September 9, 2010, Leadership Network put on the 2010 edition of "The Nines" (Theme: Game Changers). I've started combing through the Program Book*. Let's unpack one of the game changing Nuggets presented that day:
Presenter: Jud Wilhite
Synopsis:
"On the Appalachian Trail we reached our summit. After a few moments, we left. We realized we spent the vast majority of our time on the climb. So, when there's a hard snap, we remind ourselves 'the summit is a state of mind.' Love the challenge, love the difficulty. Don't get so caught up in the goal you lose the joy of the moment. Fall in love with the tensions of now, with the climb God has providentially placed you in tension. We usually think if we could get out of tension, then we'd have joy. But fall in love with the work God has called you to do, not the results."
Going Deeper:
Are you so goal driven that you frequently miss the joy in the tension? Do you even know what it's like to have joy in the tension?
When have you been so focused on the goal that you lost precious moments (or time, resources, relationships) in the journey?
Goals aren't the problem here. God is a God of growth and development. Stagnation is not an option. But when goals become the sole focus, they start to look dangerously close to idols. Remember what Jud says: "The summit is a state of mind."
Resources:
Are We Too Driven? (blog post)
Driven: How Human Nature Shapes Our Choices (book - Warren Bennis Series)
Is It Possible To Be Too Driven In Your Career? (blog post)
Joy In The Journey (CD - Michael Card)
Next Steps:
"9 Steps To Growing From #THENINES" * Link to Program Book included
Notices:
This blog series is not affiliated directly with Leadership Network.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe look helpful and will add value to my readers, whether I have personally read them or not. As with all suggested materials, be diligent to assess for yourself whether or not something is right for you.
Are you so goal driven that you frequently miss the joy in the tension?
Okay, so it's like you just hit me in the teeth. Something I've been wrestling with.
Posted by: MichaelDPerkins | October 20, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Sorry Michael. Hope you get feeling better soon :)
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | October 20, 2010 at 11:24 AM