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Shifting from Success to Significance

How many times can you look back over your life and see the pathway to success instead of significance? Where do I rank? Who is number 1 and how close am I to over-taking that person?

Self-centeredness is the root of virtually every problem – both personally and globally. Whether we want to own up to it or not we all have a problem with self-centeredness. Malcolm Forbes once stated that people who matter most are aware that everyone else does too.

Self-centeredness and fulfillment cannot peacefully coexist. They are incompatible.

When you can change your thinking from “What am I going to receive?” to “What am I going to give?” your entire life begins to turn around.

How do we begin to think of others first? Putting other people first is the heart of Christianity. The Lord’s prayer is the central attitude for helping others. This prayer is inclusive. This prayer begins with “Our Father” and it says “give us” and not give me! There is no place in the Lord’s prayer where you can use the word “I” – this prayer is a community inclusive prayer. Regardless of your faith position, I am sure that you belief that in putting others first is the right thing to do. Here are some insights that will assist you in developing an other’s first mindset and heart practice.

• Develop A Greater Appreciation for Other People – TO begin thinking properly about this first point take a sheet of paper and begin create a GRATITUDE list by writing down the names of the people who bring the best out in you. This exercise will help you to realize that you are not a self-made person after all.
• Ask To Hear Other People’s Story – Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood kept this quote on his wall; “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.” Don’t you believe this is true? It is hard to remain self-centered when you begin to focus on others. Hearing other people’s stories inspire you and helps you to get outside of yourself.
• Put Yourself in Other People’s Shoes – When is the last time that you put yourself in another person’s shoes. Perhaps you have experienced poor service. Can you relate or connect with someone’s bad day? In a bad situation have you ever paid it forward to someone who was serving you?
• Place Other People’s Interests at The Top of Your List of Priorities – Here is a question that probes this thought; As you being your day are more curious about what you will reap or the seeds that you will sow? Here is the truth of the matter, people who are looking for ways to make a difference in other people get outside of themselves and search for ways to intentionally make a difference
• Make Winning A Group Activity – John Wooden of UCLA fame stated that the greatest challenge to any coach is selfishness. The challenge is make the team better not just yourself. Are you willing to loose yourself for the sake of the team. That is a person that will make a difference.

LINKS

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!