Immutable Laws

1. What do you stand for? What standards do you uphold in your personal life? What do you expect from yourself and others in your life? In what aspects of your life do you waffle a bit? What are the areas where you will not move a muscle? Do you need to loosen up or have more conviction?

Michalowicz, Mike (2008-09-24). The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (p. 48). Obsidian Launch, LLC. Kindle Edition.

– Christ
– Highest integrity and morality
– Family
– Children

2. Immutable Laws are the backbone of your company. Building on your own values and ethics, what are the Immutable Laws of your company? How do these Immutable Laws benefit you, your staff, your investors, and your customers?

Michalowicz, Mike (2008-09-24). The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (p. 48). Obsidian Launch, LLC. Kindle Edition.

My Immutable Laws:
1 – We serve Christ by investing and profiting from the talents that He has entrusted us with
2 – Ethics and integrity are the bedrock of our success, are are never to be compromised
3 – We work passionately to make a difference, but never at the expense of risking a failed household

3. What’s your Why? Why are you an entrepreneur? Why did you choose your specific industry? Why, Why, Why? Keep asking until you get to the heart of the matter.

Michalowicz, Mike (2008-09-24). The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (p. 48). Obsidian Launch, LLC. Kindle Edition.

For Beginning of Wisdom:
To make a tangible difference in people’s lives. To invest my talents to bring people closer to Christ through prayer.

OptumRx:
I originally chose the industry because it seemed like it was one that makes a tangible positive impact on people’s health and lives. However, I think that is short-sighted. I think that people use prescription drugs as a fail-safe to not making the right decisions in the first place. Yes, prescription drugs can save lives, but I’m not sure they do more good than harm.

LMM:
Because I’m good at it. It’s a way to invest and profit from my talents.

Prayer and Gifts

A couple things I wanted to note today.

First, Pastor Rick shared some good insight in service today. He talked about how the fruit of Matthew 15:1-17 is the result of asking for fruit in your life in prayer. In the passage, Jesus talks about how if we abide in Him, anything we ask for, He will provide. It made me recall that I asked to hear from God. I wonder if that is a pre-requisite to hearing him – to actually ask.

Second, I’m reading Linchpin: Are you indespensible?. In the book, it talks about linchpins are people who practice giving away their art. By giving away their art, they become indispensable, and gain more personally than if they had tried to charge for their wares in the first place. It makes me think of BoW. BoW should be my gift to the world. A gift of love. A gift wrapped in a BoW :p But really.. why did I ever start getting caught up in how to set up a stupid company. The Lord told me it doesn’t matter either way. Just give it out. Create a community around it. Confirm its value and build a community to help to shape it further. Then it can become a cause, and I can figure out whether it needs me any more than part-time or not. I don’t have to force the issue. Just create art (BoW) and give it out in love and see what happens.

Beliefs (entrepreneurship)

Limiting beliefs:
– I can’t start abusiness without start up capital
– I don’t have a product that people will buy
– My inexperience is a liability and a risk to my success
– A corporate job provides greater security than owning my own business
– Security is more important than doing what I really love to do
–

Enabling beliefs
– Things are typically much simpler to do than I think they are before I start them
– I have the intelligence to figure out how to be successful
– I have a better business sense than many people who are already successful
– I am passionate about learning and that will help to ensure success
– I have a broad base of experience that will be very valuable to a startup venture

Repositioned beliefs
– I don’t want startup capital! Startup capital is more negative than positive; it’s a last resort only, because then you have to answer to your investor(s).
– Startup capital would reduce risk that is actually a necessary component for my success.
– I get to create a product that is uniquely me. I get to try different things out to see what the market is really looking for, and then fill their need.
– I have great experience in being successful in business. What has made me successful in my prior jobs can be leveraged into success in my own company. I have a passion for customer service – meeting the need and exceeding their expectations. That will go far no matter what my product is.
– A corporate job is actually more risky than owning my own business. Right now, my income is based largely on the success of others, and is a single source of income. With my own business, I would have diversified risk with many clients or hundreds or thousands of customers.
– The “security” I perceive is a false security. There are no guarantees. The only guarantee I can really have in my career is the experience of really doing what I love to do, day to day. So the trick is really just a matter of finding that thing that I love to do and doing that to the best of my ability and leveraging it into a scalable business.

Guidance with employee

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus. I come to you today…

Michael, ease up on the formality.

Ok… Father, I’m distraught. This issue with my employee has me stressed and distracted.

I know. What are you going to do about it?

I’m going to do what is right, according to your word. do you have guidance or direction for me?

Michael, it’s interesting that you come to me now. Your faith is demonstrated by this. You’re at the end of your abilities, so you now come to me. I am here for you, but do not wait until you’ve reached the end of your ability to leverage my wisdom and guidance.

Yes, Lord. I am sorry.

Don’t be sorry. Correct your behavior.

Yes, Lord. What would you have me do about the employee?

Show mercy. Demonstrate compassion. Forgive.

I don’t hold her behavior against her, but I am responsible for doing the right thing for the company aren’t I?

Yes, Michael. You have a job to do, and you are to do it responsibly. Are you sure that her performance cannot be corrected?

Well.. it could potentially be corrected, but it would take tremendous time and energy, and that isn’t appropriate for an employee of her level and experience.

Are you sure you’re not trying to escape your responsibility to her?

I understand your question… ‘to her’ rather than ‘for her’.  I am not sure, only you know my heart, Lord. Am I trying to escape?

No, you’re not. I was allowing you to reflect that question back to me. You’re not escaping, per se, but you’re not willing to do everything that would be necessary to foster her success either, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In this case, it is appropriate.

So, do you have any direction for me?

Show mercy. Demonstrate compassion. Forgive.

I understand. So, I proceed down the path I’m headed with mercy, compassion and forgiveness?

Yes. Do not be harsh with her. Understand that she is a person, not just an employee. Treat her with respect. She is scared, and does not deserve anything less than compassion.

Yes, Lord. Is there anything else?

Be humble. You don’t have to puff yourself up in this. State the facts, state your perspective, and do so with humility. Do not talk down to her during this process.

Yes, Lord. Is there anything else?

Michael, slow down. Process what I’m telling you.

…

Thank you for your guidance, Lord. I will come to you first, and lean less on my own ability.

Employee issue

Dear Lord. Is there anything you want to weed out of my life? Any pruning?

Other than the obvious time sink you’ve gotten yourself hooked on again?

Funny…

No, it’s not funny. It’s quite serious.

Would limiting my time with it be acceptable?

It would be better. But you need to be consistent. Your focus on these games draws you away from me and your intentions.

I understand. Does 10 hours per week sound like a good start?

It’s a fine start.

Ok, then. That’s what I’ll do.

Lord, do you have any guidance for me on my trouble employee?

Of course I do.

Funny.

No, it’s not funny.

I’m sorry Lord.

It’s ok, but laughter doesn’t make things go away. Laughter is so often used as a barometer of ‘happiness’, when happiness is not even the objective. Laughter is actually a great way to hide substance and pain, which causes greater pain later.

Doesn’t laughter help in healing?

Peace helps in healing. Some people use laughter to mask the pain so that they can arrive at something remotely similar to peace. They use laughter to dull their focus on negative experiences. Negative experiences and pain have their place in life for a reason.

Now don’t get me wrong. Negative experiences and pain are not to be sought, and I do not bring them about in your life to ‘teach you a lesson’, but when they do come about, they should be considered appropriately, while at peace, and released, not bottled up under laughter.

I understand. Can we get back to my employee?

Yes. Now consider this. What you are about to do will affect this person and those close to her.

Well how’s that for a guilt trip.

Michael, hold on. I didn’t even say how it would affect them. Michael, your responsibility is to do what is right. In this case, what is right is to let go of your emotions and make the appropriate decision for the sake of the good of the organization you serve.

So, what emotions are there that I may not be recognizing?

Fear is definitely there.

Fear of what?

Fear of what she’ll say back to you. Fear that she’ll go out fighting. Fear that she’ll impact how others think about you.

True. What other emotions?

Anxiety.

Isn’t anxiety the same as fear?

No, Michael. Anxiety is different from fear in that it’s not necessarily good or bad – it’s just the presence of heightened anticipation.

So, in this case is my anxiety good or bad?

You have some of both.

Ok. Any other emotions?

Michael, let’s stay focused on the task at hand. When you do this, it’s imperative that you stay calm. As long as you are calm, I will be with you. If you let your emotions get the best of you, in anger, fear, etc, you will not receive my wisdom.

I understand. Thank you Lord.

It’s not weird to be weird

Dear Lord.  Thank you for your guidance and direction. I did what you said with my boss and did not press the issue about the concerns I was having and believe it was the right thing to do.

I’m thinking about what to ask you about.

You don’t have to ask me anything. We can just be together.

Ok, that’s something I can ask. What does that really mean – “be together”. How do I ‘hang out’ with you?

Well, you don’t have to ask a question in order to say something to me. Your questions are good, but they’re not the only means of our communion. In fact, if you had a relationship with someone where the only conversation you had revolved around your questions for them, it would be a very one-sided relationship. I love you so deeply that I will be here for you no matter what and no matter how often, but there are other components to the relationship.

I understand. Like what?

Like appreciation for one.

Praise and worship.

Yes

Ok, what else?

Michael, you’re doing it again. How about you talk to me without questions for one prayer.

Ok…

How are you feeling today?

I feel good. I feel like I have good energy today. I’m also feeling good that the issue I’m having with one of my employees is going to come to a head. It will be a difficult couple of weeks, but the end is very likely near and that is relieving that we can move on from it.

That’s good. I’ll be with you throughout.

Thank you Lord

What else? What’s on your mind that you want to share with me? Not ask, but share.

…

I’m excited in the direction my life is going with my focus on living by my intentions. As you know, I am using a website called Mindbloom that is helping me organize and measure my intentions, which I think really helps.

That’s wonderful. It’s great to see as well.

What else Micheal. Don’t stop this prayer because you’re uncomfortable. Grow through the challenge. How are you feeling?

I feel good that we’re reconnecting. It’s like I’m reconnecting with my best friend.

For me as well.

I feel bad that my wife and I haven’t been consistent with going to small group.

Don’t feel bad. They are there for you when you need them to be. They won’t shut you out.

But I was hoping to make friendships.

Were you?

What do you mean? Of course I was.

I’m not so sure. What motivations do you think you had in joining the small group?

Making Christian friends, building relationship with Jen, sharing what I’ve learned with others, seeing our old dog, giving the kids some opportunity to make new friends, …

A lot of that is true, but you’re missing something important.

Please tell me…

You’re missing you.

What does that mean?

You didn’t let me finish.  You’re missing you and me.

I am aren’t I… You’re right of course, growing, and really re-connecting in my relationship with you was a central reason for joining the small group.

Michael, friends aren’t an ‘end’, they’re a ‘means’. You don’t have friends to have friends. You have friends for the support they provide. Your focus is on the wrong thing. Plus, you think you don’t need anyone else’s support.

You’re right…

You’ve had challenges in your life and you’ve responded by hardening to other people. You’ll be nice, but you won’t open up, in fear of being hurt again.

That’s true, but I started to open up in the group, and got the feeling like I was ‘getting weird’ or something.

Michael, you ARE weird, but that is not weird. It’s not weird to be weird. Everyone has their own personality and quirks. The key is to lay yourself out on the table so that you attract the right people in to your life. You don’t want people to want to be your friend because of some act you’re putting on. You don’t have to act cool. Just be yourself, and if it’s cool, then you’ll attract like-minded people, if not, then you’ll attract like-minded people.

I understand. Thank you Lord.

Anxiety about work

Heavenly Father.

Stop Michael, you’re not focused.

…

Father, I need to come to you with something on my mind.

I’m here, Michael.

I’m feeling anxiety about my boss at work. It’s like she’s not telling me something.

Well, she’s not.

I see your point.. either way, whether the review will be good or bad, I can’t know until the time is appropriate.

True

I just get the feeling that something negative is on the horizon.

What gives you that idea?

She seems to be waffling on things that would be in my interest.

Go on…

Well, like my suggestion about the RFP Quality Assurance team reporting to me. She never even responded. And then with the new PM hire, who’s a very good candidate, she says she’ll ‘think about it’. I don’t get it.

Michael, she has a lot on her plate right now. You’re pressing. Don’t press or you may create a negative situation where one doesn’t exist.

Yes, true…

She is doing what she feels is appropriate for the business. She’s not trying to hold you down. You don’t have to worry – worry will only suffocate you and limit your potential.

OK.

Is there something else?

Oh.. yeah.. so these last couple of days, you know that I’ve prayed and journaled because of the mindbloom program. Basically, because I get points for doing things I intend.

Yes. So?

Well…

We covered this yesterday. It’s OK Michael. I’m glad we’re communicating.. that’s it. Mindbloom is nothing more than a way for you to think through your intentions and gives you a tangible, yet digital, reward for following through.

True.

So your intention is on me? And you get a silly reward for following through on that intention? So be it. You will see that your reward is the prayer – this is the blessing.

I know. I don’t know what I shut you out. I know.. distraction.. what distracted me?

You invited Satan in with the filth that you were watching – Spartacus.

Wow, yeah. That was pretty sleezy. I’m sorry.

What matters is now.. what matters is that you’re here. Don’t get sucked in to his ploys. If something is pulling you in with a lure that goes against my will, you must fight his wiles. Stand up, get angry and fight.

I will Lord. Thank you for not leaving me.

I never will

Good night

Getting Back in Touch

Dear Lord. I am reaching for your hand. I am looking for your lead. I am ready for your step-by-step guidance.

Michael, saying you are ready and being ready are two different things.

Well, isn’t my intention a good thing?

It could be. Intentions are not actions.

Then.. Lord.. what is the next step for me? What decision do you want me to make right now? What action do you want me to take right now?

What you’re doing is a good start. However, the positioning of your questions is wrong.

I know.. What do you want to do through me right now?

That’s it Michael

Ok, then, what do you want to do through me right now?

We’re not there yet Michael. We need to get back in touch.

That’s disappointing.

You won’t follow my lead let alone let me act through you if we’re not in close communion.

I understand your point. I want to get back to that point.

As do I.

It just takes consistency right?

No, Michael. It takes the focus of your heart.

Right, ok.. right. So, for example, right now I’m praying and journaling because of my intention to do so, but that isn’t sufficient is it?

It actually is Michael. It’s the first step. It’s an act of your will to re-connect with me. That demonstrates the condition of your heart. But don’t waver. Read your prior entries. Feel how tangible our relationship was, so that we don’t have to start from scratch again. What is important is your trust – your “blind faith” – in me.

Well “blind” in that I trust you at face value, because I’ve learned to do so.. not “blind” in that I’m taking some “leap of faith” correct?

Correct. You have learned to trust me. You have just forgotten. But it’s still there.

Have we lost something by the silence?

We’ve lost time. ‘Opportunity cost’ would be an appropriate way to describe it.

Yeah, I get it. Am I on the right path now?

You’re here aren’t you?

Yes, I suppose

Well aren’t you?

YES!  I am Lord 🙂  And this is where I want to be in this moment.

I need to make time for this again.

It only takes a few minutes. It doesn’t need to keep you up late at night. 15 minutes per day is just as effective in many ways as 2 hours twice per week.

I can see that.

However, there may be times when the ‘flow’ of our communication deserves extra time, but you’ll know when that is, because you won’t want to stop.

So just commit to 15 minutes.

Commit sounds like a scary word. Shouldn’t it be in-the-moment choice?

Of course it’s an in-the-moment choice, whether you make a commitment or not. The commitment is a statement of your intention. A commitment becomes a way to measure your integrity. And your integrity becomes a measure of how much I can trust you.

I understand that. Lord, I love these “sessions” with you.

As do I.

Lord, did our financial charity please you?

It did.

Was it of the right heart?

If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t have pleased me.

I was struggling a bit with thoughts of your promise regarding tithes and offerings – thinking that our gift would be blessed in multiple.

Michael, your charity was not a tithe, but it was an offering.

Wait.. I didn’t expect that. I expected that you would say that the charity gift was insufficient to be considered a tithe, because it wasn’t 10%. I was actually feeling like it was lacking.

Michael, your charity was from your heart, not obligation.

True.. so what does that mean?

That means it’s an offering.

Hmm.. it’s that simple?

Yes.

So does that mean that you are disappointed that I am not giving 10% of my income out of obligation?

Only disappointed in the sense that you are not experiencing the blessing that you could because of that choice.

So my choice to have security rather than the blessing you refer to is just that – a choice?

Yes, Michael. I do not love you any less for not tithing, nor does it affect your afterlife with me. However, your tithing is a way that you demonstrate your trust in my ‘commands’. It also demonstrates that I can trust you with more resources.

I understand. Thank you for who you are – thank you Lord for loving me and being available to me in spite of my inadequacies.

You are not inadequate, simply distracted. Satan has you ‘rubbernecking’ if you will.

Yeah, I get it. Thank you again, and I love you and I will talk to you tomorrow.

I love you too Michael.

Coming Back

I stumbled across a new website today called Mindbloom.  It’s basically a game that focuses your thoughts and actions on what you intend, and growing in ways that you intend.

I intend to grow in my relationship with Christ again, like it once was.

I intend to live intentionally.

I have one shot at this life – and this is it.

Optimal Operating Conditions

I don’t know what to say. I’ve been away for so long. But I have something to think through, and I know that I’m never more clear than when I’m typing into my BoW blog.

I just finished watching Limitless – a movie about a man who discovers a drug that he takes to attain utmost clarity of thought. There’s two things I want to work through:
1 – during the movie, I realized that there’s this state of mind that I get from time to time, where my whole facial ‘mode’ shifts. It changes from what I would call tense and scowling or overly concerned maybe, into a clear, peaceful state, where I feel confidence, serenity, and no fear.
2 – I wonder whether God’s ‘commands’ are really commands at all. I wonder if they are really more like instructions. I wonder if they are more like operating procedures. God has given me a miracle of a gift – my very being. My human form is governed by my mind. What if sin is really nothing more than a name for violating the optimal operating procedures. God has laid out his instructions… all He asks for… no… all that’s required for us to experience the life He intends for us, is to trust Him. Does He really hold our sins against us? I know that He doesn’t as long as we accept the sacrifice of His son. But… I’m not sure where that last piece is going, but I have a distinct feeling that I’m on to something here. God created a magnificent being. Yes, it’s adaptable, but there are certain aspects of its existence that, if certain rules are followed (or ‘laws’ obeyed), my existence will basically be described as ‘abundant life’. So the question becomes… what are those rules? NOT what are His laws in the sense of if I don’t follow His laws, I’ll be punished, but what are the optimal operating conditions???

Optimal Operating Conditions

OOC

Is what I’m doing right now an OOC?

Is what I’m doing right now an OOC?

What are the OOC’s?

A soft ‘what would God want me to do?’ or ‘what would Christ do’ turns into ‘what has God told me would result in an ultimate life experience’.

Is what I’m doing right now an OOC?

What is my OOC right now?

OOC

This post seems a bit manic…

It’s so weird… when I blog in this way… I use words that I never use… and when I use them, they turn out to be the exact right word… I have to look them up and it confirms that it was the best word… so weird…

What else…

I want my ultimate life experience – ULE

Consistent OOC >>> ULE

Is what I’m doing right now an OOC?

Optimal Operating Condition

What is my current OOC? Right now, it’s writing this – I feel that this is discovery.

Is UHG my OOC? In some ways, it’s been a shadow of an OOC in the sense that it’s taught me a tremendous deal. However, I would say that that learning and experience could have been attained far more effectively and efficiently through a true OOC.

Oh, back to what I was going to write about initially…

Most of what surrounds us is DISTRACTION. Satan has us fucking duped. I use that word for emphasis and to express anger, not to be crude. We are duped. We learn from duped people who we think have the answers. They may have a clearer story, or be closer to truth, but most are still duped in some way.

What would happen if a person wasn’t duped? Would he be ‘sinless’? He would certainly know and follow God’s OOCs! Did Jesus get this? I’m sure He did…

This puts a whole new ‘spin’ on studying the Bible. It’s not necessarily all about just ‘reading God’s word’ or ‘knowing Him’ although I think the latter is important. But I think that God put His word on paper to teach us, to guide us, to experience a life of abundance – our Ultimate Life Experience.

So… what is my OOC right now?

What are general themes of OOC that I need to… no, want to… pursue?

I guarantee, alcohol is never an OOC. Alcohol will never make me clear… although alcohol does make you susceptible to ideas. I’ve had 3 beers tonight. Does that mean that all of this ‘insight’ is flawed? Would I have had this insight if I didn’t have those 3 beers? I believe that my thinking would have been even clearer, and my idea flow possibly more fluid.

So, removing alcohol’s grip on my life is an OOC.

What else…

My health, of course. When I’m healthy, I feel more alive, more confident, more capable. My health is of tantamount importance. Just being on the right path is empowering. I don’t have to be 5% body fat to feel good about myself in this way; I just need to be on the right path. I know this by experience. I’ve seen it on Biggest Loser – they don’t have to lose 100 pounds to start feeling good about themselves. It’s the DIRECTION they are heading that is most impactful to their esteem.

What else…

Alcohol. Health.

What does ‘health’ entail? Obviously right eating and exercise. Is supplementation in there? Possibly. I’m not sure, but I can start with what I know.

What else?

Learning. But learning what? I suppose I can lean on God’s direction for determining my OOC for learning at any given time. But my OOC is dependent on Him.

Definitely Bible study. I need to learn the OOCs that God has already communicated. There’s just sooooo much interpretation that clouds the meaning of the Bible. Again, I need to lean on communion with God to sift the wheat from the chaff. I suppose I can start with what I know and build.

People need to know this perspective. I wonder if there is writing on this anywhere…

Father

Heavenly Father. I know I’ve been distant. I’m not sure why and I don’t offer any excuse. I am sorry. Was there some purpose in it?

Michael. Even men in the Bible went through times where they were on again and off again – cyclical.

I always had the impression that they were steadfast.

Some were, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to the most intimate communion. Steadfast mediocrity is not the goal. Growth is the goal. Growth in our intimacy. If your being distracted for 6 months brings us closer together, then it was time well spent. You were never far away though. You knew that.

I did.

So am I on to something here? Is there valuable perspective in what I’m writing or perceiving?

There is. The question is, how will you use it? You know the answers to the test. How will you put it to practice?

Father, I’m going to leave it at that for tonight. I love you and I praise you for your blessing and protection, even when I’m ‘lost’.

You’re welcome, Michael.