Greg Creed came to Methodist on Monday to speak at our fall convocation. Most people wouldn't recognize his name right away but as soon as you say president of Taco Bell, his name carries weight. Fast food employment isn't always the most respected profession until you add "president" to your title. We don't have many millionaires come to Methodist, but when your $3 million compensation is public knowledge you know you've made it big. Greg Creed quickly went from no-name to big name.
I wasn't sure what to expect with Creed. Would he be a stuffy old guy or an inexperienced speaker we just brought for the notoriety? I left thoroughly impressed. Not only did he start with a joke, "I'm an Australian selling Mexican food to Americans," but he asked the thought-provoking question, "Do you want to lead an incremental life or do you want to lead a breakthrough life?"
He barreled through his message leaving me wishing I was taking notes with all of the freshmen required to attend for class. He described leaders as curious and prepared to take risks. He related a story of driving on a highway... Some people will always stay behind the car in front of them because they believe it's moving fast enough that a lane change isn't necessary.
I wasn't sure what to expect with Creed. Would he be a stuffy old guy or an inexperienced speaker we just brought for the notoriety? I left thoroughly impressed. Not only did he start with a joke, "I'm an Australian selling Mexican food to Americans," but he asked the thought-provoking question, "Do you want to lead an incremental life or do you want to lead a breakthrough life?"
He barreled through his message leaving me wishing I was taking notes with all of the freshmen required to attend for class. He described leaders as curious and prepared to take risks. He related a story of driving on a highway... Some people will always stay behind the car in front of them because they believe it's moving fast enough that a lane change isn't necessary.
"But if you don't go to a different lane, you can never pass the car in front of you," he said. Yes, there's a risk that moving could mean getting stuck behind somebody slower. But ultimately, you have to have the fortitude to actually try and go into a different lane. If you stay behind the car, you'll always be second. It really is that simple."
How many of us are afraid to change lanes? Can we take the risk? Whether it's a risk in a current job or accepting a new job... or a risk in a relationship or a risk to try something new... we have to take the risk to move ahead. Some people are content to be second. I don't want to be first to beat everyone else, but I want to be first to be the best I can be.
I want to take the risks that will lead me to a breakthrough life, but in the back of my head I question my ability to determine the breakthrough risks from the breakdown risks. I want to take smart risks and I pray my fear doesn't cripple my ability to move forward. Here's to stepping out of fear into a breakthrough life.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." 1 John 4:18
How many of us are afraid to change lanes? Can we take the risk? Whether it's a risk in a current job or accepting a new job... or a risk in a relationship or a risk to try something new... we have to take the risk to move ahead. Some people are content to be second. I don't want to be first to beat everyone else, but I want to be first to be the best I can be.
I want to take the risks that will lead me to a breakthrough life, but in the back of my head I question my ability to determine the breakthrough risks from the breakdown risks. I want to take smart risks and I pray my fear doesn't cripple my ability to move forward. Here's to stepping out of fear into a breakthrough life.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." 1 John 4:18
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