In their book Seven Practices of Effective Ministry (Multnomah), Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner and Lane Jones remind us that we will get a greater return on our investment of time and energy by focusing on strengthening areas where we have the greatest potential for real excellence.
“The sobering truth is that many of us weaken our potential by investing too much time in the areas of our lives where we have the least potential. It seems logical. Even justifiable. After all, shouldn’t we work hard at improving the areas in which we are weakest?
“Think about it. Does it make sense for ace pitcher John Smoltz to spend more time working on his hitting? His batting average is probably the area where he has the greatest potential for improvement. The problem is that hitting a baseball is not the area where he has the greatest potential to make an impact. The most important contribution that Smoltz makes to his team is his ability to pitch.
“If you really want to make a lasting impact, then you need to eliminate what you do well for the sake of what you can potentially do best.”