Weekly Thought – July 15, 2025
Fred understood the gifts God gave him. He called them his “uniqueness.” He challenged others to identify and nurture their own. He firmly grasped the concept of rhythm in life and leadership writing and speaking about its effective use.
Keeping the Engine in Gear
During times when we have no great career accomplishments, it is important to have outside achievements. This is the way to re-attach our ego and grow again.
A friend came to see me after selling his company. He was experiencing the “what’s next” low. I suggested he find satisfaction through a non-career endeavor. Several months later I saw him. To my surprise, he was 40 pounds lighter and walking with a distinctly positive gait.
“Fred, I took your suggestion. Not only have I lost the 40 pounds I carried around for so long, but I am the club doubles tennis champion.” He rediscovered the joy of achievement.
Every career has its dead spots. Inevitably, there are idling times as we hit plateaus on the climb. It is critical to remember we haven’t failed – just our plans have. Rather than throwing us off track, we can redirect our productive energies in an avocational direction. For example, we can channel our drive into ministry, or community leadership. It is important to acknowledge the value of productivity.
The lull in the career won’t extinguish the proper use of ego gratification. Of course, it is key that these ancillary accomplishments don’t become an escape. Recognizing that they are part of career rhythm should always be uppermost. Running away and hiding is not the healthy use of avocation during vocational valleys.
The overriding principal: keep on experiencing a productive rhythm in life in order to contribute. Accomplishment and achievement are the mature use of our God-given uniqueness which is to be used for the good of others.
If we miss the opportunity to grow in the plateaus we end up simply going round and round without forward progress. The proper use of these times is to refocus, clarify, and strengthen in order to keep climbing.
The mature man or woman recognizes achievement breeds achievement.
This week carefully consider: 1) How do I satisfy my need for accomplishment? 2) What strategies do I use in the plateau times? 3) Where are my avocational as well as vocational growth areas?
Words of wisdom: “Running away and hiding is not the healthy use of avocation during vocational valleys.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Then they will realize this is your work, and that you, LORD, have accomplished it.” (Psalm 109:27 NET Bible)