Can you summarize your life in 30 Seconds?

 

That was the question a PBS reporter ask several in a “man on the street "interview with people in the NYC area. It’s reported that one Italian construction worker responded, “It started off bad and then got worse”.

I laughed at the answer as I walked with my ear buds in enjoying this podcast as I hiked the quiet country road in the Ozark mountains early this morning.

As I pondered the question, I naturally ask myself, “what would be my answer” to this profound question? Within seconds, I had my answer to as it related to my life. (I’ll share it with you in a moment).

For those who have followed my teaching and writing over the years they have heard me pound the same old drum on the importance of a clearly defined Purpose Statement, i.e. why do you exist, why do you do what you do? I believe it’s critical for companies, couples, families and individuals.

During most of my professional life, I’ve talked about a purpose statement which I developed years ago for my life, business and marriage. They are written down and have been a guide for how I make decisions and provide clarity in communication with those affected in those specific areas of my life.

So with the idea of Purpose stirring in my head, I had to evaluate how I would answer in 30 seconds the summary of my life, business and marriage. And to consider the “summary” statement to my “purpose” statement. How was I doing in alignment of the two?

Honestly, I’m working through my business summary right now. My marriage summary is private since my sweet wife went to heaven a few years ago. But I can tell you, it is a good 30 seconds worth!!!

Now the answer I came up with quickly for my life summary statement was this. (And it came to my mind with no hesitation.) You see, I have a two-part summary of my life. Before I became a committed follower of Jesus Christ (age 48) and then at 49 a brand-new person. This word came to my mind on the road this morning because Paul’s statement matches perfectly my 30 Second Summary

 1 Timothy 1:

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent.

But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. "

How will you handle Chaos?

I am observing with professional experience and a certain level of amusement the reaction of so many people, countries and organizations to Americas new economic and international trade strategies conducted by the new administration. And, to witness this administrations aggressive attempt to do what they promised they would do if they were elected. 

This is a paradigm shift that has caused great consternation for many but is exaggerated by doomsayers and political enemies who prey on the fears of the uninformed who rely on the opinion of others to determine their own belief i.e. the news media and social media.

The opposition to the President is screaming “He’s creating CHAOS!”.. To which I respond “GREAT!”

Throughout history and in personal human growth, very little happens unless some event or leadership challenges the status quo that creates CHAOS which intern creates new behavior.

 Tom Peters book was published the day of the stock market severe downturn in October 1987..It was called “Black Monday”. The author challenged leadership of organizations to think and act differently if they were to not only going to survive, but “Thrive” in uncertain economic times. Even during Biblical history, challenging the accepted “religious norms” caused leadership of that day to turn to murder in order to tamp down the “Chaos” that threatened their comfortable existence.

“If you’re not in a Crisis, Create one” ..This statement is created to Gary Christensen, former CEO of Pella Corporation, to create a sense of urgency. When do we tend to be most “on top of our game”? When there is a challenge…an obstacle to overcome…a new market to be fastest into…a threat to our existence. If you get complacent that things are going well, “create crisis” to work on the next big thing. Edward Deming helped change the Japanese economic landscape with the steps for transformation explained in his writing “Out of Crisis”.

In my next writings I will be discussing the beauty of Uncertainty, and it’s benefit to personal and organizational growth..Until then, I will be cheering the Chaos that has the potential to make consequential growth and flourishing not only for America, but for the world.