Measuring Success

Tuesday, August 11 2020

Each week I do this, I get to see all the names of the people I send this to in the bcc section of my email.

Each week I am in awe that I know you, each and everyone of you; I am not worthy of such a community.

Each week I pray that each of you is known, whole, loved, finding your purpose and knowing your place as God has ordained it

Each week I am grateful for you, your family, your work and your purpose.

Each week I hope that you will do the hard thing and make the difference only you were made to create.

Each week with joy I consider the ripples you possess now and to come.

Each week your impact becomes greater and the love for those in your care becomes stronger.

Well done, man. Well done.

Measuring Success

It's easy to compare ourselves to those around us. Outwardly we can see the trappings of worldly success amongst us all and desire what those around us have. We do this even though we are not living others lives but our own.

Why do we do this? Part of it is the covetous nature of fallen man living in sin. Part of it is we have been conditioned through different mediums to covet things. Think about how many commercial slogans you can remember for the best items produced by man; cars, watches, boats, booze, food, razors, the list goes on and on.

So, How do you measure success?

Measuring Success

Here's one mans definition:

“A person's success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” - Tim Ferriss

Because of how it's played out in my life I believe this to be true. In fact, in my opinion, the best conversations are the difficult ones and I believe we should relish and wallow and roll around in messy difficult uncomfortable conversations. Now you know why I ask you the things I do! And some of you rue the day I asked.

So, How do you measure success?

Measuring Success

2020 has been a year of uncomfortable conversations. But that's not the only determinant of success, its one of the determinants. Before we can have those conversations we need to define what success looks like for us.

What is your stake in the ground? What is it that you measure yourself to each day? How do you determine if you've made progress or not? What does the man in the mirror say to you?

We need to have our guiding principle, that definition of success that helps us make decisions, that shapes our thoughts, that guides us when we need clarity. Because it's based on our values, priorities, and principles

Measuring Success

Here's the simple task. Finish the following sentence:

I am successful if....

also do this exercise with your wife for your family:

We are successful if...

Answering these two simple sentences for yourself and family will give you clarity around how to spend time, money, activities, schooling choices, vacations, where to worship, who to hang out with and a multitude of other items.

It will also lead to much needed uncomfortable conversations and that leads to a life well-lived with lots of clarity. We all would appreciate more of that.

Don't Fear That Day!

Jonathan Kennedy Jr.