Jathaniel.com

So as I re-read and re-read my clip of Tribes, there are a couple of ideas/themes that seemed to stand out.

When we become heretics with regard to the status quo, we put something on the line. It could be things such as our name, assets, comfort-you get the idea. We risk something; therefore, we must believe strongly in our heretical ideas. We must invest ourselves fully into the cause. Without a full, authentic buy-in on our part others (our tribe members) will invest themselves minimally, if at all.

• Would you follow someone who does not fully believe or is not fully invested in what he/she is doing?

• Why would we expect it to be different when we are leading?

I mentioned that we risk. Let me clarify. In this sense risk refers not to failure, but it refers to criticism (if I may invoke Seth Godin’s statement here). I find myself sometimes less worried about failing and more concerned about the criticism that I will receive. I am not always as concerned with success or failure as much as I am with whether or not everyone will think that my idea is a good one or the way I did something was the best way it could have been done. Many times, fear of criticism eats at our ability to be bold. We are not bold in our beliefs or actions because we are afraid how we might come off to those around us.

• In general, why do we fear criticism?

• Are there particular people, whose criticism you fear specifically? How does this affect your motivation?

• What can you do to become emboldened to be remarkable?

Hello all. As you can see I have taken the better part of the last month off. With the illness and passing of my grandfather, I have taken a mini-leave to re-center. I am currently in Chicago attending the Shift Student Ministries Conference at Willow Creek Community Church. It is only the first day and has been life giving already. Anywho, I just wanted to say thanks to you (my few subscribers and Facebook readers/followers) for your support and prayers.