Three Minute Leadership: Which to Choose: Quantity of Life for Quality of Life?
To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
In his book, Self-Improvement 101, John Maxwell discusses his “Ten Trade-Offs Worth Making.” One of the trade-offs he suggests is “trade quantity of life for quality of life.” Great leaders have a wonderful, natural inclination to be and do more. Each of these requires time and energy, and each requires a priority. This immense inclination is the passion and fire that creates the great changes in the people and world around them. This inclination, at times however, leads to some out-of-balance conditions in their lives.
Maxwell relates the story of a President of a publishing company who sought the counsel of a wise man to help bring order to his life:
“After describing the chaos that was his life, he silently waited to hear something of value from the sage. The older man at first said nothing. He simply took a teapot and began pouring team into a cup. And he kept pouring until the team overflowed and began to cover the table.
“’What are you doing?’ the business man exclaimed?
”’Your life,’ responded the wise man, ‘is like a teacup, flowing over. There’s no room for anything new. You need to pour out, not take more in.’”
What magnificent learning for all great leaders! Adding more may not be the only answer for future growth and development. Lettings some things go may also be needed – to renew, refresh, revitalize. What is in your tea cup? Does the brew give you the continued passion and vitality that will fuel your growth. Or is change needed? Take a moment to taste from your cup. Does it have the same robust and zesty taste that it once had? The same wondrous appeal? Or is something missing? Ann Landers, newspaper columnist, wrote: “Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” Fill you cup with great passions and dreams. Let it overflow in magnificent abundance. Then choose wisely, and often sip the tea to taste its flavor. Life is so very good.
Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!
Mike