As I explained in PROLIFIC, every year I take an “activity audit” and cut activities that aren’t moving the needle on my life mission. And adding those which will.
In that regard, here are four changes I’m making in 2018 (there are actually more, but I’m sharing four here). Perhaps they’ll give you some ideas of your own.
* I quit posting on Twitter. January 1, 2018 was my last tweet. I’ve been on Twitter since 2008 – ten years ago. But I decided to quit posting on it for the same reason that I quit playing basketball when I was in middle school.
I can still hear one of my friends say, “Frankie V, you suck at basketball!” He was right. So I quit and focused on what I was really good at – baseball.
My friend’s words about my non-existent basketball talent apply in spades to my use of Twitter. I’m not good at it. Not even a little. Even though I have over 35,000 “followers,” the visibility of my tweets (all 20,000 of them) have been beyond abysmal. So I’ve given up on it to focus that extra time on things I excel at. Things like my new 3-minute podcast, the live events, creating courses, and writing books. (I may still Retweet posts from others.)
* I quit posting on Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+ for the same reason that I quit posting on Twitter (think basketball). I am keeping every account, however.
* I intend to read – in its entirety – a book that I’ve treasured since I discovered it. Robert Mounce’s monumental work, Jesus, In His Own Words. It’s by far the best book of its kind. Mounce is a renowned New Testament scholar who helped translate many of our contemporary translations of the New Testament. In Jesus, In His Own Words, Mounce combines all four Gospels chronologically, provides his own fresh translation of the text, and puts it all on the lips of Jesus. In other words, Mounce has transformed the Gospels into a harmonious autobiography of Christ.
I heard from Mounce in September and the man was 95 years old at the time, still serving the Lord actively. Go here to see my interview with Mounce on the book. Note that I’m reading small sections of the book in the mornings, with a plan to complete it by December 31st.
* I decided to do something for personal fulfillment once a month. I’ve talked about the effect that recreation has on creativity and productivity elsewhere, but I’m being even more intentional about it in 2018. The truth is, you can’t keep pouring out without periods for recreation. Incidentally, my hobbies are quite limited, so if you have any hobby ideas for me, post them in the comments.
If any of these have inspired you to cut or add activities in your own life for 2018, let us know in the comments below.
P.S. I just heard from Robert Mounce today – 1/11/18 – and he’s now 96! He still travels and self-published 11 paperbacks last year. He says he’s “never been happier in the Lord.” Wow!
New Kingdom Podcast!
I made it a goal to try something completely new every quarter.
I found lots of activities and classes through my local Parks and Recreation department, a local arts center and the Institute for Extended Learning at my local community college (non-credit classes that met only once or a handful of times, reasonably priced ).
Through these I took classes for rock climbing, Arabic and screen printing, to name a few.
Hi Frank!
Okay, here’s a twofold recreation tip from one of your Swedish brothers in Christ:
1. Go birdwatching during the day.
2. Go dancing rumba with your wife in the evening.
Love and grace to you!
Frank, I’m so encouraged that you are sticking with Facebook. That seems to be the one I do best on. So I guess we will stay “friends.” Thanks for your content. Love it. Blessings, Jan
Hello Frank and everyone.
I go snowshoeing almost everyday, and enjoy nature. It is soooooo calming and
peaceful. I don’t know where you live if you have snow in the winter, but here in the Canadian north there is tons of snow. In the summer we for long nature walks and canoeing. I love the outdoors. Maybe you could find something you like doing outdoors where you are and enjoy the fresh air and God’s wonderful creation. Would love to read some of the books you mentioned. I feel a little out of touch in the Great North.
Blessings to all
I recently visited the SALT telescope site in Sutherland South Africa. ”
I going to look up to the stars whenever the sky is clear at night.
Ps 90: 2 “Bevore the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth
and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
I haven’t emphasized recreation as much in my life, so this year I’ve picked up hip hop dancing and origami as hobbies.
Love your content; it has been so influential in my spiritual journey, Frank!
I am limiting myself to an hour of cable news and an occasional movie. I’ve had Mounce’s book for quite awhile so thanks for the reminder. I will read it this year. I also want to resume laughter yoga. I use to lead sessions in skilled nursing homes and want to start it again. A cheerful heart is the best medicine…. Try it, you’ll like it.
I’m going to experiment with building outdoor furniture made only of 2x4s and using Kreg jig/screws (DIY). I’m also going to read Mounce’s book (I was unaware of it). For the longest time, I’d wished that you would write a “prequel” entitled Untold Story of the Life of Christ. but until then, I’ll Jesus, In His Own Words will have to do
😉
Hi Frank,
Love the update today and had the same issue with Twitter?. I find RC drones, fidgeting with guitars or making furniture to be rewarding. RC’s are pricey but I enjoy them the most. Getting the trim setting down has been a challenge, but quite relaxing and the added physical benefit of chasing them down to prevent crash landings.
Whatever you decide to do in 2018 I hope it brings joy and many hiatas from work.
To good fun with a drone run,
Gene?
If you live near a suitable venue, try rowing. Thanks to a good friend I returned to rowing (after schoolboy rowing). There is a never-ending learning curve — great for anyone who loves a challenge. Rowing, along with XC skiing is acknowledged as the best fitness activity of all. You can join a rowing club and spread the sweet fragrance of Christ. You can buy an indoor rowing machine so you can row when the weather prevents you from rowing outside. There is a massive worldwide indoor rowing community. You can participate in Masters Rowing events which are as much celebratory carnivals as well as competitions.
Several years ago, I decided to become a High School sports official. I now do NCAA games as well. . . there is always a huge demand for High School officials . . . and since you have a love for baseball . . . you might look there . . . by the way, it is a great marketplace for Jesus to manifest
For a hobby
RC cars or RC airplanes.
I think it would be a nice break from all the writing, speaking etc…
It’s not demanding and you can apply yourself as much as you want. There is flexibility to be social or not social depending on your wants.
If you live near water, join Freedom Boat Club.
How about giving road cycling a try. I just started it recently and it helps not only your fitness, but also your mind. It gives me opportunity to clean out the clutter while enjoying God’s creation!
You are such a good leader and I so appreciate your work. I have been blessed by your writings and look forward to your new publication. I am also enjoying your 3 minute podcasts, that was really genius. Okay, I recommend getting a good bike and riding at least once a week, I ride at least 3-5 times a week on the Pinellas County Bike trail. I have a 5 mile marker I ride to and then go home, so about 10 miles is my typical ride, however; I have been known on several occasions to enjoy my five mile that I have ended up riding 23 or more miles on a whim. One day recently I was feeling nostalgic about my parents/grandparents homes on the gulf in Indian Rocks, and Bellaire Beach, so I rode my bike. It took me 3.5 hours and was one way 23 miles, it was a beautiful ride. So that is my suggestion. God bless you with many serendipitous days in 2018.
Growing sprouts in trays from seeds indoors is a recommended hobby. I started three years ago and with six shelves occupying 6 square feet of floor in the kitchen produce a pound of nutritious food a day. Fifteen minutes twice a day of “farming” and eating my own produce has restored energy and health.
I would have never thought of growing Sprouts.
One day for recreation… Yes!! It is so much needed and it’s gotta be something enjoyable; not just a day for recreation for the sake of saying I spent a day in recreation.
If you do gardening in a not too perfectionist way (that is here a little, there a little, going with nature and not against it), this is very relaxing. I’ve so often found it brings peace, since when you are gardening you’re much in touch with creation. You work with your body and hands and your brain gets more quiet. Your eyes rest from computers and smartphones when you’re outside.
Have a blessed and overflowing year!
If you enjoy BBQ, you should give smoking a try. There’s nothing like a brisket smoked for 8 hours to share with friends!
How about take up photography, nature, people, city surroundings, maybe even a little video in there. Get out and photograph God’s creation, it is still beautiful in it’s various forms and expressions. You also get some hiking in.
Learn to play ukulele, “The people’s instrument.” Easy to learn or can be as challenging as one desires. Portable and you can get up and running with little investment. Lots of free online resources.
I am disengaging from activities that do not correlate to our heart….that is preaching the simplicity of the Gospel and pointing people to Jesus Christ! I am being intentional to invest more of my time in family, and my “genuine” friends….loving on them, spending time with them. My hearts cry this year is “Oh that I might know Him”!??
If you promise to not play like you are 20 years old, a softball league could be a lot of fun, starting with pre-Spring training now.
I know the value of media. My husband has a state of the art recording studio and I aspire to directing and producing an independent film but I firmly believe that my best and most effective kingdom connections have been one on one. God’s personal work with me and my personal work on his behalf with others has been most fruitful one on one. Twitter and some of the other social media you mentioned gets more impersonal by the minute. The more impersonal the less poignant. Its the heart we are aiming for and that requires the personal touch.