Hi Friend
I was talking to my friend Nancy this week on the day we made the new website live. She said “Haven’t you been talking about this for a long time?” lololol. I was like “YESSSSSS!” Of course, only here and to you (Nancy faithfully reads every week). So it’s possible you know how long we’ve been working on this and why it’s so thrilling for it finally to be live.
It’s more than a new website, it’s a new business model. Honestly, between you and me, it’s more than a new business model. It’s an opportunity for me to be a door opener for two amazing people who I have no doubt will far surpass what I’ve been able to do. I hope it’s just the beginning and every year or two, I’ll get to do it for a couple more passionate individuals.
If you haven’t visited it yet, please do. HawksAgency.com I’m incredibly impressed with both of their demo videos and want you to see them.
The speaking business life or any solo entrepreneur effort creates a lot of freedom, though every waking moment is possibly working time. It’s built numerous friendships in my life and offered a conduit for me to fulfill my purpose. Hopefully serving humanity in this small way contributes to others being moved to live out their passions.
However, can any of us truly live out our calling if it doesn’t include finding ways for others to live out theirs? That’s why parenting is so rewarding because our lives become a chess game of support for their endeavors. The pride we feel for their successes far surpasses our own sense of delight in our successes. (Mostly)
Fulfillment is found in contributing to others’ fulfillment!
Unfortunately, that’s harder to do than we’d think. Most of us aren’t anticipating someone to come alongside us and provide support. And if they do, immediately motives are questioned. Or a defensiveness rises up to make sure they know we don’t actually need any help. We’re pretty funny creatures.
We could be drowning and someone offers a life-preserver and we’re like “nope, I’ve got this.”
That’s the friction. Our own self-absorbed world rotates around us and the pride of another who doesn’t want to be perceived as weak or in need. Both sides finding a little selflessness fosters the potential for mutual benefit. How fabulous when that comes together.
I’ve been super fortunate over the course of my life to have people willing and wanting to invest in me. For some of them I inserted myself into their life, others by proximity gave generously. Work is definitely the most conducive environmentbecause of how much time we spend there. Sports, church, volunteering, associations and community involvement also provide opportunities for us to be invested in and invest.
At every stage of our life we need both kinds of relationships. Just this past year, I’ve put myself into multiple scenarios where I could build new friendships with people who are further along than me.
Growth Requires New Relationships
It’s probably why some of us stay small. We’re too stingy to invest in others or too arrogant to position ourselves as a student.
Instigating Ideas…
1. When was the last time you invested in someone?
2. Who invested in you and how long ago was that?
3. Who have you met recently that could contribute to your growth or you theirs?
When it comes to John and Monica, I’m convinced they’ll both dominate with their lives, whether I’m involved or not. I’m grateful I get to play a small part now before they blow up.
What about your life? Who is the next kind of person you need to graft into your relational sphere for you to grow? The beauty of growth is it occurs whether we’re the one doing the investing or the one being invested in. How great is that? The way we get stagnant is to do neither. Unfortunately, that occurs more frequently than we’d prefer.
I’d love to hear how frequently and recently you’ve made a new connection that is a catalyst to your or their growth? Do you have any mechanisms in place that helps you to discover new people? Please Share!