What’s Your Sweet Spot?

In his best-selling book Put Your Dreams to the Test, John Maxwell challenges readers to ask ten important questions when pursuing their dreams. The first is The Ownership Question.

John shares a personal story from when he was just eight years old. Believing he had musical talent, his parents encouraged him to take piano lessons. John thought he did well at his first recital—until he heard Elaine Mosely play! It didn’t take long for him to realize that the piano wasn’t his dream; it was his parents’. His real passion was sports, where he truly excelled. As captain of his high school basketball team, John not only discovered his love for athletics but also developed an early understanding of leadership and teamwork.

It’s no surprise that later in life, John sought mentorship from the legendary Coach John Wooden, head coach of UCLA’s basketball dynasty. Coach Wooden, who led his teams to ten national championships in twelve years, was a master at spotting each player’s “sweet spot”—their strengths—and helping them maximize those strengths for the good of the team.

What’s your sweet spot?
Taking ownership of your dream is like finding your personal “sweet spot” and nurturing it to add value to others. What ignites your passion? What activity makes you come alive and compels you to grow?

Too many people settle for a conventional path never truly designed for them. Often, it’s because they haven’t taken the time to envision a life where they pursue what they were meant to do. My challenge to you today is simple: Think about your vision and your dream for the future.

T.S. Eliot once said,

“Whatever you think, be sure it is what you think; whatever you want, be sure that is what you want; whatever you feel, be sure that is what you feel.”

John Maxwell shares a clear distinction between owning your dream and living someone else’s:

• When someone else owns your dream, it weighs you down.
• When you own your dream, it gives wings to your spirit.
• Building someone else’s dream makes you want to sleep in.
• Pursuing your dream makes you eager to rise each morning.
• Someone else’s dream drains your energy.
• Owning your dream energizes and fires you up.

Yes, taking ownership of your dream might mean disappointing some people who had different expectations for you, but you’ll be much happier, knowing you’re living according to your true calling.

Here’s a key question to ask yourself:
Do you feel like you have to do it, or do you feel like you were made to do it?

At Maxwell Leadership, we are passionate about helping people like you realize their dreams. Owning your dream comes with a price, but the outcome is rewarding and life-changing. Are you ready to be intentional, identify your dream, and take real steps to pursue it?

Our program with Maxwell Leadership creates the optimal environment to strengthen your belief, grow your skills, and empower you to take action toward your dream.

Join me next time for the next lesson: “The Clarity Question.”