Archive for category goals
The Myth Of One
Posted by DaveOlson in goals, personal growth, self-discipline on Aug 27, 2010
Most of us are always looking for the one thing. That one key to breakthrough. That one shift that will change our lives and the lives all around us.
I actually think it is the built-in weakness of revivalist evangelical thinking. If we just get that revival then our world and the city we live in will be changed.
Unfortunately for us life is much more complicated. It is full of nuance and shades. You can’t break it down into the one thing. (sorry Marcus)
The one thing is for linear thinkers. Those who depend on order and steps to life. The kind of thinking that gets entirely thrown for a loop when something comes at them from a direction they didn’t expect. Thinkers like me!
We look for that one filter, that one key, that one concept that will change our lives. In reality it’s that one idea that bounces you around to another concept that helps you remember to take care of that other thing and pay attention to the way you speak to someone else.
Forget the three keys to happiness or the ten steps to success. Trying to find the ONE thing often results in stagnation. We become consumed with looking around us instead of looking forward. We analyze instead of capitalize. Looking for the key to our next level is a good excuse for staying on this level.
So forget the ONE thing, except maybe this:
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,” Philippians 3:13b
Yeah, I know, the bible does every once in a while talk about one thing. But it’s not one key to life it’s simply the one thing you need to do next. BIG difference.
So what am I saying? Stop looking for the ONE thing that will revolutionize your _____ (business, marriage, life… fill in the blank). Instead look for the NEXT thing you need to do to move forward into your destiny. It may be a subtle difference but it could be the difference between stagnation and moving forward.
Keep charging forward.
Measured in Generations Not Circulation
Posted by DaveOlson in goals, leadership, personal growth, ramblings on Apr 25, 2010
Been thinking…. about influence!
If we measure our influence within the span of our lifetime, is it really influence? I mean like how many facebook friends we have or how many twitter followers. Or how many people come to our church or how many subscribers we have to our blog, magazine or newsletter. All ways of measuring influence but is it really influence or just a fad.
by Yoni Lerner
I think real influence should be measured in generations not circulation. The most influential people in history may or may not have been hugely successful or had many followers in their lifetime. In fact the the most influential person in history had only 120 people show up to follow his last instructions. If Christ’s influence would have been measured by the popularity standards we hold to now, Ashton Kutcher or Oprah would have to be considered more influential.
But… and it’s a pretty big but, if we measure influence in generations, then Christ’s influence has outlasted anyone in history. In fact when we look back on history, the only real influencers are still remembered generations after they had their earthly sojourn.
So… my point is this: shouldn’t we spend more time living for the generations that will follow us and less time building for today? What do you think?
Your Turn: You have only one day to make a change!
Posted by DaveOlson in goals, personal growth, self-discipline on Jul 11, 2007
You have only 24 hours to make one(1) change in your life.
What will it be and why?
I’ll go first! Then we can all talk!