Two Books. Common Themes.

I'm reading two books right now. They are both excellent. One of these is a an innovative business/self-help book by Seth Godin called "Linchpin". The other is the book "A Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren offering Spiritual guidance. The interesting thing is that two books from such vastly different genres can come to many of the same conclusions.
Linchpin
"Linchpin" is a powerful book that I guarantee will inspire you. We all have the opportunity to deliver remarkable work. One of the things that distinguishes a linchpin is that he/she embraces the opportunity to deliver exceptional work.
The average cog delivers average work, while the linchpin delivers remarkable work. Have you ever seen a janitor, waiter, stewardess that did his/her job with such skill and enthusiasm that it inspired you? It becomes a gift from that person - to the world.
Godin points out that this "gift" characteristic of a Linchpin's work, is key. Godin uses the term "art" to describe whatever talent it is you are good at, hold dear, and are sharing with others. (I've witnessed a lot of this in those attending our Friday morning group.) For example - singing, writing, building, humor. Being good with people or with numbers could be your art. Godin encourages us to exercise that talent, nurture it, dump ourselves into it, then find a way to give it away (for free.)
Godin would says that We cheat ourselves, other people, and ultimately are not as effective if we insist on charging for our art. While some do get rich off their art, its usually not what true artists are in it for.
The Purpose Driven Life
The other book i'm reading is "A Purpose Driven Life". It reached the height of its popularity about 5 years ago. Warren also talks about our gifts - our spiritual gifts - and how we all have a unique "shape" for service.
While Godin calls it our "Art", and encourages the reader to execute on his/her art at all cost, as this is the only way to truly become indispensable. Not only indispensable to your employer - but to the rest of the world as well.
Warren refers to it as our "Shape" - the qualities and talents each of us have that make our contribution unique.
Live true to your Art? Maybe.
What does it mean to be true to one's art? Linchpins like Tiger Woods and Nora Roberts have proven success based on constant practice and execution to their "shape".
Warren points out that our primary ministry should be in the area of our "shape", but our secondary service is wherever we are needed at the moment. We must give up our schedule, as well as any tendency to avoid service that doesn't fit our talents. Hey, wouldn't this interrupt our quest to become a Linchpin? I feel this may be one area where the books diverge. Warren's "seize the moment" kind of service neither fits our schedule, no any special talent or gift we might have. Warren asks "Can God mess up your plans without you becoming resentful?"
Good Enough
Warren is also a firm believer in the "good enough" principal: It doesn't have to be perfect for God to use and bless it." This "good enough" principal does not sit as comfortably with the Linchpin, who constantly strives to deliver remarkable work.
Serve through Gifts
One area where both authors meet is regarding the Gift culture. Warren: "We serve God by serving others", giving gifts. Warren says that Jesus is our ultimate model of a servant, a gift giver, with no expectation of return. Godin doesn't mention God or Jesus anywhere yet believes firmly that our "art" should find its way to others as gifts. Both authors admit that this is not a popular concept in our self-serving capitalistic culture.
How does this apply to my life?
Do you have an area that you feel fits your shape? A talent you could provide as gifts freely given to others. Are you lucky enough that your job allows you to do this work? There is a lot of pressure that comes with living up to our true potential and delivering remarkable work (our "Art" at Godin calls it.) Maybe this has something to do with why the lives of so many outstanding musicians/writers/actors/athletes can (behind the scenes) seem so out of control.
I find myself applying the good enough principal quite often when it comes to delivery at work, at home, and to my church.
Our natural talents and gifts must take a back seat sometimes when we make choices on what needs to get done from day to day. Its in our best interest not to be stubborn here. Strive to be remarkable with your "art", but not at the expense of overlooking serving other, even if you'll never be better than "good enough." Don't let an unrelenting focus on "remarkable" cause you to miss an opportunity to deliver where "good enough" is fine.
Whatever your take away from these books - i encourage you to check them out and I'd love to hear what you think.