Stand for Something, Part 2
“You must know your “Y-game”, before you can bring your “A-game”
The last blog we completed discussed the quote:
“Without a Significant “YES”, the word “NO” becomes insignificant.”
We discussed the fine line between success and significance and concluded that ultimately success is what you do for yourself, but significance is what you do for others. It is the subtle, yet powerful difference between being “me” focused and being “others” focused.
I heard someone say, “It is very hard to see what’s going on in the world, if you only have your eyes focused on you”. Wow, think about that for a moment.
So, before we go any further, one might ask, “What is significance?” One definition of significance is the quality of being worthy of attention or importance.
Other synonyms for significance are words such as import, consequence, seriousness, gravity, weighty and meaningful. Because of this definition and the above synonyms we can conclude that significance can be associated with the value or worth we provide to others.
I believe that human beings are the only beings that crave importance or significance. Now, you may ask what about my dog, cat or any other pet. Let’s say you have a dog, I can scold and degrade that dog in a fun loving, happy manner and all that dog will do is wag their tail, but try to do that to another person and I bet that they won’t be happy and wagging their tail.
There is a difference between giving attention and giving importance. We give our pets attention, but we give other people importance. Now, hear what I am saying, I am not saying your pets are not important, but I am saying all human beings desire to feel important to someone.
Significance is not only found in the critical relationships we have, but also in the things that we do for others. Your purpose has a direct connection to your significance.
I believe that everything in life has a purpose and when we execute our purpose in this world, we provide value and significance to others. So, while many people attempt to find the what, when, where, who and how of their life, they forget to ask the “why” of life.
Why leads to purpose, and purpose leads to fulfillment and fulfillment provides meaning and meaning gives significance. So why are you here?
I personally believe it is the second most important question you will ever ask and answer in your life. Dr. Myles Munroe said in his book, “In Pursuit of Purpose“ says, “When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.”
It’s amazing some of us spend so much time, gaining so much knowledge, working so very hard, sacrificing so much of our time, talents and resources without ever discovering the “why” for our lives.
On sport teams growing up, I have heard so many times that you have to bring your “a-game” if you want to win or be successful. But, as a leader, I’ve learned that you cannot inspire others to higher levels of success without knowing their “why” or their reason to be successful.
Shouldn’t the same be for each one of us in our life? We must ask ourselves the “why” question. I had a habit as a very young child asking my family and friends the question, “Do you wanna know why?”
I remember my Aunt Louise telling me that I was too young to be asking anyone that question. I believe that was God’s way of preparing me to always ask the “why question”, which I will now leave with you.
Do you wanna know why? If you will ask, He will answer…
Successful people focus on their “A-game”. Significant people focus on their “Y-game”.
So the question is, what are you focusing on?