If you are part of the 'rainmaker' tribe -- one of those who must change the world for the better somehow then you need -- no you MUST-- hear this talk.  It will help you make sense of the resistance that all rainmakers and change-bringers encounter.  It's universal and it helps to know how one of our tribe overcame it. 

Go make it rain!
Jeff

Remember that classic baseball song by John Fogerty called 'Centerfield'? Main lyric is 'put me in coach, I'm ready to play!'  What if you are your own coach?  

I'm constantly amazed of how many of my truly gifted and talented friends never step up to the plate and take a swing at living the life that they are truly called to.  I wonder to myself, what is that about and what is holding them back.  Sometimes I've been given the chance to speak into their lives and sometimes that makes all the difference -- and sometimes it just falls on deaf ears. 

I think it's about fear and doubt and wondering whether God is really out in front of them in their calling.  And, there are times when I'm stumped by the same tyrants and don't get into the batter's box and take my turn.  But, I do most of the time and sometimes it works out and I get the grand slam home-run to win the game -- but most of the time I get walked or hit by the ball or bunt.  And, most of the time I get on base and it's not that glamorous but I'm in the game.  And, sometimes I score the winning run.  [ sometimes I don't, but that's life ]

What about you, what if you just stepped into the batter's box more often?  What would happen if you simply took the chance?  A Major League Baseball Player is an All-Star if he hits the ball 3 times out of 10 at-bats.  Do you imagine that you could get up to the plate, give it all you've got and 'get on base' whatever that looks like in your industry?  That is, set 3 appointments out of ten calls made?  Make 3 sales out of ten prospect calls, etc?   Have 3 great talks out of ten given? 

The core challenge is that most of us never get into the batter's box at all.  We wait on the bench for a special hint or nudge or for the 'coach' to put us into the game -- an imaginary manager to see our value and sub us in.   For most of us, we are our own managers and we decide whether to put ourselves into the game or not.  We would rather 'ride the pine' and imagine that we would succeed if the imaginary 'coach' would just put us in the game instead of owning up the the reality that we are mostly managing our own game and can put ourselves in or bench ourselves.  That's a harsh reality, but today, what if you put yourself in and stepped up the plate and took a chance?  You may just wind up on base with a chance to score the winning run for yourself and your team. 

Be your own coach and put yourself in the game. 

BATTER UP!
All the Best,
Jeff

p.s.   By the way, I'll be posting a great talk about an ancient story about an unlikey 'big hitter' in the next few days.  Watch for that post coming up.

He sang a big chunk of the 80s soundtrack that still rock n rolls through my mind from time to time.  And, Prince, was as iconic a star as rock n roll has given us.  I would be lying if I said I was a huge fan, but I have enjoyed some of his greatest hits like 'Purple Rain' and 'Dove's Cry' and couldn't name many more.  HOWEVER,  I HAVE HUGE RESPECT FOR HOW HE WORKED AT HIS CRAFT AND HONED HIS GIFTS.  As a leader and a talent scout for world changers I gotta tell you he inspires me and reminds me of the power of talent merged with a huge work ethic.  If you have a huge gift and you don't work at it that's just a shame and a waste.  [ Jesus agrees with me on this -- check out Matthew 25:26-30 ]  And, if you have talents and will multiply them with a massive work ethic then there's magic in that prescription.  And, let me go a little further and remind you that if you're a Christ follower aided by the power the Holy Spirit then you can play at an even higher level by drawing upon the resources of heaven.  [ Check out John 15:1-8 ] 

So, my friend, honor the talents that you've been given by honing them and working at your craft aided by God.  Then, when it's your time to take your stage wherever that is, you'll nail it just like Prince did in this amazing halftime show.  Watch this video and it tells some of the back story of Prince taking the stage in a driving rain storm during Super Bowl 2007!  Simply amazing.  He could bring what he brought because he prepared way in advance of that evening!
What are you doing today to honor and hone the talents you've been given?
All the best,
Jeff