DAY 8
THE PROBLEM AND ME By Jeff Shinabarger Founder of Plywood People and author of More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity. @shinabarger
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ometimes I have these feelings that I am made to do something significant, something bigger than myself. Have you ever dreamt of this kind of a future for yourself ? Tomorrow always seems easier than today. There are many times that I launch into something new and think to myself, this is it. This is the one that is going to hit big. This is truly going to make a change. This is why I am here and this is what is going to matter. This idea is the one that will change everything.
my first jobs that had a misspelling in the title. It cost our company $20,000 to reprint the brochure. I should have known I am not an editor. I will never forget sitting down with my boss and hearing him state very clearly that he could have bought a new car for the cost of reprinting the brochure. Understand what you are good at and focus on those things, then bring people around you who are great at your weaknesses. Let them do what they are good at and you do what only you can do.
Then reality hits. The biggest challenge in this purpose coming into existence is me. I am the problem. Here is how I fall short. I try to be something I am not. I let fears overcome my potential. I am more attracted to new ideas than the one I am working on. In the midst of making something significant, I neglect the people who matter most.
2) Be courageous and don’t be overtaken by your fears.
I’m sure you can’t relate. These four tensions are the difference between making and dreaming. The root of all these problems is me. 1) Understand who you are and who you are not. When you take on projects and roles that don’t match your strengths, it never turns out good. For example, I remember editing a brochure in one of 34
Jon Acuff says it so eloquently: “Punch fear in the face.” We all have fears creep into our minds, and doubts where we question if we are able to do what we feel created to do. When you start believing that you can achieve your dream and address the problem sitting in front of you, others will believe you can succeed and join in the pursuit. The truth is, many times we will fail, but that is how we learn and gain practice to be greater. This is progress in achieving your 10,000 hours toward becoming an expert that Malcalm Gladwell has so perfectly communicated. If in your moments of failure, you fail with courage, you will gain influence with the people around you. Most people want to do something that matters but most don’t have the guts to begin. Give us what you’ve got. We are all at a loss until you are fully living what only you can contribute to the world.
From Clouds To Concrete
