#EasterWeekend has me thinking about the Passion story from the perspective of Jesus as a businessman. Hear me out. He had a vision. He gathered a network. Then, he took his brand on the road. The most challenging period of his business career is commemorated by this weekend. He was at the point of giving up at one point. His friends and family seemed to have turned their back on him. But, he persevered because he understood a long-term vision. Sounds like a business experience to me.
This week, I challenge you to look for your own lessons in the Passion story. I put together a list with the help of Twitter to get you started.
1. The Company You Keep
The obvious story is that a close friend betrayed Jesus. But, have you heard the version of the story that paints Judas as a friend who wanted the same outcome? In this version, Judas thought the kingdom of heaven would be better obtained through force and promotion of Jesus as King of the Jews. So, even Judas was on a certain accord with the vision.
It is important that the company you keep challenges, inspires, supports, and engages you. It is even better when they are examples of investment, patience, positivity, and authenticity. Move beyond the would-be betrayers, time wasters, complainers, and vision-Their-way-ers. Engage a community of doers, who make you want to be better.
“Find a group of people who challenge & inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, & it will change your life.” https://t.co/9TzaHSzHD3
— Abundance Mindset (@AbundanceMind11) March 27, 2016
2. The Environment You Enjoy
Easter also typically marks a turn in the weather from short, cold days to longer, warm days. Trees have budded. Early-season flowers are beginning bloom. The season is changing more obviously. This is the second rebirth of the year. The first was the new year. This one is a resurrection. As you get outside to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and nature, remember the vision you launched in January. Utilize the joy and beauty in the outdoor environment to motivate your continued production with renewed vigor.
Take that walk and commune with nature this #Easter. Science says nature makes us happier,healthier and smarter. pic.twitter.com/6sciBP9pMU
— Anna J (@IslanderAnna) March 27, 2016
3. The Mission You Accept
The Passion story also reminds us to live with passion. What a waste it would be to end our lives having only survived. The goal is to thrive. Identifying your passion is the first step. I call it the Desire Step. The next steps are to organize direction, discipline, and doing in order to clarify a mindset of productivity. But, what many neglect is the confirmation of happiness, small successes, and peak experiences along the way. Difficult moments exist, but the goal of a life well lived is to joy in the difficulty knowing that your actions are ordered by your mission. It is the vision that you want in the end. Your actions are required to get there. Therefore, you experience joy even in the hard parts.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha pic.twitter.com/NSl4tbKkXw
— Carolyn Clarke (@Carolynjournals) March 27, 2016
4. The Security You Risk
One of the greatest scenes of the Passion story is the decision making in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is where Jesus asked his friends to support him just by watching and praying. They let him down. It is where he wrestled with giving up. He persevered. It is where he was taken into custody, betrayed by a kiss. Judas added insult to the injury.
It is also a lesson for you. Your friends may not be able to hold you down, but deepen your meditation. You may get overwhelmed to the point of sweating blood, but deepen your focus. You may feel like you were set up from the beginning, but know that playing small and being safe, though less eventful, is ultimately of no reward.
Until you cross the bridge of your insecurities, you can’t begin to explore your possibilities. – Tim Fargo #quote
— Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen (@DrKBowen) March 27, 2016
5. The Vision You See
What would you be willing to invest if you knew you would gain it back multiplied? Bible stories are replete with such tales of recompense and reparation. But, such is life. You just have to adjust your vision. I like applying it to forgoing immediate gratification. Whether it is a third doughnut, spending beyond the budget, or frolic outside the boundaries, the impetus toward immediate gratification is a short-term and often myopic view of your opportunity. If you could see the long-term view–the birds-eye view–you would see that the discipline and self-control that you exhibit now has a exponential impact on your outcomes. Soar, and see your choices for their impact on your vision long-term.
Don’t be afraid to soar, what you will begin to see will amaze you #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha #Ginagrind pic.twitter.com/Z4xOflQ5o5
— Gina Humber (@ghumber720) March 27, 2016
