For those of you who know us, we are nuts (mostly Rich) about goal setting, planning objectives, formulating mission statements, etc.. for ourselves individually and collectively for our family. And while we enjoy these kind of developmental/growth tools (mostly Rich), they are basically tactical and action oriented activities that serve the underlying message of reaching one’s potential.

We describe and define reaching your potential as being “the best you” that you are capable of being in any situation or circumstance. This is a powerful life theme that we first began discussing with Trevor and Alex when they were very young. Particularly as it related to school, activities, and sports. Eventually we, too, adopted and applied this message in our own adult lives as we began to take to heart the seeds we were planting with the boys and seeing the fruit it was producing.

So how do you reach your potential? If you google the subject, you’ll get a million results to choose from. For us and our family, reaching your potential, in anything, requires a mindset and attitude that you should be characterized by. It’s more than simply trying or doing.

For the Howards, reaching your potential is characterized by:

  • Putting forth “true“ effort as explained in our The One Thing letter. True effort has an added measure of determination and motivation that supersedes just trying your best.
  • Recognizing that you won’t know what you are capable of until you put yourself out there- physically and emotionally. Reaching your potential may make you feel uncomfortable and emotionally vulnerable which can be a very humbling experience. Have the courage to discover your capabilities.
  • By not comparing yourself to anyone. Focus on being the “best you” in the moment.
  • Knowing that if you have fun and/or a positive attitude, you will boost your efforts and achieve so much more. As Winston Churchill said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
  • Be mindful and respectful of others. We never reach our potential at the expense of anyone.
  • Intentionally thoughtful. You need to put forth some sort of plan or strategy together for reaching your potential. It doesn’t need to be complex, but you do need to put some intentional thought into how you will reach your potential.

It’s important to point out that we used the phrase “characterized by.” That’s because we are all human and there are times when we don’t reach our potential. And that is ok… as long as you are characterized by reaching your potential.

To further facilitate the point of having the proper mindset and attitude, here are some questions to consider in some common areas of life:

Parenting – Am I reaching my potential as Father or Mother? Am I being the best parent I’m capable of being for my children?

Marriage – Am I reaching my potential as a Wife or Husband? Am I being the best spouse I’m capable of being for my husband or wife?

Relationships – Am I reaching my potential as a friend, neighbor, and coworker? Am I being the best friend I’m capable of being in my relationships?

Vocations – Am I reaching my potential in my career, my volunteering, or any capacity in which I serve others? Am I being the best employer, employee, volunteer, servant, helper I’m capable of being in my vocations?

Another important point to remember, regardless of the area of life, the outcome may not be what you envisioned while you did everything possible in reaching your potential. That’s life. We are not entitled to nor ordained to have a positive outcome in every situation. Yet, the idea of reaching your potential is more than any desired tangible outcome. It’s more about your character and how you define yourself and less about performing well, achieving your objectives, and the sense of accomplishment. Ultimately, it’s really about who you are becoming as a person and how you steward your life.

Blessings to your family,

Shelly and Rich