I mentioned in my last post that one of my words for 2016 is “intentionality.” I’m committed to remembering what is important and be intentional about my actions for 2016. Yet three weeks into the New Year, I’m stressing trying to be intentional about my intentionality. Yikes.
What does it mean to be more intentional anyway? I once discussed the intentionality of our church with a friend. This particular church is one that really seeks to find people that have been “turned off” or “burned” by church / religion in the past. They are very intentional – from the design of the building, to terminology used (no words like vestibule or sanctuary), to serving their community. The first day I attended, I could tell it was different, but didn’t immediately know why. They had spent a lot of time intentionally creating an atmosphere that was welcoming and well, just different. I loved it and so do tons of others. That example of intentionality has stuck with me ever since.
My second word of the year – focus – helped me remember what it is I am trying to be intentional about and how each connects. First, is my faith. I unabashedly love Jesus. If I believe He is real, and really meant what He said, then how does that impact my life, my relationships, and my business? Can anyone even tell? And am I a good example of that or do I turn people off? Next is my marriage and my family. How do I treat my husband? Am I helping teach our kids life skills and loving them intentionally? Then is my health. The 40’s are tough! Any “coasting” I was able to do is unfortunately long over. That means really being intentional about how I take care of my body (and my mind!). Finances are important to my husband and me. We don’t want to get caught up in consumerism and have debt – so our spending habits have to be intentional. And then there is my business.
It was eye-opening and refreshing (for a self-described recovering workaholic) to see that my work didn’t come up on my list of priorities until after all those other things. But I have to work hard at keeping that there. I have to (ahem) be intentional about it.
So I keep coming back to the “why” of my company. Why do I do what I do? Why did I leave a secure job to start my own business? For me, it’s because I’m passionate about keeping my priorities straight AND helping other Christian business leaders to the same. I love helping leaders – build dynamic teams that really serve their purpose as a company, to see the forest for the trees, to remember their “why.” When a team really “clicks” and starts to work together like a well oiled machine and each really loves what they do. That is my jam. My thing. My joy.
Leading a team that is profitable, has a culture that supports, encourages and grows it’s people, and serves customers and community well – that’s a huge task for anyone. And yet it is possible.
If you want to uncover your “why,” begin with these questions (and I’d love for you to share in the comments!):
- Why do you do what you do every day?
- What passion does it fill?
- How does it make the world better?
