Utilize your Abilities
We all have ability. The difference is how we use it. – Charlotte Whitton
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. – Lou Holtz
I love both of these quotes as they are good reminders for all of us as we come to the end of another year and prepare for what is ahead for us next year. How many people do you know who have a lot of ability but don’t accomplish nearly what they might be capable of?
I know for even me personally, there have been times where I had the ability to do what I needed to do but maybe my motivation wasn't as strong as it should be or alternatively, maybe my attitude wasn’t quite right. As Lou Holtz states above, all three of these are important for each of us.
I would encourage you to reflect on what your true abilities are. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. What could you be doing differently to capitalize on your strengths? I think it is important to understand those so that you can be motivated and have the right attitude to accomplish what it is that you are seeking to achieve.
In the same way, when you look at your weaknesses, are there things you could be doing to strengthen those areas, or at least to not letting them being an impediment to achieving your goals? Sometimes our attitudes also get negatively impacted by our weaknesses dominating certain situations.
As we come to the end of 2018, let’s all reflect on how well we used our abilities this year and think about whether we lacked motivation or had poor attitudes as we confronted various issues throughout the year. And, identify how we could have approached those situations differently.
Then, as we look forward to 2019, let’s all start the new year with a renewed understanding of what we are capable of doing, the motivation to work hard to achieve it, and an attitude to do it well.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas!!
Rod
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” – 1 Peter 4:10
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” – 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6