In this podcast, Rhonda and Andee discuss the three kinds of pruning described by Dr. Henry Cloud and how that benefits us in life.
Our culture isn’t good at endings.
“Pruning a bush means making hard decisions about proactive endings,” Dr. Cloud says. This is the same process we need to go through in determining where we need to prune in our lives.
We must ask ourselves the question, “What does it mean to say something is good vs. best?”
When we prune away those things that don’t provide results, we can invest our time and energy where we make the biggest difference. THIS is where we can make the biggest Kingdom difference.
Pruning old outdated activities, connections, meetings and email lists can give you space in your inbox, calendar, and mind. Removing these helps you be more productive in the space you’re in today.
We tend to shy away from pruning; it sounds really painful. However, if we’re willing to go through the process, we can produce some beautiful fruit.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
Necessary Endings, by Dr. Henry Cloud
The Fresh Start Effect is defined as the energy and determination we feel when we're able to wipe the slate clean. Katherine Milkman, of the Wharton School identified the fresh start effect.
Defining the point of a fresh start can really make a difference. When we define our fresh start by identifying a prime date, we’re much more successful in accomplishing the goals. It’s how our mind defines that fresh start date. We put a stake in the ground that we’re making a fresh start here. We’re wiping the slate clean as of this date. There’s a marker there with which we identify.
Fresh starts can be calendar related (New Year’s Day, first day of spring, Thanksgiving). We also have fresh starts in the context of the rhythms of our lives (starting a new job, marriage, anniversary, and birthday).
A fresh start may require releasing on what came before so you have room for the new opportunities that come in the fresh start. Wiping the slate clean requires intentionality. We do that by creating a period of rest or Sabbath to release and receive; releasing what I needed to release, receiving the wisdom and insights I needed to receive…all while catching your breath.
Andee shares a suggestion of creating a fresh start during the day – at a time when you’re energy is flagging. Mentally clear your mind, letting your body renew and refresh to reset your body. Your productivity will soar when you give yourself that little fresh start.
We have personal fresh starts; as leaders we set fresh starts for our team. How do we use the fresh start effect to establish momentum for our team? What does that mean for each team member individually? Leveraging the fresh start effect for our teams can be done through stopping and reflecting, and celebrating when we complete a project. WE can then give and receive feedback and evaluate the successes and learnings of the project. That provides closure, which is necessary to move forward.
Three takeaways about the fresh start effect from today’s conversation:
Interview with Katherine Milkman: http://www.strategy-business.com/article/00266?gko=6c11d
Andee’s blog post: https://andeemarks.me/2016/07/11/a-lesson-from-psalm-3/
Alignment is a word that’s become part of my vocabulary recently. Thanks to some ergonomic issues in my office, I’ve been forced to focus on alignment and the body. It’s not just our physical body that requires alignment in our workplace. Our mind and spirit also benefit from alignment in our work. The definition of alignment is “the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts in relation to each other.”
When our God-given identity is not reflected in our work, we are out of alignment. We struggle to stay motivated, to find meaning in the work we are doing on a daily basis. We’re mentally, emotionally and spiritually all hunched over, in a defensive position. We feel frustrated and stuck. We don’t have proper positioning. Our parts are not in a state of adjustment in relation to each other.
When we have alignment of our body, mind and spirit, we are living as our True Self. Only out of True Self can we interact authentically with others.
3 Benefits of Alignment
Alignment with Your Masterpiece Work
It always comes back to self-awareness as the understanding of our Masterpiece Work. We have a deeper understanding of our self and what motivates us. We have more “Open Space” as we consider the JoHari Window. For more information on the JoHari Window, listen to the JoHari Window podcast here.
As a leader, operating out of your True Self is a catalyst for others to do the same. When you’re in alignment with your True Self – Body, Mind and Spirit – you are living into who God created you, your being and doing is in alignment with His Masterpiece design for you. You’re doing your Masterpiece work.
In this podcast, we talk about alignment in our workplace. Our mind and spirit also benefit from alignment in our work. The definition of alignment is “the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts in relation to each other.”
When our God-given identity is not reflected in our work, we are out of alignment. We struggle to stay motivated, to find meaning in the work we are doing on a daily basis. We’re mentally, emotionally and spiritually all hunched over, in a defensive position. We feel frustrated and stuck. We don’t have proper positioning. Our parts are not in a state of adjustment in relation to each other.
Announcing the Bold & Courageous Leader Retreat!
Today, we’re announcing the Bold & Courageous Leader Retreat. It’s September 30 to October 2 at the Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie.
Here, you will discover better alignment with God’s masterpiece work for you. You’ll find the opportunity and space to spend time listening for God's voice, allowing him to speak into your spirit, reminding you of how He created you as His masterpiece. Gaining a deeper understanding of your masterpiece identity provides a profound alignment between work and your faith.
You'll leave the retreat refreshed, with a deeper understanding of God's desire and design for your life. You'll return to work with a new perspective, anchored in your identity in Christ.
Listen for more details on the retreat in upcoming podcasts. There are also more details on my website, rhondapeterson.com. We would love to have you join us!