“We usually see only what we are prepared to see in others and the world.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2015-10-06) from his book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters (p. 146). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

You may not realize it but you have something that will add value to someone’s life.  You really do.  Do you see it?

John says, “Looking outward with an eagerness to add value to others influences how you will see people. We usually see only what we are prepared to see in others and the world. That’s why two people can be in the same place, in the same circumstances, surrounded by the same people, and see the same thing completely differently.”

John shares a process that he developed to add value into a person's life:

“Model— I do it. Before I try to teach someone else, I work to become good at it so that I know what I’m doing.

Mentor— I do it and you watch. Learning begins when I show someone how to do what I do... I always tried to take with me someone who wanted to learn.

Monitor— You do it and I watch. Nobody learns how to do something well on the first try. People need to be coached. When others do the task and I’m there to watch, I can help them troubleshoot problems and improve.

Motivate— You do it. I always try to hand off tasks as soon as possible and encourage the people I’ve trained. I become their biggest cheerleader.

Multiply— You do it and someone else is with you. This is the final step. I don’t want the equipping cycle to end with me. I want it to continue. When I train someone to do something, I want them to turn around and train someone else, just as I did them.”

There are people out there who need you.  You have what they need.  Look for them and then share what you know with them.

So what are you prepared to see and do in others?