What’s Your Word in 2020? (Bot9 #277)
So leadership guru Jon Gordon has this really cool thing. He encourages leaders to pick one word that will serve as their focus for the upcoming year. It’s their driving force for the year and it funnels their thoughts into a single point of motivation.
I’ve got my word for 2020. It came to me clearly this week and I want the word to pervade my thoughts and attitude in the coming year.
My word for 2020 is “Invite.”
Simply defined, the word “invite” means “make a polite, formal, or friendly request to someone to go somewhere or to do something.” Since being given that word last week, I’ve come up with a lot of opportunities to invite people into my life in 2020. I’m going to keep this list close to me this coming year and use it to motivate my actions in 2020.
I want to invite more people on this journey of coaching Biblically. It’s such a valuable walk and it is one that should be done together, not alone. When I write or speak, I want to invite a conversation, not speak as if I’ve figured it out.
I want to invite more people to read and listen to the ideas Jesus inspires in me. I’m going to continue to make those thoughts available via writing and do more in the areas of audio (podcast) and video (YouTube). Part of that journey needs to be hearing from others so iron can sharpen iron.
I want to invite more athletes into relationship with one another and with God through Jesus Christ. Over the break I spent an evening with alums from our baseball program and also shared a meal with a couple of others. As I write this, I’m texting with a couple more and reminiscing about moments we shared on the field. Years later, it’s the relationship that matters. In Heaven, it’s the relationship that will matter.
I want to invite the first graduating class at Valor to celebrate their 10-year anniversary with us this spring somehow. That needs to be a tradition. Guys who have been a part of the brotherhood need to be invited back to tell the current athletes how the brotherhood has impacted their lives in the long term.
I want to invite parents in my baseball and softball communities to pray with me before and after games. We’ve done the postgame part, but I want to connect with them before games. I also want to invite them to what we’re doing strategically. I want to let them know the great things we see in their sons and daughters and the plans we have for them on and off the field.
I want to invite more people to our church. We love Jubilee Fellowship Church in Lone Tree and the people there. We’re involved with the New Life ministry, Men’s ministry, and the nursery. It’s our community and I want to invite others to experience unity in the church.
I want to invite my family into what I do. I’m getting better in this area, but I really want to excel here. I want to share what I’ve learned as a coach and leader, and lead them spiritually. Whether it’s in the Bible Project study or just by being a steady man at home, I want them to see what I do and why I do it. Only good can come from it.
In 2 Peter 1:10, Peter says, “So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now.” God invited me and now I want to invite others.
What’s your word going to be for 2020? I can’t wait to hear and walk with you as I’m inviting you to walk with me!
Questions:
In the Batter’s Box (Personal) - What will your word be for 2020?
In the Bullpen (Small group, Relationships) - Who will you share your word with in 2020? Who will be the men and women to call you toward the goodness of this word for the coming year?
In the Postgame Circle (Large groups) - How can you make this word come to life in such a way that your family, co-workers, and people in your life use this word to describe you at the end of the year?