Which are you? Someone who does things easily but not necessarily at your best, or who does their best but is difficult? This question is at the core of how we operate our lives.
On the one hand, we classify some of our abilities as coming easily to us. We call these our gifts and talents. My mother could sing, and it was passed down to me, or Daddy was athletic, so it came easy to me. We feel confident and secure in these areas and can operate at a high level with little exertion.
On the other hand, many areas of life challenge us and demand a high level of concentration and dedication to reach a level of competence. Although we may not trace any of these areas of interest or accomplishments within our family tree, there is a good indication that we can be successful in these areas with the right ingredients.
Which of these two positions is most desirable? Which of these two positions will enable us to do the most significant amount of good and provide the highest level of service? Being easy or being your best? (hint-trick question)
We find several traits in common when we look at individuals who operate at a high level, regardless of the venue. These traits supersede the question of natural gifts and talents.
Some of the traits of high achievers are:
- The understanding that improvement is possible. A sense that there are higher levels to reach.
- The desire for improvement. Self-motivation is a core attribute of high achievers.
- The dislike for being average. Although being average may suffice.
- The realization that learning from others is wise. No man knows it all.
- The patience to experience growth when doing so takes time and commitment.
Even if what you do or like to do comes naturally, there is always room for improvement. The human mind was so wondrously made that we are all life-long learners.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14
God gave us the ability and capacity to grow and improve regardless of our starting point. We don’t want only to choose to do what comes easy; we would miss so much of our unknown potential. The key to unlocking our potential is being our best at whatever we choose. Being our best may not be easy, but the rewards are always worthwhile.
