day 106: Valuable Insight

I truly respect people who bring valuable insights to a discussion or topic. Having someone say in a meeting, "that's a great insight" is one of the highest compliments that can be paid. Webster defines an insight as: "1. an instance of apprehending the true nature of a thing, especially through intuitive understanding.
2. penetrating mental vision or discernment; faculty of seeing into inner character or underlying truth." The second definition is so powerful and relevant to our work lives. The ability to be able to discern and see character and/or the underlying truth of a situation or person is nothing short of priceless. God tells us that good insights are always looked at as valuable to others. In Proverbs 3:21-22 we are told: "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang onto them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect". I believe that insight can be developed over time if one is willing to listen, study, and think before they respond or declare. If we are disciplined enough to be still and take in what is happening around us and to really think before we speak or decide, then we will be on the path to become more insightful. The world is full or people who will speak, and today more than ever, write, without fully thinking through all of the ramifications and sides of an issue. Those who don't use time to filter the thoughts from their mind to their mouth are rarely looked upon as insightful. That doesn't mean that they aren't creative or smart, but insight is different. It is deeper and more collected in how one thinks and acts. Are you insightful in the way that you approach issues at work or how you respond to others? Since we know that being insightful can fill you with life and bring you honor and respect it should be a serious consideration in how you work and how you bring value to your job and tasks at hand. Think today about how you can bring insight and then measure how you feel afterwards. And for sure, take measure of that moment when someone else says, "that was a really valuable insight, thanks".

Reference: Proverbs 3:21-22 (New Living Testament)