(Homework given by Wess Stafford, Compassion International, at Leadership Summit 2009. If this seems a little too weird for you to try, it may be the clue that it's just what you need.)
Make an appointment with yourself - 30 minutes alone in front of a mirror. Ask God to give you wisdom to understand yourself more clearly than you ever have before. Think back to the little girl/little boy deep inside. After a few minutes, answer these questions:
Who am I? What do I really care about?
What do I believe? What do I value? Why am I the way I am? Why do I do what I do?
Why do I lead what I lead?
What is my leadership story? Where did it begin?
Is my leadership based on joy & fulfillment? If so, who do I owe for it? Who believed in me, before I believed in myself, and launched my leadership? Do they know it? Have I ever thanked them?
Or, am I driven, even in success, by pain, sorrow, or fear? If so, who hurt me? Humiliated or discouraged me? Have I ever forgiven them? Even if they hae not asked for forgiveness or are not even sorry, your allowing them to stayin your heart and mind is not hurting them at all-it's only hurting you.
Whether your passion is fueled by joy or pain, the most profound question you may ever ask yourself is: What am I trying to prove, to whom, and why?
"I will talk to the Father, and he will provide you another Friend, so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth." John 14
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