Without the ability to leverage your relationships, you cannot and will not prevail.
Sometimes your relationships are more important than your mindset.
The right people can help you get your mind right when you need it.
Welcome back!
And to those of you joining us for the first time, hello there! I am so happy to have you here with me. (As you likely guessed from my exclamation points.).
This is the final installment of an introductory series on goal-getting; how to visualize an end and then hit the ground to make it happen. If you’ve been with me a while you will note that I use words like deliberate intention and manifesting. I say things like “Source energy” and “Spirit”, but at no point will you hear me say that you can will things to you without work. I am a firm believer in the precept that “faith without works is dead.”
It is for this very reason that I have spent the last few weeks explaining the importance of clarity and consistency; personal identity; and how that identity looks on the world; the latter of which I broke down in two parts (click here and here). I believe it is imperative for us to understand all the internal and external elements of creating an abundant life. I believe that we are supernatural beings having a natural experience, therefore we get our marching order from a Higher Power. When we are solid in our identity, we become clear about our assignment and can be consistent in our actions. As we progress, we will encounter those who agree to walk with us. Some will temporary and we will serve them. Others won’t stay long, but will be of service. Others still will stay with us through many seasons of our lives.
Business consultant, author and public speaker, Bob Beudine, wrote a great book entitled The Power of Who. The book attests that we already know everyone we need to know. Now, with social media and other instant forms of access, we are fewer than two or three degrees of separation away from anyone we may need to know, which means that we know someone who knows them or can gain us entry into their circle. In short – you already know everyone you need to know.
I urge anyone who is looking to create a better life for themselves and their family to read the book. Bob breaks down the different types of connections we have with people, from acquaintances to close friends. He notes that Jesus used a similar structure in his relationships when selecting to work with disciples. There were those with whom he interacted occasionally (Barnabas), those whom knew of him and spoke well of him (the 200), those who knew him well (the 12) and those in his inner-circle (the 3).
Interestingly, including Jesus there were four people in his inner-circle. I don’t believe this is a coincidence. In this group Jesus would be the Visionary, John the Builder, Peter the Implementer and James the Analyst. Indeed, you must have all four to outline a plan and see it fulfilled WELL. There is something about all four perspectives with their varying talents, skills and abilities coming together that makes it effective and swift.
If, upon taking inventory of your life, you notice that you have a particular talent but you aren’t seeing the best fruits, I urge you to look at “the who” factor in your life.
Who are you around? Is there enough diversity? Are all four groups represented? Are they represented well? Are you surrounded by frustrated, average or mediocre counterparts? Are you expending more energy trying to get everyone up to par than you are getting things done? Are you missing counterparts altogether; lacking the resources and support you need to “Pass Go and Collect $200”? (If you’re not old enough for that comment, kudos for reading this, but go look up Monopoly then come back).
The point is, without people in your life – without the ability to leverage your relationships for mutual benefit – you cannot and will not prevail. Your partnerships are as important as your mindset. In fact, I will even go so far as to say that in many cases your partnerships are more important than your mindset because the right people can help you get your head out of your butt when it counts. Choose wisely.
Want to know how to pick the right friends? I’m glad you asked. Join us next time, when we’ll be talking about just that very thing. Ha!
You know I love you. You love me, too.
Until next time, Mavericks and Mavens.
Live, Love, Laugh, Legacy –
Iscis
PS – Where are you on your legacy journey? Are you finally finding the kind of kindreds that make your mouth water and your toes curl (In a totally spiritual way, of course)? Are you seeing a pattering in your “people picking process”? Is it working for you? Something you need to change? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.
Special thanks to Google and blogs.warwick.ac.uk for the featured image.