Why do we alienate what we have and covet what we don’t? We’re quick to ignore what is in our search for what else in life-always longing for the shiny balls of strengths that everyone else seem to possess-ignorant of our own. You have strengths that you do not fully utilize, why?  Because your strengths aren’t painful-and when it doesn’t cause discomfort, when something comes so effortlessly, so naturally, it often gets taken for granted.

 

For some people what may take them months to read a book, you complete it in a few hours; while some unsuccessfully try to cram into memory a blur of stats, facts, reviews, rebuttals and closes, you’re one and done-thanks to your photographic memory; where some find meeting new people very awkward, you have the uncanny ability to get a complete stranger to open up and share their whole life story with you in minutes. You have dozens of strengths-strengths that others could only wish for, yet years later you still find yourself standing in the familiar rut of, average at best, on the way to your grave of untapped potential. Like a dog faithful to its abusive master, your strengths are present, but underserved.

 

In the absence of tension, strengths morph into weaknesses. You can’t walk between skyscrapers on a loose tightrope; you won’t win the Tour de France with slack in your chain; you’ll never be able to play like Hendrix with loose guitar strings, and you’ll never realize your full potential without the tension. Your greatest opportunity for growth comes from the tension between complacency and discontent.

 

Many of your greatest strengths were unearthed during your weakest moments in life-all thanks to tension. When there were moments that you were physically, mentally, spiritually, or financially at your rope’s end, it was tension that tied the knot enabling you to hold on. You weren’t focused on the realities of what couldn’t be done-you were too focused on the possibilities of what had to be done. And like the tenacious jaws of a rabid dog you refused to let go- narrowing your focus, upping your intensity, and stretching your resolve…until tension finally broke the obstacle standing in your way. And that was during your weakest, lowest moments in life. Just think if you treated your strengths much the same way?

 

Instead of using your strengths as a crutch, limping into the kingdoms of Just Enough, what if you used it instead to vault into newer, higher realms of possibilities? If you did it when you didn’t think you had it [in you], then why, when you know you have it [in you] don’t you use it to do more?

 

 In the sport of pole-vaulting, the faster you run the higher you’ll go. Energy is transferred from the runner’s feet to the pole, vaulting him over the bar. Your energy is found in your strengths, the problem is you’re not running fast enough. It’s time to stop strolling and start running. Sure, adding tension causes discomfort, soreness, and fatigue, but that’s where the growth is found and that’s precisely the point when most people let up-when it begins to hurt.  We may not always like the effort, but we always enjoy the results. Keep your lines of success tight by dripping tension as needed.

 

If you plan on going higher, you’re going to have to run faster. Set the bar and lace up.

 

I’ll see you on the Blacktop.

  

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Comment by Bobby Howard on January 1, 2014 at 11:03pm
Thumbs up!
Comment by Marsh Buice on January 1, 2014 at 10:22pm
Thanks Bobby for sharing- I hope I helped clear up any misunderstanding. Happy New Year my friend.
Comment by Bobby Howard on January 1, 2014 at 6:23pm
This is a life changer sir;most importantly if you understand it and apply it.. When I shared this on facebook it became a battleground. It felt like a war of attrition because I knew it was right and I wasn't Given Up! I called for backup and you were there sir. You came in like a shining beacon of understanding and the smoke cleared on the battleground;giving me the true understanding that I immediately put into action, As my new years resolution! Thanks for the backup Coach..
Comment by Marsh Buice on January 1, 2014 at 5:17pm
Pat so glad you liked it my friend. Happy New Year to you brother.
Comment by Pat Kirley on January 1, 2014 at 4:52pm
Marsh
A story to inspire us all for better results in 2014, I loved it. Thanks again for sharing and Best Wishes to you for the New Year
Comment by Marsh Buice on December 31, 2013 at 11:15am

Joseph you are right my friend- Use what you got...then use it even more. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Comment by Joseph A. DiGiore, III on December 31, 2013 at 4:36am

Good Point,

Utilize what you have, same as, be happy with what you got.

My New Years Resolution.......thanks

 

 

Comment by Marsh Buice on December 30, 2013 at 10:46pm

Earl, brother you got it! The more (positive) tension we add to our strengths, the greater the impact we can make. Our strengths are like a muscle-the more we use it, the greater it becomes. Thanks for reading and commenting Earl.

Comment by Marsh Buice on December 30, 2013 at 7:37pm

Thanks for sharing Jody- I hope it helps :)

Comment by jody midgette on December 30, 2013 at 6:48pm

good stuff.

sharing with staff at tomorrow mornings training!

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