It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
In this New Year I'm going to continue to explore some leadership quotes that might challenge us, inspire us or remind us of different aspects of the leadership journey. This is part of my personal journey to keep growing, learning and being stretched! Join me each Tuesday at 2:00pm (PST). It will take you just a few minutes to read through the 2 sections of this post, but don't miss the final section where I share some of the things I'm reading, listening to and enjoying this week.
You can find past posts on my website HERE.
Enjoy!
LEADERSHIP QUOTE:
“Instead of following your passion, find your greatest contribution." Tom Rath
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
We're exploring some Tom Rath quotes this month.
I saw the quote above, and had to stop and think it through a little bit.
I've always challenged people to pursue their passion, and when we do a LifePlan, we spend time discovering what that passion is and how to align with it.
When Rath said to "find your greatest contribution", that connected with me as well.
I think PASSION and CONTRIBUTION are often connected.
Ben Horowitz writes... "Passion can be deceiving. You cannot know whether what you are feeling is real. You do not know whether it will last. That is the nature of passion. It is fickle and most often short-lived. Contribution, however, is certain. It is grounded. It is tangible. You can see the impact your contribution has on the lives of other people."
This makes you think, right?
Horowitz goes on to say that often success is what fuels passion, in fact, passion is often just a byproduct of success.
Contribution on the other hand means "adding value to other people's life."
Think about those 2 words in your life: PASSION and CONTRIBUTION. How do they align? What are you following?
DEEPER STILL:
I think when Passion and Contribution intersect, then we experience this sweet spot of effectiveness and impact.
I remember when I was 30 years old, I was "challenged" or "called" to move to Ecuador to begin an organization. I think it was fueled by my passion... I love Latin America, I had a heart for young people, and I was intrigued by the challenge of starting an organization from nothing. Launching Youth World was deeply connected to my passion, and that fueled me for years and years.
However, I can honestly say that passion does change, as each of us change.
I left Youth World eventually to figure out what my greatest contribution might be to the world and the Kingdom of God.
My past couple of career transitions have been solely focused on contribution. As I get older, I'm asking the question, "what is my greatest contribution" and "where can I make the biggest impact" whether that's tied to my passion or not.
Last week I turned 59 years old... yes, a significant milestone.
My prayer today is that I would make the greatest contribution into the lives of those I have the privilege of doing life with. What I'm passionate about is secondary, and I still care deeply about some things.
How are you contributing into the lives of others? What does the next season of your life look like as you pursue your GREATEST contribution?
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Ben Horowitz post on passion & contribution HERE.
Gina and I are. going to hear Andrea Bocelli this week at the Hollywood Bowl. I'm getting ready for that listening to his Essentials Album
This week, we joined a group of our Barnabas Associates and did a tour and event at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Home of the Rams & Chargers). What a great tour, phenomenal design and time with friends!
Have to give a shoutout to the Lakers as they continue their playoff charge against the Warriors!
Lot's of lessons from the Tim Ferriss podcast interview with Danny Meyer. Many leadership lessons from this interview: "Lessons from Hospitality Excellence."