The Surprising Truth About YOUR Personal Kyptonite? [Processing Series]
Even if you are not a Superman fan, you probably know what "kryptonite" is. It's kind of his Achilles heel, he is super strong and all the things, except for when he is exposed to kryptonite.
Each of us has a kyptonite of sorts, something that steals life from us and keeps us from being as "super" as we could be. The surprising truth is that most often the thief of your being at your best is when a strength you have gets pushed too far.
Let me explain.
One of my best strengths is that I am a methodical strategist. I love planning ahead and am more comfortable living in the future rather than the present. This comes in handy as a coach. It is a value add for people I am working with when I help them build step-by-step plans and they build bridges to what could become real in their lives.
The kryptonite part comes in for me personally when I live more in the future than the present.
I'm building several bridges in this season in my life. I'm writing a book, I'm coaching a great church staff through a process (Legacy church - The Leadership Pipeline Process offered by the Multiply Group), and of course offering coach training through Bridges. I love all that I am doing right now, but am constantly aksing myself questions about what the future is supposed to look like for me.
It is common for me to be thinking about the future so much that I miss the joy of the present day I am in.
It's not just a work thing either. When we get together with our adult children and their families, I regularly find myself wondering about when we will next be together instead of soaking up the moments I am gifted with right then!
If we can learn to recognize when our strengths go over the edge, we can learn to discern when we need to be on guard to keep them in check.
For me, a key question is: How can I make the most of where I am while I am here?
It seems so basic, but that question provides a wonderful "Aha" moment opportunity for me.
How about you? What is a strength you may have that you need to keep in check?
Here are some examples with possible "Aha" provoking questions.
- Someone who is emotionally savvy may need to be aware of when they are becoming too involved and carrying a load that is not theirs to carry. > "How can you come alongside this without letting it weigh you down?"
- People who are strong in structure may need to be cautious about missing an offer of spontaneous joy. "What could it hurt to take a break and try it?"
- Introverts likely need to be cautious not to be so stuck in their heads that they overthink or miss out on friendships. (Might be a little of me in this one too.) "What might you be missing?"
- Extraverts probably need to be cautious not to be so connected that they miss out on the gifts of solitude. "What could some alone time give you?"
- People who excel in research may need to be encouraged to make a decision before they have ALL the information. "How will you know when it is time to make the call?"
- The flexible person may need to be careful that they are not so pliable that they come across as wishy-washy or unreliable. "How might others view your 'freedom'?"
- Those with a high-achieving work ethic may need to be careful they are not putting all their eggs into that basket and missing out on investing in family or friendships. "How will you best discern where you put your time and energy?"
You get the picture?
Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to make the most of our time because the days are evil.
Knowing when to ask a well-placed "edge" question can change everything! Happy Asking!