What’s Your Sweet Spot?

In his best-selling book, Put Your Dreams to The Test, John Maxwell addresses ten questions that one should ask when pursuing their dream. First is ​​​The Ownership question.  John shares an experience when he was eight years old. His parents, thinking that he may have musical talent, insisted that he take piano lessons. John recalls that he thought he did well at his first piano recital until he heard Elaine Mosely play!

John soon realized that he was only taking lessons to please his parents. His real interest was sports and that’s where he excelled. As the Captain of his High School basketball team, John not only loved sports, but he learned the value of teamwork and soon realized his ability to lead others.

It’s no surprise that much later in life, John sought out his mentor, Coach John Wooden, head coach of the UCLA Basketball team.  Coach Wooden dominated college basketball, winning ten national championships during a twelve-year stretch, an unprecedented accomplishment. He was an expert at observing his players’ strengths and discovering “sweet spots.” Wooden capitalized on their individual strengths and showed them how to contribute to the team.

What’s your sweet spot? Taking ownership of your dream is like finding your own “sweet spot” and maximizing it to add value to others.  What you are passionate about? What activity inspires you and compels you to improve and grow? 

So many settle by following a conventional path that’s really not designed for them.  Perhaps it’s because they haven’t taken the time to envision a life of perusing what “they” are truly meant to do. My challenge to you is to really think about your vision and your dream for the future.

T.S. Eliot 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 the difference between owning your dream and living someone else’s. 

• When someone else owns your dream, it will weigh you down. When you own your dream, it will provide wings to your spirit!
• Taking ownership puts you in your strength zone and out of your comfort zone.
• Building someone else’s dream makes you want to sleep in. Owning and perusing your dream keeps you excited and anxious to rise each morning. 
• Someone else’s dream drains your energy. Taking ownership of your dream fires you up. 

To move forward and realize your dream, sometimes you’ll disappoint those who have other expectations for you, but you’ll be much happier, knowing you’re on the right path.  Ask yourself this question. Do you feel like you have to do it, or do you feel like you were made to do it? 

Maxwell Leadership will help you realize your dream. Owning your dream comes with a price but the outcome is rewarding and life-changing.  Are you willing to get intentional, identify your dream, and take the steps to realize it?   Our program with Maxwell Leadership provides you with an optimal environment to cultivate and grow in your belief, and your skills to begin taking action on your dream!   Join me next time for the next lesson on “The Clarity Question.”

Reach out to me (Mark) your Maxwell Leadership Program Advisor and let’s talk about your dream. Schedule a time with me here at www.JohnMaxwellProgram.com