My “Why
Simon Sinek started with "Why." To "Start With Why" is a framework where you lead with your purpose, cause, or belief, then explain the "How" (your methods), and finally the "What" (your products or services). This "inside-out" approach asks others to first connect with your fundamental values before they learn about your offerings.
In this post, I'll outline five of my values and principles that form the context and foundation of my coaching methods and effort.
First, we love what we value, and I love God more than anyone or anything on this earth. I'm learning to do everything out of my love for God. What I do should flow out of love for him. That's why spending unhurried, undistracted time with God is the most important activity I engage in multiple times each day. When I stop to spend time with God, I'm reminded of his greatness, provision, and goodness. I'm also reminded of my limits and how I can find him in my limits. My activities are scheduled around my quiet times with God. I don't "fit God" into my calendar; instead, my daily activities are planned around my times with God.
From a business perspective, my first value means that I live with an eternal perspective, derived from my covenant with God, which is lived out through biblical stewardship.
Secondly, I value pointing people to Christ. This is why things like politics, sports, and profits mean less to me than doing what I can to point people toward the person of Christ. To understand who God is and what He is like, look to the person of Jesus Christ in the Gospels. Christ is the "exact representation" of God (Hebrews 1:3).
From a business perspective, this means that I purposefully disadvantage myself and my business to advantage the kingdom of God. Life is not about me, it is about Christ.
Third, I value being emotionally present, emotionally healthy, and showing up as my "authentic me." Such authenticity still has privacy and is selective about who gets to see what. But I value the journey of emotional healing, sharing in the joys and sufferings of others, and sharing in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. To be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually present is tantamount to loving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
From a business perspective, this means that I work against the dysfunctions of my personality being imprinted onto my business and my interactions with my clients. I wholly believe that when an owner shores up his/her personality dysfunctions, his/her business will become more profitable because his/her business relationships will improve, culture will improve, execution of mission and strategies will improve, and people will work smarter, toward the same goals, and be more loyal to the owner.
Fourth, I value faithfulness to God over financial success, and I'm willing to sacrifice the latter for the former. In the Bible, success is defined as faithfulness to God and perseverance in obedience. Success is never determined in monetary terms in the Scriptures. God will reward perseverance and faithfulness in eternity. Any financial success we achieve on this earth will remain here and ultimately be destroyed when God creates a new heaven and earth.
From a business perspective, this means I coach myself and my clients toward perseverance and faithfulness to God, knowing that building treasures in heaven is far more important than building wealth here on earth.
Last, I value my marriage as the most important human relationship I have. I invest in Kathy, giving her my attention, time, and unconditional love. I am learning (and always will be learning) how to love my wife as Christ loved the church. Nothing in my calendar should spar with my love for and my time with Kathy. When push comes to shove, my marriage always takes precedence over work and career. I may die poor or rich. It won't matter. But I promise you, I won't die lonely, estranged from my wife and kids.
From a business perspective, this means that I do not allow my work and career to compete with my love for and time with Kathy. Work commitments are subordinated to my time with Kathy.
These are the values I bring into the coaching room. I coach from these values. These values are why I tell potential clients that when they work with me, they will
have more free time
build stronger marriages
increase their profits
walk more closely with God
If you want these four things, then schedule a 30-minute call with me at OnPath Coaching. You won't be disappointed.