“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”―1 Samuel 16:7
Since 1999, I have developed a “One Word” vision for the entire year. This foundational discipline helps me approach each new year and provides clarity, purpose and life-change. It gives me laser-like focus on who I need to become, not just what I need to accomplish. Most recently, my One Words have included: Serving, Grace, Refresh and Generous. They’ve marked me with mission and meaning. Each word has become a chapter in my life story.
My One Word for this year is Heart. I’m asking the Lord for a hungry, expectant, abundant, real, tenacious heart. I want to be full of wisdom and growing every day.
It takes heart to do anything in life. Coaches motivate their teams by saying, “Go out there and play with all your heart. Leave it all on the field!” Skills and talents are important but leading with heart separates the good from the great. When my daughter was younger, she would look at me while playing her basketball games and I pounded my hand on my heart. It was my secret sign encouraging her to play with all her heart. Playing, leading and living with heart is all about drive, passion and desire.
“You change your life by changing your heart.”―Max Lucado
Dan Webster, my good friend and leadership expert, describes the concept “Leadership of the Heart” as the below-the-water-line stuff that matters the most. Just like an iceberg that is 10% above the water and 90% below, we often only work on the 10% that shows in our lives. The 10% that Webster calls the “work of the work” includes our skills, strengths and talents. The uncharted territory that lies 90% below the surface, what he calls the “work of the heart,” includes our character, beliefs and convictions, which make up the majority of a person.
“It is not your experience, knowledge or skills. Your heart is your most important leadership tool.”― Michael Hyatt
SOURCE: Christian Post, Dan Britton
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