Today’s BocaLead Session was a combination of principles Pastor Bill shared in another BocaLead session a few years ago along with new material we believe is relevant to the topic. If you enjoy the content shared here, you can register here for an upcoming BocaLead, or check out highlights and other media from the most recent BocaLead session for more.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Your “sweet spot” is the place where your talents, abilities, and gifts align with your passion. If you’re in your “sweet spot,” whether it’s in your job, family, or another area of your life, you’ll find there’s nothing you can’t do. But many times, we don’t know what that “sweet spot” is, or how to find it. Perhaps you’re drifting and don’t know what you want to do with your life. Or maybe you’re doing what you love, but the culture where you work is toxic. If one of these describes you, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. People develop best while they are in the game. 

Too often, people say, “I’m just waiting for the right opportunity to come along.” But when we do this, when we just sit there waiting for something to happen to us rather than making it happen for ourselves, we become inert. We cannot move. We become stuck, with no ability to see or claim opportunities that DO come our way. So, remember, no matter even if you don’t know exactly where you’re headed, don’t abandon ship. Keep going, keep trying new things, make something happen, even if it doesn’t match up with your perfect dream because it’s better to be moving 5 miles an hour in the wrong lane than not moving at all.

2. Personal growth is born out of self-awareness.

If you remember just one thing from what we teach at BocaLead, remember this, change starts with you. To truly change, you must first be self-aware. Know your weaknesses, your strengths, and your triggers – both good and bad. Self-awareness requires humility, so if you don’t know the answers to some of these things, ask your family, co-workers, and friends who have your best interests at heart. They’ll be able to help you identify the areas where you’re strong, and others where you need a little work.

3. It’s difficult to grow without trusted relationships.

When we don’t have someone we can rely on to give us constructive criticism, advice, and encouragement, we often miss things that are in our blind spots. We become unaware of things we need to change in order to move forward in our lives and careers. But how do we build trust in relationships? First look at people’s character. Are they loyal and honest? Do they encourage you or tear you down? Next, look at their competence. Do they have the expertise to help you in the area where you need assistance? Lastly, do they have vision, and can they help you build your own?

4. People grow best when they own their growth.

We can tell you all day what you need to change and do, but you will never make any progress unless you decide to change and grow yourself. Often, people drift when they are unaware, distracted, overwhelmed, and deceived. If you are feeling any of these things, take some time to do some self-evaluation, and reach out to those you trust who can help you find the answers you can’t see yourself. Use this opportunity to become aware of your current location – are you drifting or are you in your sweet spot? Then, decide where you want to go and start moving in that direction.

We at BocaLead believe God has given each of us a set of gifts and skills and made us the keeper of our own growth. The question is, what are you doing with what you’ve been given, and are you “keeping” it responsibly?