Recently, I set about a plan to record devotionals. I don't have a recording studio I can access, nor do I have a so-called desk studio in my home. The high-value, low cost shock mount mic is still at the local music store. My subscription to Voice 1-2-3 remains fun to watch, and the only mixer I have access to is made by Sunbeam.
What's a speaker and budding recording artist to do??
Use your imagination. With that very thought in mind, I picked up my smartphone, swept my app screens to the left and stopped on the Voice Recorder. A gentle tap, the app opened, I tapped record and started talking. Problem was...I was in the house. Family, neighbors, animals and all manner of noisy life tend to ignore the sign on your head that says ON AIR.
I was forced to retreat to the only available haven for peace, the only retreat for solitude...my Bronco. That's right. A classic, 1995 Ford Bronco (351 V-8, Cleveland Block, just sayin') was calling my name and beckoning me to slide behind the wheel and go for a ride. Don't know if you've ever sought peace and quiet in a Bronco. I'll say this: Peace - a state of mind - is possible. Quiet - a state of noise - is not.
This is where imagination came to the rescue. My thought was why not make this devotional series real and raw? Forget the sterility of a studio with its sound engineers and 256 track board! Forget the desk studio and the eggcrate cone of silence! I say give me hundreds of ponies under the hood, and ambient sound that would make Mad Max proud!
My first Bronco Devotional turned out to be quite a success. The mic on the smartphone (samsung, android) is actually pretty good. There was never a time that I had to wonder what it was I said because the entire 12-minutes was clear as a bell! I converted it to MP3 and had a keeper. The road noise actually added an interesting backdrop and lent an edge of authenticity to my remarks. No script while driving. You either know the material or you don't.
Recall when those TV shows began to use a camera that seemed to move all over the place? I think it was NYPD Blue that broke the ground for that trend. After feeling an initial irritation, I realized the genius behind the ploy; I concentrated all the more on the center of the frame. And so it is with the Bronco Devotionals - listeners pay close attention to the 'center' of the sound.
Want to record for an audience? Want to podcast? Want to burn to CD for giveaway or sale? Get your imagination involved and create opportunities! If you want to succeed, you will. If you want to make excuses...you will. Don't make excuses, make successes. The recording studio is where you choose. Turn on your mic, but first turn on your imagination.
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Arrive Early...Stay Late
Arrive early, stay late. Not just a recipe for getting the most out of a baseball game, this is the recipe for delivering a speaking homerun!
I learned the truth of this adage years ago when I was scheduled to roll out a new record retrieval process to my company's client, a national insurance company. As is my habit when unfamiliar with a company's location, I arrive in the area as much as an hour early if time permits. It is important to avoid unnecessary distractions prior to speaking, and feeling rushed is the easiest distraction to eliminate. On this particular day, I was about thirty minutes early to the assembly.
Arrive Early
As the Southeast Regional Sales Manager it was my job to be the face of the program, and to answer any questions the affected insurance company staff might have. The paralegals tasked with record retrieval in defense of personal injury claims were my audience that day, and about 50 were scheduled to be in attendance. By arriving early I was able to meet with the lady who organized the gathering. She provided invaluable insights as to the general mood in her office regarding the change in procedure her company was undertaking.
After chatting for about ten minutes, I was shown to the auditorium where I would speak. She briefed me on their sound system, gave me the mic to use, showed me how to use their overhead projector, and the entrance the paralegals would use. All that was left was to walk the room and get comfortable with the stage, which I did.
Five minutes prior to the start of the meeting paralegals began to trickle in. As they did, I was able to engage them individually, learn their names, and (this is important) not discuss the whole point of the meeting. Why not mention it? Well we were about to spend 45 minutes discussing the new procedures with a Q&A to follow. But I wanted the audience to view me as a person with whom they could relate; someone there to make their life easier rather than as a bureaucrat with an agenda.
I was able to meet, greet, and discover personal information about five of the paralegals, and as an added bonus these five professionals sat with other of their colleagues. This gave me five 'friends' spread across the room. During my remarks I was able to personalize the new procedures by noting how they would help Bob or Nancy, for example, do their job. For a laugh I poked fun at the guy who graduated from a college known to be a rival of my own school. Because of the pre-meeting interaction the atmosphere was lighter and the new procedures were more readily embraced.
Stay Late
Having been in the audience of many Q&A sessions, I can tell you that all the Q's don't get A'd. Plan your allotted time for the speaking engagement so that you can hang around afterwards for at least ten minutes. It is not necessary to reserve twenty or thirty minutes. Being available for just ten minutes afterwards shows a commitment on your part to the people who are expected to implement the process, procedure, or program you have just introduced.
The good news keeps coming. If unable to give adequate attention to the remaining questions, you can schedule face-to-face follow up meetings with smaller groups on or offsite the company campus. If interest warrants you may also address the entire assembly again, further cementing your position as the subject matter expert and reliable partner in the new program.
Now think about 'Arrive Early, Stay Late' in terms of a paid speaking gig....
Bearing in mind the strategies above, by arriving early and staying late at a paid gig, you reinforce your fees, increase back-of-the-room sales, and solidify your relationship with the client. Word of mouth with Event Planners affiliated with the gig talk, and the talk will be about your willingness to go above and beyond for their clients. It will be noted that you are a true professional, and your business will increase accordingly. Arrive early, stay late. Be the professional other professionals can count on.
Fearlessly,
JD
I learned the truth of this adage years ago when I was scheduled to roll out a new record retrieval process to my company's client, a national insurance company. As is my habit when unfamiliar with a company's location, I arrive in the area as much as an hour early if time permits. It is important to avoid unnecessary distractions prior to speaking, and feeling rushed is the easiest distraction to eliminate. On this particular day, I was about thirty minutes early to the assembly.
Arrive Early
As the Southeast Regional Sales Manager it was my job to be the face of the program, and to answer any questions the affected insurance company staff might have. The paralegals tasked with record retrieval in defense of personal injury claims were my audience that day, and about 50 were scheduled to be in attendance. By arriving early I was able to meet with the lady who organized the gathering. She provided invaluable insights as to the general mood in her office regarding the change in procedure her company was undertaking.
After chatting for about ten minutes, I was shown to the auditorium where I would speak. She briefed me on their sound system, gave me the mic to use, showed me how to use their overhead projector, and the entrance the paralegals would use. All that was left was to walk the room and get comfortable with the stage, which I did.
Five minutes prior to the start of the meeting paralegals began to trickle in. As they did, I was able to engage them individually, learn their names, and (this is important) not discuss the whole point of the meeting. Why not mention it? Well we were about to spend 45 minutes discussing the new procedures with a Q&A to follow. But I wanted the audience to view me as a person with whom they could relate; someone there to make their life easier rather than as a bureaucrat with an agenda.
I was able to meet, greet, and discover personal information about five of the paralegals, and as an added bonus these five professionals sat with other of their colleagues. This gave me five 'friends' spread across the room. During my remarks I was able to personalize the new procedures by noting how they would help Bob or Nancy, for example, do their job. For a laugh I poked fun at the guy who graduated from a college known to be a rival of my own school. Because of the pre-meeting interaction the atmosphere was lighter and the new procedures were more readily embraced.
Stay Late
Having been in the audience of many Q&A sessions, I can tell you that all the Q's don't get A'd. Plan your allotted time for the speaking engagement so that you can hang around afterwards for at least ten minutes. It is not necessary to reserve twenty or thirty minutes. Being available for just ten minutes afterwards shows a commitment on your part to the people who are expected to implement the process, procedure, or program you have just introduced.
The good news keeps coming. If unable to give adequate attention to the remaining questions, you can schedule face-to-face follow up meetings with smaller groups on or offsite the company campus. If interest warrants you may also address the entire assembly again, further cementing your position as the subject matter expert and reliable partner in the new program.
Now think about 'Arrive Early, Stay Late' in terms of a paid speaking gig....
Bearing in mind the strategies above, by arriving early and staying late at a paid gig, you reinforce your fees, increase back-of-the-room sales, and solidify your relationship with the client. Word of mouth with Event Planners affiliated with the gig talk, and the talk will be about your willingness to go above and beyond for their clients. It will be noted that you are a true professional, and your business will increase accordingly. Arrive early, stay late. Be the professional other professionals can count on.
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Inspiration is Everywhere
From where does inspiration come? For those who make the effort to be aware of all that is going on around us each day, to learn from conversations with clients, customers, prospects, friends, family, and to stay attuned to the deeper meaning in the personal issues of life there is found a wealth of material for speeches. Life is such an amazing school! Inherent in our daily activities are opportunities to learn if only we will receive the education.
Bear in mind it takes sensitivity to redeem the input and convert it to a message capable of stirring motivation in an audience. We must be sensitive to what can be gleaned from the input received if we are to turn the information into a universally profitable experience.
As an example - let's say you are in a bit of a rush for lunch and decide to drop in to a fast food restaurant. The best option is an establishment with an indoor play area for children, and the only available table is near the playground. While seated for lunch, you have set a goal of checking your smartphone for emails and text messages, and to returning those which can be addressed quickly. Thirty minutes is allotted for lunch and smartphone tasks then it's back on the highway.
After ordering your meal, making yourself comfortable, and fine tuning the delicate interplay of phone, fries, napkin, sandwich, napkin, and drink, the unexpected occurs. On this particular day, you have arrived at a restaurant which caters to a large, local daycare. A portion of every dollar spent on meals today will be re-directed to the daycare facility to buy supplies.
Not only is the restaurant suddenly flooded with participating parents, but also the objects of the corporate affection, dozens of four and five-year olds. You are seated at the epicenter of seismic activity! Suddenly, it is impossible to remain engaged in your business as you are only desiring to choke down the food fast and get back on the road...texting can wait.
But wait! All around you are crowd control measures you were once practiced in when you took your own children to the local burger or chicken joint for a quick bite. The frenetic pace of children running to and fro, the parents thinking little Sally or Tommy will actually eat the food in front of them, the child crying for no apparent reason, and the other patrons who share your pending indigestion are a live show for which you have a front row seat!
Take mental notes, jot down ideas as they come, but whatever you do please do not miss the opportunity to absorb this small slice of life, and to take from it lessons for a future audience. The only lesson might be a greater need to slow down and stop rushing, but that's a speech. The laughter of children; their tremendous energy level; beleaguered parents; their diminishing energy level; and the efforts of the restaurant staff are all ripe for lessons you may add to your speaking repertoire.
Be alert friends! Your portfolio of speech programming is increasing all around you. A buffet of material unfolds each day to those who are open to the inspiration. Be one of those who knows inspiration when it arrives...and learns from it.
Fearlessly,
JD
Bear in mind it takes sensitivity to redeem the input and convert it to a message capable of stirring motivation in an audience. We must be sensitive to what can be gleaned from the input received if we are to turn the information into a universally profitable experience.
As an example - let's say you are in a bit of a rush for lunch and decide to drop in to a fast food restaurant. The best option is an establishment with an indoor play area for children, and the only available table is near the playground. While seated for lunch, you have set a goal of checking your smartphone for emails and text messages, and to returning those which can be addressed quickly. Thirty minutes is allotted for lunch and smartphone tasks then it's back on the highway.
After ordering your meal, making yourself comfortable, and fine tuning the delicate interplay of phone, fries, napkin, sandwich, napkin, and drink, the unexpected occurs. On this particular day, you have arrived at a restaurant which caters to a large, local daycare. A portion of every dollar spent on meals today will be re-directed to the daycare facility to buy supplies.
Not only is the restaurant suddenly flooded with participating parents, but also the objects of the corporate affection, dozens of four and five-year olds. You are seated at the epicenter of seismic activity! Suddenly, it is impossible to remain engaged in your business as you are only desiring to choke down the food fast and get back on the road...texting can wait.
But wait! All around you are crowd control measures you were once practiced in when you took your own children to the local burger or chicken joint for a quick bite. The frenetic pace of children running to and fro, the parents thinking little Sally or Tommy will actually eat the food in front of them, the child crying for no apparent reason, and the other patrons who share your pending indigestion are a live show for which you have a front row seat!
Take mental notes, jot down ideas as they come, but whatever you do please do not miss the opportunity to absorb this small slice of life, and to take from it lessons for a future audience. The only lesson might be a greater need to slow down and stop rushing, but that's a speech. The laughter of children; their tremendous energy level; beleaguered parents; their diminishing energy level; and the efforts of the restaurant staff are all ripe for lessons you may add to your speaking repertoire.
Be alert friends! Your portfolio of speech programming is increasing all around you. A buffet of material unfolds each day to those who are open to the inspiration. Be one of those who knows inspiration when it arrives...and learns from it.
Fearlessly,
JD
Monday, June 11, 2012
Design, Purpose, Passion, Destiny
We have a very specific design, although our individual designs are all different. My physical design includes my appearance, the way I prefer to dress (www.pinterest.com/jdthespeaker), how my brain processes and absorbs information, and how my lungs, diaphragm, vocal chords, and tongue turn sound into speech. My design is also intangible. I have life and educational experiences unique to me, related to both nurture and nature, which inform my knowledge base, worldview, and opinions.
My purpose is linked to my design. Because of my design, my purpose is more achievable. With a different appearance, voice quality, or ability to translate thought into speech my specific purpose would either be impossible or different. But that is not so. My purpose is to encourage others. I have coined the phrase, "Be better than you've been, and do more than you've done," to identify the goal of my message.
The message finds an audience based upon more than just design and purpose however. There has to be passion for a thing to drive its pursuit. Without the passion to see men and women become all they are meant to be in this life, my design and purpose would fail. If you have no demonstrable passion for a particular pursuit - any moral and legal one will do - then your design is wasted, and your purpose will go unfulfilled. However those of us who do have a passion are led directly and correctly into a life of destiny.
You see none of us are here by accident. No cosmic coincidence has resulted in this planet's ridiculously amazing and diverse flora and fauna. There is design inherent in all the natural world. I laugh sometimes at the thought of wild animals having a 'fear' of man (we can't out-run them, out-swim them, out-climb them, without weapons defend ourselves, and should by no means, apart from being well-armed, attack them).
But because life on this planet follows that design (our dominion), we are free to discern our purpose, pursue our passion, and live a life of destiny. The destiny of the person who embraces their design, identifies their purpose, and pursues their passion is a journey comprised of learning and living. Consciously or not, with passion in our lives we will work each day to be better than we have been, and to do more than we have done.
I know people whose design and purpose has resulted in passions for hunting, music, making friends, sports, real estate, selling, starting businesses, acting, medicine, law, and on and on. (hint: there's a reason not everyone wants to be a doctor...) We have different designs, purposes to achieve, and passions to propel us. Our destiny awaits!
For more on defining YOUR passion, and living YOUR destiny, read my book, Be Known for Your DEEDS. It's available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.
Fearlessly,
JD
My purpose is linked to my design. Because of my design, my purpose is more achievable. With a different appearance, voice quality, or ability to translate thought into speech my specific purpose would either be impossible or different. But that is not so. My purpose is to encourage others. I have coined the phrase, "Be better than you've been, and do more than you've done," to identify the goal of my message.
The message finds an audience based upon more than just design and purpose however. There has to be passion for a thing to drive its pursuit. Without the passion to see men and women become all they are meant to be in this life, my design and purpose would fail. If you have no demonstrable passion for a particular pursuit - any moral and legal one will do - then your design is wasted, and your purpose will go unfulfilled. However those of us who do have a passion are led directly and correctly into a life of destiny.
You see none of us are here by accident. No cosmic coincidence has resulted in this planet's ridiculously amazing and diverse flora and fauna. There is design inherent in all the natural world. I laugh sometimes at the thought of wild animals having a 'fear' of man (we can't out-run them, out-swim them, out-climb them, without weapons defend ourselves, and should by no means, apart from being well-armed, attack them).
But because life on this planet follows that design (our dominion), we are free to discern our purpose, pursue our passion, and live a life of destiny. The destiny of the person who embraces their design, identifies their purpose, and pursues their passion is a journey comprised of learning and living. Consciously or not, with passion in our lives we will work each day to be better than we have been, and to do more than we have done.
I know people whose design and purpose has resulted in passions for hunting, music, making friends, sports, real estate, selling, starting businesses, acting, medicine, law, and on and on. (hint: there's a reason not everyone wants to be a doctor...) We have different designs, purposes to achieve, and passions to propel us. Our destiny awaits!
For more on defining YOUR passion, and living YOUR destiny, read my book, Be Known for Your DEEDS. It's available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.
Fearlessly,
JD
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Passion Without Action, Say It Ain't So!
Shortly after I had the revelation of my design and purpose - to encourage men and women to be better than they've been and do more than they've done by defining their passion (design/purpose), then living it out, I had another revelation. I discovered that passion defined did not equate to passion activated.
Case in point, Jack. Jack's story is told in my new book, Be Known for Your DEEDS (available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com). Unlike me, Jack did not have to ask of the Lord why he is here. He knew as soon as I asked. Without hesitation or equivocation, Jack said his passion is movies. I asked if he wanted to act, direct, produce or what. His answer was D, none of the above.
Jack just loved watching movies. In theaters, on cable, VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, it mattered not; he just loved watching movies. In response to my assertion that once passion is defined a person will either make a living from that passion, or have a job they enjoy which funds their passion, Jack said, "So how am I supposed to make a living from watching movies?"
I accepted the challenge, and said, "Become a professional movie critic." He scoffed at that suggestion, and then scoffed at my assertion that he could still be 'passion-employed' by contacting a local free newspaper, and offering to be their unpaid movie critic. I suspected that if a free paper had such a column it was most likely syndicated. How beneficial to end the syndication fee, and have local talent on the ground for free!
Jack wasn't interested. It took me a minute to process that. I had been excited beyond measure when my passion was defined! Here I am four years later blogging about it. Jack didn't believe a newspaper would do what I suggested (no call to check??), and besides why do something and not get paid? Call me old-fashioned, but isn't there room for enjoyment in life apart from monetary gain?
Sure there is! It's why we volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, coach our children's soccer team, learn to ski, go rock-climbing, buy a bicycle, jump out of a plane, or...watch movies! Hello!
So if your passion is defined - do something about it. It makes absolutely no sense to me that anyone could know their passion (design/purpose), and do nothing. Just cannot wrap my brain around that kind of indifference. It's not a hobby being contemplated it's the actual key to one's destiny and reason for being! Ah, well. You can lead a horse to water....
Fearlessly,
JD
Case in point, Jack. Jack's story is told in my new book, Be Known for Your DEEDS (available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com). Unlike me, Jack did not have to ask of the Lord why he is here. He knew as soon as I asked. Without hesitation or equivocation, Jack said his passion is movies. I asked if he wanted to act, direct, produce or what. His answer was D, none of the above.
Jack just loved watching movies. In theaters, on cable, VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, it mattered not; he just loved watching movies. In response to my assertion that once passion is defined a person will either make a living from that passion, or have a job they enjoy which funds their passion, Jack said, "So how am I supposed to make a living from watching movies?"
I accepted the challenge, and said, "Become a professional movie critic." He scoffed at that suggestion, and then scoffed at my assertion that he could still be 'passion-employed' by contacting a local free newspaper, and offering to be their unpaid movie critic. I suspected that if a free paper had such a column it was most likely syndicated. How beneficial to end the syndication fee, and have local talent on the ground for free!
Jack wasn't interested. It took me a minute to process that. I had been excited beyond measure when my passion was defined! Here I am four years later blogging about it. Jack didn't believe a newspaper would do what I suggested (no call to check??), and besides why do something and not get paid? Call me old-fashioned, but isn't there room for enjoyment in life apart from monetary gain?
Sure there is! It's why we volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, coach our children's soccer team, learn to ski, go rock-climbing, buy a bicycle, jump out of a plane, or...watch movies! Hello!
So if your passion is defined - do something about it. It makes absolutely no sense to me that anyone could know their passion (design/purpose), and do nothing. Just cannot wrap my brain around that kind of indifference. It's not a hobby being contemplated it's the actual key to one's destiny and reason for being! Ah, well. You can lead a horse to water....
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Childhood Evidence
One of the central messages I deliver to audiences is the idea that as early as childhood the passion for a thing will have manifested. As an example, one can easily peg me in two categories professionally, speaker and writer. I am without doubt living out my passion and walking in my destiny! It is hard to describe how blessed I feel each day to know that I know why I'm here on this planet, and am living that purpose.
The evidence in my childhood points to both speaking and writing. Joke-teller, 'star' of Rumplestiltskin in the 3rd grade, a role in the Christmas play in the 5th grade, a student organizer of Hippy Day at my elementary school in the 6th grade (made it on camera for local news coverage!), and on and on. I was also very proud of my handwriting. In the 2nd grade I won a kiss and a pack of M&Ms from my teacher for the best penmanship in my class.
So I wonder if Jacques Cousteau had a fascination for the ocean when he was a boy? Did this man who was instrumental in the development of SCUBA display his passion for the sea in the earliest years of his life? If you are in your 40's or older did you ever miss, 'The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau' when it came on television? Not if you could help it....
The evidence may be a love of baseball that becomes a life in the sport, or a love of music that becomes a life in the arts. Perhaps you were a doodler, or like me and always talking (always!). Maybe you liked putting together puzzles, or seemed destructive because you took everything apart to see how it was made. I am convinced the evidence is there for each of us.
In that evidence are the clues to our individual and personal design; the very foundation of why we are here on this planet. Recall how very different you felt from the other kids, and even from your brothers, sisters, or Mom and Dad? The reason is not bad, but instead a clue which may unlock your destiny.
That clue has virtually nothing to do with your gender, your race, or your ethnicity. It will not promote immorality, illegality, or division. The clues and the evidence they support are instead of the greatest benefit to you and those you love. This evidence, at least that which I discovered, leads to your passion, and passion leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose. Start digging. What does the evidence tell you?
Go to www.LifeThreadCommunications.com and check out my book on this subject, Be Known for Your DEEDS!
Fearlessly,
JD
The evidence in my childhood points to both speaking and writing. Joke-teller, 'star' of Rumplestiltskin in the 3rd grade, a role in the Christmas play in the 5th grade, a student organizer of Hippy Day at my elementary school in the 6th grade (made it on camera for local news coverage!), and on and on. I was also very proud of my handwriting. In the 2nd grade I won a kiss and a pack of M&Ms from my teacher for the best penmanship in my class.
So I wonder if Jacques Cousteau had a fascination for the ocean when he was a boy? Did this man who was instrumental in the development of SCUBA display his passion for the sea in the earliest years of his life? If you are in your 40's or older did you ever miss, 'The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau' when it came on television? Not if you could help it....
The evidence may be a love of baseball that becomes a life in the sport, or a love of music that becomes a life in the arts. Perhaps you were a doodler, or like me and always talking (always!). Maybe you liked putting together puzzles, or seemed destructive because you took everything apart to see how it was made. I am convinced the evidence is there for each of us.
In that evidence are the clues to our individual and personal design; the very foundation of why we are here on this planet. Recall how very different you felt from the other kids, and even from your brothers, sisters, or Mom and Dad? The reason is not bad, but instead a clue which may unlock your destiny.
That clue has virtually nothing to do with your gender, your race, or your ethnicity. It will not promote immorality, illegality, or division. The clues and the evidence they support are instead of the greatest benefit to you and those you love. This evidence, at least that which I discovered, leads to your passion, and passion leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose. Start digging. What does the evidence tell you?
Go to www.LifeThreadCommunications.com and check out my book on this subject, Be Known for Your DEEDS!
Fearlessly,
JD
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Be a Finisher!
I have just finished publishing a book for a gentleman in Florida. He worked diligently, thoughtfully, and finished his manuscript. Then he sent me the completed manuscript which I edited and published. Completion is a beautiful thing.
A dear friend of mine by the name of Dennis Mwanza was visiting with me in 2005. In a Bible Study he led, the message was, Have a Finishing Anointing. You see, many people are terrific at beginning projects. Other folks are equally adept at picking up a project mid-stream, and working it. It seems, however, that far fewer people have the ability to start a project, and see it through to a successful conclusion.
Most projects of any size and difficulty require a tremendous amount of discipline to see them through to completion. Within Discipline (adherence to character) are the Four Keys to Project Completion. #1 is Demonstrate Resolve (determination in the face of opposing odds); #2 is Show Dedication (avoiding the distractions that will arise); #3 is Have Ambition (achievement leading to promotion); and #4 is Provide Leadership (ability to inspire others).
The gentleman in Florida set about to write a book. He began with inspiration like so many do. His inspiration was enough to begin writing. How many get inspired and start strong? When the natural inspiration began to wane, he had to generate his own. He had to remember why he had started the book (project), and the resulting benefit to himself and others once it was completed. Then he had to keep writing. He had to write on the days he loved to write, and he had to write on the days when he'd rather do anything else.
He had to maintain discipline. With discipline he brought his manuscript to completion. A project, more than 100 pages in size, with a difficulty anchored in the unknown - he had never written a book. Who could have blamed him if he threw in the towel 40, 50, or 60 pages in? The excuse would be, "I'm a little burnt out. I'll pick it back up next week," or perhaps, "I've got writer's block. I need some fresh inspiration."
The end result in most cases of 'burn out' or 'writers' block' is months pass, excuses mount, and the project languishes on the scrap heap of other abandoned, inspirations. If you recognize yourself here, then you know the book could be any number of projects we undertake but never quite finish. As my friend from Zambia noted, "We tend to lack a finishing anointing."
The next time inspiration hits try this simple exercise...
1. Find real paper (the back of an envelope will not work!), and write down the inspired idea.
2. Write down the date of the idea
3. Imagine the project completed, and create a start-to-finish outline of your successful project
4. Don't quit this exercise until it is fully realized, and do it in one sitting.
You will have gone further and done more than 99% of the project starters on the planet. You owe yourself a pat on the back, but not a long one. Now sit back down and plot a realistic timeline for completion. Then crank up your discipline, get busy, and finish strong!
Fearlessly,
JD
A dear friend of mine by the name of Dennis Mwanza was visiting with me in 2005. In a Bible Study he led, the message was, Have a Finishing Anointing. You see, many people are terrific at beginning projects. Other folks are equally adept at picking up a project mid-stream, and working it. It seems, however, that far fewer people have the ability to start a project, and see it through to a successful conclusion.
Most projects of any size and difficulty require a tremendous amount of discipline to see them through to completion. Within Discipline (adherence to character) are the Four Keys to Project Completion. #1 is Demonstrate Resolve (determination in the face of opposing odds); #2 is Show Dedication (avoiding the distractions that will arise); #3 is Have Ambition (achievement leading to promotion); and #4 is Provide Leadership (ability to inspire others).
The gentleman in Florida set about to write a book. He began with inspiration like so many do. His inspiration was enough to begin writing. How many get inspired and start strong? When the natural inspiration began to wane, he had to generate his own. He had to remember why he had started the book (project), and the resulting benefit to himself and others once it was completed. Then he had to keep writing. He had to write on the days he loved to write, and he had to write on the days when he'd rather do anything else.
He had to maintain discipline. With discipline he brought his manuscript to completion. A project, more than 100 pages in size, with a difficulty anchored in the unknown - he had never written a book. Who could have blamed him if he threw in the towel 40, 50, or 60 pages in? The excuse would be, "I'm a little burnt out. I'll pick it back up next week," or perhaps, "I've got writer's block. I need some fresh inspiration."
The end result in most cases of 'burn out' or 'writers' block' is months pass, excuses mount, and the project languishes on the scrap heap of other abandoned, inspirations. If you recognize yourself here, then you know the book could be any number of projects we undertake but never quite finish. As my friend from Zambia noted, "We tend to lack a finishing anointing."
The next time inspiration hits try this simple exercise...
1. Find real paper (the back of an envelope will not work!), and write down the inspired idea.
2. Write down the date of the idea
3. Imagine the project completed, and create a start-to-finish outline of your successful project
4. Don't quit this exercise until it is fully realized, and do it in one sitting.
You will have gone further and done more than 99% of the project starters on the planet. You owe yourself a pat on the back, but not a long one. Now sit back down and plot a realistic timeline for completion. Then crank up your discipline, get busy, and finish strong!
Fearlessly,
JD
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