We are each blessed with strengths, interests, and passions that make us exceptional at what we do, in our career, business, ministry or life. Aligning our purpose with our strengths is key to excellence in our work and serving our sphere exceptionally. In Part 2 of his post, I continue using the “Parable of the Talents” as context, to explore the implications of playing small with our talents and comparing our expression of our talents with others.

We are each blessed with strengths, interests, and passions that make us exceptional at what we do, in our career, business, ministry or life. Aligning our purpose with our strengths is key to excellence in our work and serving our sphere exceptionally. Using the “Parable of the Talents” as context, in Part 1 of this post I explore the deeper implications for how we are to steward God’s gifts and the consequences of wasting or misusing these gifts.

Visualization is the process of creating a vivid mental image of a future event. Cognitive scientific research indicates that since the brain doesn’t know the difference between a real memory and an imagined one if you envision something vividly enough, your mind perceives it as something real that you’ve already experienced. This is why many celebrated athletes, such as Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and others successfully use visualization to level up their game. And so can you!

Excellence is active—it is about doing, not simply being. But what really drives a person to excel? I think if we observed the habits of those who we hold in high esteem for their commitment to excellence, we will find they are I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D: Innovative, Nimble, Success-driven, Purposeful, Integrity, Results-oriented, Engaged, Diligent.