Trust Your Gift Not Theirs

You have a skill set that is in demand. Figure out how to package and disseminate it aligned with your goals for your life and lifestyle. When Eric Thomas spoke the words, I was immediately convicted. Not because I am waiting for something to be handed to me, but because I have a skillset as well. I was convicted because I know that I have not been eating according to my skill set. I have been content with the crumbs while I could be mobilizing for the whole loaf or indeed a franchise of bakeries.

You may have heard the oft-quoted Bible verse, Proverbs 18:16. It says, “Your gifts make room for you, and bring you before great people.” I am excited because focusing on your gift not only gets you the seat at the table. Your gift sets the table and provides the conversation. What I say to you today is simple. Trust your gift to make room and to tell you what to say.

Getting Over the Passion

We have spent too much time on the passion discussion. Passion and purpose are two synonymous words describing your reason for being. They are an explanation for why you are here and inspiration for consistent daily action. Gifts or giftedness is what you have available to work with. Your gift refers to a skillset you possess that enables you to be the best of yourself. We must learn to trust in your gift. Also, notice the difference between your gift as something you can DO and your gift as who you can BE.

Trusting Your Gift
I often talk about a daydream I had thinking about Will Smith. I asked him to give me $1 million dollars. He declined. But what struck me was the reason he declined. He said, “If I give you $1 million dollars, I remove your learning opportunity on how to make your first million. In the process, I also remove your ability to maintain the million I give and the know-how to take that million and make another million. In other words, giving you a million cripples you.”

Though a daydream, it is wise advice. If you are a science-fiction lover, you recognize the temporal paradox. If he gives me the million dollars, my motivation to learn, grow, and mature are removed. In that hustle space, I learn lessons that get me into a different mindset and relationship with money. I grow in my understanding of markets, influencers, business, and branding. I mature away from hindrances and hesitations that are hallmarks of the immature businessperson. In short, the advice is never to loan money to a person who is waiting on your money to start their activity. I am an entrepreneur who won’t wait. I am a mentor who will spur you to get started.