Blind Spots II - Catcher vs. Pitcher

I don't know if Bob Logan was telling me the last 5%. I gave him permission to speak into my life. He took me up on the proposal. He said something to the effect that I was in too much trouble with people. He suggested I stop walking into the room throwing fast balls. Steve Covey would say it this way, Seek first to understand, then be understood. Be a catcher, not a pitcher were Bob Logan's words.

The words stung a bit, however, I got it. I needed it. He pointed out something I was missing in the rear view mirror. The blind spot was dangerous to others. I was putting myself in danger, too. Have I mastered these situations yet? Not at all. But my world changed as I applied the words. I need more people in my life like Bob. I will tell you about another one tomorrow.

Busy days but all good. Yesterday was Rock Hill and Greenville County. Fresh wind. Changing landscapes. Signed up for the Resurrection 5K on Easter weekend. The jog continues. Wonder if you know who will show? Bet he is scared. He knows he can't beat me three times in a row.

Blind Spots

You ever looked in your mirror to change lanes on an interstate, saw nothing, then changed lanes only to merge in front of an on coming car. How did you feel? Embarrassed? Stupid? How many times have you done that?

We normally call it a blind spot. A place where I see nothing, yet something is there. I have noticed at this phase in life I have a solid understanding of my weaknesses. My blind spots are things I may never know about. Driving along causing all types of havoc, endangering myself and others, all for something I am clueless about.

So what should I do? What are my next steps?
1. Surround myself with honest people (Few exist that love you that much).
2. Do life with Jesus (He is always inviting me deeper).
3. Be careful when I change lanes (a belief that my best intentions can be dangerous).
4. Ask those I trust for the last 5% (the hard stuff we think but we dare not say).

Much more coming here. On the road today to Rock Hill and Greenville. Great conversations yesterday with people from all worlds. World Headquarters, Willow Ridge, Yvette, Anna, Abi, David and Owen . . . fun. Hope I was careful changing lanes.

Time Out, While I Go Get My Belt

Who said, Expectations are greater than realization? My dad is the first person I ever heard make the statement. Google did not know. It's scary, when Google does not know.

My mother would say, you should do better and you ought to have known better. I should have used that expectations line on her. However, that was the old days. She would have gone old fashioned on my behind, in spite of Dr. Spock. Mom did not understand the incredible benefit of a time out. Her time out was, time out while I go get the belt.

Would you lower them today? Your expectations? I know that for another blog, another day, another context, we can talk about raising your expectations.

Expect the . . .

• drive through or toilet to be clogged
• waitress to get mixed up
• people around you not to understand
• multiple transactions by the person in front of you
• people around you to miss the deadline
• phone call or email not returned
• cell phone call to drop right when you are concluding the conversation
• boss to be too busy
• wife to be distracted
• car not to start
• project to cost more than you planned
• other expectations as owned or assigned to go unmet

The benefits? Here is a big one. A lower level of anger, stress, and frustration. Why? Because you have learned that life and people will never be perfect, no matter how hard you try.

Day two in Myrtle with movement makers. Heard a lot of stories yesterday. Laughed and learned. We all needed a few giggles and lessons.

Survived 5K

In spite of a billy goat sized mountain for almost a mile, I finished the March for Meals 5K Saturday with a new personal record (26.57). I came in 94th place. Impressive? Not really. Fun? Absolutely. Plus . . . stories. I have to get my courage up one day and tell you about Frog man. He came out of no where to beat me for the second time in the last four months.

What is more important for you this week? Beating someone else or beating yourself? If you commitment is to beat someone else you might be underachieving.

In Myrtle Beach today at a pastor's retreat. Talk about your movement makers. Wow. Great weekend. Another amazingly busy but exciting run the next 2 weeks. More later.