During the holidays, my brother introduced me to this game called, “Matchington Mansions.” It’s much like Candy Crush where you have to move certain pieces in rows in order to beat the levels. My twin brother and I played for hours on end, working as a team (better than we truly ever have before) and I quickly realized that what I was participating in was important for me in this season: strategy.
When it’s time for a new season, you’ve got to come up with a new strategy. What worked for you last season is great, but you’ll need some new “plays” for what’s to come. Yes, take what you’ve learned into your next season. However, be willing to be flexible and know that what worked for you then, may not necessarily work for you now. Many of us anticipate football season and although I’ve never been a coach, I am positive that much of the off-season is spent devising new game plays. When the coach is drawing up those plays, he takes into account his players strengths and how he can best utilize that to defeat his storied opponent. That leads me to my first question: How can you utilize your strengths so that you can be effective in this new season?
There may be some folks in your next chapter that you were not expecting to collaborate with who are going to be “essential co-workers.” It’s important that you recognize who they are. Do not miss what it is you are to learn from them by working together. There’s an African Proverb that goes like this, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This time of separation is certainly teaching us how much we took togetherness for granted. When we come out on the other side of this pandemic, we will appreciate it so much more. Often we don’t realize how much we appreciate something until it's gone, and we can’t have it. Now to my next statement: Do not miss out on your blessing because you didn’t stay connected to those who are part of your destiny.
Friends, allow me to encourage you to examine your strategy. What are your plays for this year? Don’t let COVID-19 sidetrack what it is you had planned to accomplish this year. It just might have to look different or take a little longer to accomplish than you had initially anticipated. If this whole thing has taught me anything, it’s that we can be creative even when the world seems to be falling down. What are your strengths and how can they best serve others? If there ever were a time to hone your skills, this would be it. Who are your champions? Who can accelerate you to ensure that this season is a fruitful one?
Be encouraged.