Weekly Thought – August 18, 2015
Fred began thinking about a question put to him by a group of high achievers: “Fred, what would you say to us as we enter our 50s and want to keep moving?” He put together a list called “The 12 Principles of High Impact Living.” True to himself, the list soon grew and developed into well over three dozen. For the next three weeks we will outline some of these principles.
Fred finished his earthly assignment on August 17, 2007. His thinking lives on and his heartfelt desire to be useful continues bearing fruit. This week we do part two of the Principles of High Impact Living.
As we think about the years since Fred died, we look at all the Lord has done to expand the reach and deepen the impact of his lifework. You have been with us and for that we are grateful. Remember to share these thoughts with others and encourage them to sign up on the mailing list. We appreciate you.
Get It Done People – Part One
High Impact People:
1) Link passion and uniqueness – they find their particular area of genius and maximize it by utilizing it effectively.
2) Minimize religion and maximize spirituality – Christianity isn’t a religion; it is a relationship. Knowing about God isn’t faith but growing in trust and obedience is.
3) Endure pain to win the gold – Bob Richards, the Olympic vaulter, always asked budding athletes: “What do you with the pain?” Pain isn’t optional.
4) Understand that discipline isn’t punishment – an unruly, chaotic life achieves little. There is always a price to pay for accomplishment. Discipline allows the freedom of productivity. Good habits are there for the times you don’t want to work.
5) Save, invest, then speculate – “Las Vegas Funds” are at the top of the financial pyramid, not the bottom. The foundation of proper financial planning gives option in later years.
6) Control their time and appreciate the dramatic moments – Just as I don’t let other people spend my money, I don’t let them spend my time. Those who capture the drama of time can be particularly impactful. For example, Rudy Giuliani after 9/11.
7) Focus – scattershooting is for amateurs. Big game hunters don’t go out carrying shot guns.
8) Are Energetic – Know what creates energy and what uses it and manage it well. High impact people are generally high energy, as well. They know how to harness the strength.
9) Balance their lives – They stay out of the rat race and avoid obsessions. They integrate all the spokes of their wheel as my friend Zig says. The ride gets bumpy when all the emphasis is on one area.
10) Nurture their curiosity – The great scientist Gerhard Dierks told me to always cultivate my ignorance. “Go to bed knowing less than you did the day before because you see how much more there is to know.”
This week think seriously about: 1) What makes me a high impact person? 2) Which of the ten stimulates my thinking? 3) How can I think deeper about this subject?
Words of Wisdom: “Take the gift that God has given you and use it, and you will stand before great men.” (Fred’s paraphrase of Proverbs 18:16)
Wisdom from the Word: “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12 NET Bible)