[My Wednesday blogpost series is connected to my 2020 4Q program in which I share my personal responses to the questions raised in the worksheets.] 

Which of the three KNOWING disciplines (Prayer, Supportive Relationships, and Resources/Scripture) are you planning to give more of your focus? What is your plan to ensure it’s long-term implementation? 

We can seek to understand and know our vocation and calling by listening to the voice above through prayer. When I first developed my personal purpose statement I sat in silence for several hours listening for insight and reflecting on my journey. As I prayed I began to sense some specific points that ended up in my purpose statement. Generally speaking, I practice the discipline of prayer daily with my wife, corporately with the prayer team from my church, and throughout each day in terms of practicing the presence of God.

A second discipline is developing supportive relationships through whom I can gain feedback, input, and accountability. Ken Blanchard has said that “Feedback is the breakfast of champions!” and poet John Donne—“No man is an island.” I was made for relationship and need others to help me figure out what I should know. I meet with a mentor once a month and with accountability peers on a weekly basis.

And then thirdly, I practice the discipline of continuous learning and growing by gaining input from other resources such as Scripture, good books, podcasts, conferences, Ted talks, etc. I believe that the moment I stop learning and growing is the moment I begin dying.

Ensuring the long-term implementation of these disciplines is not always easy. My plan includes building habitual practices (see my daily 4 X 15-minute goals in the previous post), setting calendar reminders, accountability on some aspects, and flexibility on all accounts (including self-forgiveness!). 

Now it’s your turn. Which of these three disciplines are you planning to give more of your focus? Go ahead, write something down…you are a serving leader!