Here’s an exercise that might help as we head into the new year.
It came out of a conversation with a friend who, after a career of major contribution, including in international locations, is looking at options for the future. In one sense, he has so many he could do it can be overwhelming; on the other, it should be only one. But which?
On a napkin I jotted a little “assignment” that could provide focus. It might also be good for the rest of us. Here it is:
1 Evaluate and label your gifts
2 Evaluate and label your major areas of experience
3 Identify your potential contribution
Do it all on one page.
It’s my opinion that each of us, as we go, are refining our gifts and gathering experiences that in time culminate into contribution that only we can make. And we should be making it.
When we started out we didn’t know our gifts. Education tried to introduce us to them all, just in case. As time progressed we began to understand our particular leanings, what interested us and what didn’t. As we’ve matured we’ve come to identify these without inhibition or fear of boasting. It’s not that we’re so great at these things, or in any way “arrived,” but they are the areas we want to pursue, and do so with joy.
Then, in life, there have been circumstances . . . jobs and roles that have honed these talents. This has also meant working them in a social setting, among the bristly coworkers, the opposers, the visionaries that understand us and the dolts that never will.
Some good, some not so good, all experiences have influenced a perspective that, if we don’t give up, can work to bring something together closer to perfect.
Then: contribution. I use that word because it puts all this in the right direction. Our gifts, though ours, are really for others. It’s all to somehow add to the wider good. And if we think about this way, it helps us get off the undermining accusations that we’re only pleasing ourselves (even if we are also pleased).
So, it’s a(nother) starting place. And, really, we’re starting again all the time. Make your own list. Maybe it’ll help as we enter another new year.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
1:12 pm
Having evaluated the above, my goal for the New Year will be this: resolve to do something I really want to do, then do it.
2:07 pm
Very well said and presented. Thank you for this. I’m on it!
2:49 pm
Beautifully articulated, Hyatt! As usual! Very helpful! Thank you for this blessing. I can really see how this helps solidify what you are spending your time doing with your life. Very important that it makes sense, especially as you age. Thank you. Lisa
11:13 am
A great way to start the new year. I’m going to get out a napkin right now!
6:34 pm
Hyatt, you nailed it this time. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and miss your comaraderie.
2:28 pm
Righto Hyatt! It never too late…nothing is ever wasted with God. Your encouragement gives us good clues to discover the following… “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) -makes for an interesting path!