Weekly Thought – November 21, 2017
Fred adhered to this principle: “I want people to be interested in me, but not curious.” He assembled this body of questions to be used as personal evaluation, in addition to mentoring conversations. A thorough walk through these 365 certainly enhances development and self-knowledge. These quick answers are a way to illustrate how the question can “prime the pump.”
Learning About Me
1) What do I regret having done in the past? What will I regret in the future if I don’t act today? (Fred’s short answer is indicative of his ability to process, integrate, and move on). I don’t spend much time regretting the past since it cannot be changed. I hope to learn lessons that will help me in the future. I select things in each period of my life that is unique to that period. I look at the details, outline the principles, and learn. For example, in the parenting phase, I can see mistakes I made, but I attempt to understand them to be helpful now and in the future. And, I want my children to learn from my mistakes.
2) What would I do and how would I spend my time if I didn’t have to “earn a living?” My answer is probably a bit different than most because I have been fortunate to spend my time doing things not to earn a living but because I enjoy the accomplishment. Living a life of responsibility isn’t based on money. This question often uncovers true interests and gifts which have been misplaced or misused.
3) What is my best escape from boredom? Constructive activity either working on a challenging project or associating with interesting people works for me. I would also include travel in the creative activities which start my engine.
4) How do I mesh the sacred and the secular in my life? I once met a respected man from India who was a devout follower of Ghandi. I asked him about the great leader. He said that in everything he does he is an expression of his religion. That high compliment meant he had melded the sacred and secular. We must be careful to make the things we learn on Sunday applicable on Monday.
5) Are periodic inventories of my life: business, relationships, growth, family, etc. a practice? For many years it was a practice I developed into a discipline. The first of each year, which was usually a holiday, I spent the day in the office reviewing the past year and planning the year ahead. The more specific I could be the better I could evaluate. I started with a financial Inventory, then personal development, then specific improvements in the family, and friendships. I would then look at my business. I think it is helpful to start with the hardest early so you will not give up as soon as you get the plans for the business completed.
6) What hurtful prejudices do I have? Any prejudice I have is hurtful. Even if I understand I must still be working to eliminate them. We should certainly be against anything that Go is against.
7) Which prejudices have I overcome? My geographical heritage gave me some prejudices which I chose to overcome. Being from an economically challenged background, I had to break through the psychological barrier of success and my view of successful people. Spiritually, I had to move from self-sufficiency to divine dependence… this one is an on-going discipline.
This week think about: 1) Which of these questions was hardest for me to answer? 2) How can I use these questions as a mentor to others? 3) What am I learning about the questioning process?
Words of Wisdom: “I started with a financial Inventory, then personal development, then specific improvements in the family, and friendships. I would then look at my business. I think it is helpful to start with the hardest early so you will not give up as soon as you get the plans for the business completed.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Acquire truth and do not sell it – wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23 NET Bible)