integrity and character, but rather how they handle themselves while “Living Large.”

How many professional athletes, business people movie stars and religious leaders could you cite who have fallen in disgrace because they thought because of their name, the rules of life, rule of law or business practices just didn't apply to them any longer? 

So how do you to avoid the “fall” after your name has been called? Here’s just a few check points during your journey.

1. Remember all of those who helped you along the way. Teachers, parents, friends, coaches who were with you when you were not a big deal and your name had no title associated with it. 

2. Show genuine humility. Humility is defined as “a modest or low view of one’s own importance.” A person should not think more highly of themselves as they ought to. Being haughty or prideful is a terrible and unattractive behavior. Don’t come off as a know it all.

3. There is probably nothing more devastating than having your name associated with unkindness, rudeness, arrogance or questionable behavior. Do all you can to avoid that ever happing to you.

4.  Don’t ever think it can’t happen to you, because it could. Money, fame, high lofty positions unchecked, will lead to infidelity, dishonesty, substance abuse or thinking you’re above it all and untouchable. The apostle Paul even said “…I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

5. Be careful with whom you associate after you’ve “made it.” Flattering words, constant adulation by other people will begin to erode your connection to reality. Those who continually tell you how great you are not really your friends. Their fans at best or manipulators and want to attach themselves to your success.

6. Seek people who will “speak truth to your power.” Throughout my career I’ve had the honor to do that as a consultant for a few leaders, but very few. Most people will listen to the good things you say, but disregard the negative. We all have good and bad characteristics, and we need to take ownership of them.

7. Remember all you did to get where you are now and then increase the effort. The long hours, hard work and the continual learning for improvement. If you’re not moving forward in your craft, you’re falling behind. There is no “treading water” in this fast paced competitive world. 

8. Seek out the view and opinions of the little guy. They live life in a world that is not as cluttered but equally as important as yours. You can learn a lot from them. What’s going well? What needs to be improved? What should I keep doing and what should I stop doing? Once you’ve received the feedback, don’t defend or justify your behavior. Accept it and make adjustments as necessary. 

9. Consider what your legacy should be. It’s not the number of home-runs you hit, the money you’ve made for the company, or how much “stuff” you’ve acquired. Your legacy will be the impact you’ve had on other human beings along your life’s journey. Good or Bad. 

10. It’s not how you start life, it’s how you finish that matters.
I could give you a very personal example of a woman who claimed to be something special all her life, but left this world with a family torn apart and a reputation which, was to some, sad, disappointing and repugnant.

When you leave this world, like it or not, your name will be called. Who will call it and what will be said on that final call, is a conversation for another time, but certainly an issue each person should ponder by asking “am I prepared when that opportunity presents itself?" Because that call is inevitable.

 The poet Nelle A. Williams penned some thoughts about our names..

You got it from your father

It may be all he had to give

So it's yours to use and cherish son

For as long as you may live

If you lost the watch he gave you

It can always be replaced;

But a black mark on your name

Can never be erased

It was clean the day you took it

And a worthy name to bear

When he got it from his father

There was no dishonor there

So make sure you guard it wisely

After all is said and done

You'll be glad the name is spotless

             When you give it to your son

As I strive to Finish Well, I personally, want to be on guard that I don’t disqualify myself 
when My Name is Called.