As the year comes to a close, I am typically find myself trying to wrap up loose ends on the projects I am working on with clients and planning for the next year. A part of my discipline for this season is to read at least one book that challenges my thinking. That book this year is 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. I was drawn to the book for two reasons. First was the title and subtitle. I like 10X and easier and especially when combined in the same phrase. The subtitle, “How World Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less,” also grabbed my attention for similar reasons including the desire to maximize my time. The second reason I was attacted was because of one of the authors, Dan Sullivan. When I was working with Leadership Network, our founder, Bob Buford, made it possible to participate in Dan’s Strategic Coach program. That year was instrumental in framing my patterns for “leading with purpose.”
Following are a few of my takeaways.
Incremental vs. Exponential
The central theme in 10X Is Easier Than 2X challenges traditional notions of incremental progress and encourages you to think and operate at a level that is ten times greater than your current status, asserting that achieving substantial success is paradoxically easier than making minor improvements.
Q: What in your world is currently 2X that needs a 10X lift?
10X Mindest vs. 2X Thinking
The conventional mindset of aiming for incremental growth, often referred to as "2x thinking," can be limiting. This approach involves making gradual improvements or doubling efforts in existing processes. While this method has its merits, Sullivan and Hardy contend that it may not lead to transformative success. Instead, they propose adopting a "10x mindset," which involves envisioning and pursuing goals that are ten times larger than one's current achievements. One key aspect of the 10x mindset is the emphasis on abundance thinking. Rather than focusing on scarcity and incremental gains, break free from constraints and envision a future that is significantly more expansive.
Q: Where are you thinking from a mindset of scarcity instead of abundance?
10X Thinking Paves the Way for Breakthrough
Thinking in terms of 10x goals inherently pushes you to think differently. Fostering innovation and creativity and the mindset shift not only alters you perception of what is possible but also provides a roadmap for navigating challenges and obstacles that may arise on the path to ambitious goals. Thinking 10X leads to breakthrough pathways and strategies.
Q: What needs some breakthrough in your ministry?
Maximizing Your Unique Ability
Aiming for smaller goals also may not tap into the full potential of your capabilities. In contrast, setting audacious goals ignites a sense of purpose and passion, propelling you to overcome obstacles with greater determination and resilience. Sullivan and Hardy discuss the concept of "unique ability," refering to your innate strengths and talents (and gifts - my addition). By aligning your goals with your unique ability, you can maximize their impact and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Q: What do you uniquely bring and are you creating space to bring it with strength?
So, bring on 2024, the year of 10X!
What will your 10X leap be?
Mine involves doubling the impact of the work that I have the privilege of doing with churches, leaders and authors. This feels incredibly audacious in light of the fact that many days, I find myself saying, “I can’t keep up woth what I am doing now. Or, is there a need for what my unique abilities bring to the table?”
Exactly what will that look like? I don’t know yet for sure, but the possibilities are opening up as I stop thinking incrementally with a scarcity mindset and a commit to add some teammates that will bring their unique abilities and creating space for me to operate within mine.
Don’t Go It Alone
Finally, Sullivan and Hardy also emphasize the importance of collaboration and leveraging collective intelligence. Ambitious goals require a collaborative effort, and surrounding yourself with a network of like-minded individuals can amplify creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
Q: Who’s your community of “collective intelligence?”
Pastor Smart Succession
I’m partnering with Dave in bringing the Pastor Smart Succession process to come alongside you and your church as you enter the succession zone. We walk with you each step of the way as you shape a “framed fit” for your future.
If you are beginning to think about what’s next, I’d love to connect and learn more and share more about how we can help. You can schedule a call here.
Leadwell Senior Pastor Finishing Well Cohort.
Also, if you are looking for a community of peers to navigate church, leadership and life with, consider applying for my Leadwell Senior Pastor Finishing Well Cohort. The 2024 Group Form launches April 23-25, 2024
We also have cohorts for Excutive Pastors and Young Senior Pastors as wel. All three are filling up quickly
Cohorts are by invitation only. If you are interested, contact me ASAP either via email at greg@ligongroup.com or by scheduling a call here.