The first half of the year is filled with traveling for Lifeworkx™. We have been to six countries (not including 2 events in the US) and have four more countries planned for the rest of 2023. Perhaps your work or lifestyle has you traveling a lot as well. In our travels, we have found that the time is more enjoyable when we travel with our Lifeworkx™ filter on. You may be asking, “what does that mean?” It means we are thinking about each interaction and person through the 4 parts of Lifeworkx™: Story, Design, Strengths, and Destiny.
Everyone has their life story, the real story, which influences who they are. And that life story influences us even more in times of stress and uncertainty. There are a lot of people, including us at times, who travel under stress and uncertainty. People may lash out at the smallest things while traveling, and the pain in their story has a part as to why they do that. When people react negatively or do and say negative things, the Lifeworkx™ way is to ask, “I wonder what their story is?” In this way, you extend grace to the person and the curiosity helps you to stay in relational mode.
People live and interact through their design, or personality. It’s obvious to see when you are looking. Sitting down next to a stranger on the plane: do they strike up a conversation with you like old friends or not even say “hi” and ignore you for the rest of the flight? There’s an easy way to see the difference of an Extrovert and Introvert of Myers Briggs. Is there a couple arguing because one is enforcing the details of the plans while the other is more carefree about the schedule? There is Myers Briggs Judging and Perceiving in conflict. Understanding that each person interacts with others is based on their personality allows you to be more accepting of their differences.
Seeing strengths in others may come more naturally to some, but the more you learn about the 34 themes that Gallup has discovered, the easier they are to see. Do you see an airline worker who is crying with and reflecting the emotions of the customer? That worker may have EmpathyTM as a natural talent. More important that guessing strengths in others is using and displaying your strengths while traveling. As you think, act, and feel through your strengths, others will see it and it inspires them to use their strengths as well.
Destiny, we all share a general destiny. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says “we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Have you been comforted or encouraged in your travels? We encourage you to use that to do the same for others in their stress and uncertainty. We all have a specific destiny as well. How yours relates to travel, only you know. But sometimes you can see a young child absolutely fascinated by planes and pretending to be a pilot. Maybe that’s a unique insight into their destiny. It may just be the aspect of discovering a new place or being responsible for all the people on board, or adventure. Whatever the cause, the Lifeworkx™ filter will encourage the dreaming child.
Whenever the next time you travel is, we invite you to join us in traveling the Lifeworkx™ way. Look at the people around you and realize God has made each of them uniquely. Each of them has a unique Story, Design, Strength, and Destiny. In doing so, you will have more grace and acceptance towards strangers and be an inspiration and encouragement to them. Happy traveling the Lifeworkx™ way!
The EmpathyTM theme is a trademark of Gallup Inc.