Newton's Cradle with red ball moving fast on white background[Note: I came across this previous Monday MEMO and thought it was worth repeating.]

Fred Smith was a mentor to some of the top thinkers of our day, including heads of corporations and Christian ministry leaders. My friend Brenda Smith, Fred’s daughter, is keeping his legacy alive by sharing some of Fred’s wisdom on a blog and website,
www.breakfastwithfred.com.

Some of the recent postings there relate to those of us who want to impact our world…especially as Christians in media.

In a post on “Get It Done People,” Fred Smith outlines what high impact people are like…what they do to remain a force for good and for God. Here is some great insight from Fred’s list.

High Impact People:

  1. Link passion and uniqueness – they find their particular area of genius and maximize it by utilizing it effectively.
  2. Minimize religion and maximize spirituality – Christianity isn’t a religion; it is a relationship. Knowing about God isn’t faith but growing in trust and obedience is.
  3. Endure pain to win the gold – Bob Richards, the Olympic vaulter, always asked budding athletes: “What do you with the pain?” Pain isn’t optional.
  4. Understand that discipline isn’t punishment – an unruly, chaotic life achieves little. There is always a price to pay for accomplishment. Discipline allows the freedom of productivity. Good habits are there for the times you don’t want to work.
  5. Control their time and appreciate the dramatic moments – Just as I don’t let other people spend my money, I don’t let them spend my time.
  6. Focus – scatter-shooting is for amateurs. Big game hunters don’t go out carrying shotguns.
  7. Are Energetic – Know what creates energy and what uses it and manage it well. High impact people are generally high energy, as well. They know how to harness the strength.
  8. Balance their lives – They stay out of the rat race and avoid obsessions. They integrate all the spokes of their wheel, as my friend Zig Ziglar says. The ride gets bumpy when all the emphasis is on one area.

These are good thought-starters and goals for those who want to make an impact in this world for Christ and the Gospel. Let’s follow the example of the Apostle Paul.

[blockquote author=”Philippians 3:14 NASB” link=”” target=”_blank”]… I press on toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.[/blockquote]