Comments on: The Most Important Part of Your Story http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html Intentional Leadership Sun, 27 May 2012 14:40:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: The Missing Ingredient in Most Goals | Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-140551 The Missing Ingredient in Most Goals | Michael Hyatt Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:06:07 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-140551 [...] It was at this point that I really began despairing about the project. I seriously thought about pulling the plug and giving Thomas Nelson it’s money back. I was stuck in “the middle of the story.” [...] [...] It was at this point that I really began despairing about the project. I seriously thought about pulling the plug and giving Thomas Nelson it’s money back. I was stuck in “the middle of the story.” [...]

]]> By: Guest http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-134788 Guest Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:48:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-134788 This is such a beautiful blog...thank you for sharing. Most definitely just what I need right now :) This is such a beautiful blog…thank you for sharing. Most definitely just what I need right now :)

]]> By: Kingsly http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-90068 Kingsly Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:15:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-90068 I tried to quit my faith but didnt do it and thankful for people who helped me to get the right perspective. Nice post. Thanks I tried to quit my faith but didnt do it and thankful for people who helped me to get the right perspective.
Nice post. Thanks

]]> By: Alicia http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-90039 Alicia Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:16:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-90039 I'm actually in the middle of a challenge right now (well, several, but one in particular), and this was very encouraging to me. I read Donald Miller's book a while; I definitely need to re-read that chapter. I don't want to quit, and I'm believing that I will persevere. But thanks for the reminder that everybody hits "the middle", but that doesn't make it okay to give up! I’m actually in the middle of a challenge right now (well, several, but one in particular), and this was very encouraging to me. I read Donald Miller’s book a while; I definitely need to re-read that chapter. I don’t want to quit, and I’m believing that I will persevere. But thanks for the reminder that everybody hits “the middle”, but that doesn’t make it okay to give up!

]]> By: Angie Magnino http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-90038 Angie Magnino Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:54:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-90038 Very timely for me. It's definitely a lot harder to regain momentum once you've lost it. I loved how you said that you had many opportunities 'to practice “not quitting.” ' Never heard it put that way before. Very timely for me. It’s definitely a lot harder to regain momentum once you’ve lost it. I loved how you said that you had many opportunities ‘to practice “not quitting.” ‘ Never heard it put that way before.

]]> By: Joey http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-90019 Joey Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:43:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-90019 Years ago Andy Andrews taught me the power of persistence. It pays to stay in the story. Years ago Andy Andrews taught me the power of persistence. It pays to stay in the story.

]]> By: Jeff Clarke http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-90017 Jeff Clarke Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:39:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-90017 I love the line, "Are you looking for an easier story?" We all at one point or another feel like the 'grass is greener on the other side.' But, if we stay on our current path, even through the rough patches, we learn in retrospect that the rough patches actually 'made' the journey worthwhile. In fact, my experience has been that the rough patches provided me with the resources needed to get to the other side. And, they will prove beneficial for future chapters in life. Thanks, Michael. Good thoughts. I love the line, “Are you looking for an easier story?” We all at one point or another feel like the ‘grass is greener on the other side.’ But, if we stay on our current path, even through the rough patches, we learn in retrospect that the rough patches actually ‘made’ the journey worthwhile. In fact, my experience has been that the rough patches provided me with the resources needed to get to the other side. And, they will prove beneficial for future chapters in life.

Thanks, Michael. Good thoughts.

]]> By: Lisa Whittle – Defying Your Inner Underdog http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-71519 Lisa Whittle – Defying Your Inner Underdog Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:49:56 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-71519 [...] to give up. As Thomas Nelson CEO, Michael Hyatt wrote in THIS POST, “There comes a point in every story when you are ready to quit.” The journey to becoming [...] [...] to give up. As Thomas Nelson CEO, Michael Hyatt wrote in THIS POST, “There comes a point in every story when you are ready to quit.” The journey to becoming [...]

]]> By: The most important part of your story | Jeff Lovell http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59958 The most important part of your story | Jeff Lovell Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:33:58 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59958 [...] there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for the latest updates.Michael Hyatt offers this interesting look [...] [...] there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for the latest updates.Michael Hyatt offers this interesting look [...]

]]> By: Joe Natoli http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59878 Joe Natoli Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:31:20 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59878 This is very, very timely for me Michael....and I'm finding equal wisdom in your other posts. As I get older I am finally coming to realize that the journey is the important part...not fully there yet, but posts like this one make me encouraged that struggle is part of the path. Sincere thanks for sharing your corner of the world with us. This is very, very timely for me Michael….and I'm finding equal wisdom in your other posts. As I get older I am finally coming to realize that the journey is the important part…not fully there yet, but posts like this one make me encouraged that struggle is part of the path. Sincere thanks for sharing your corner of the world with us.

]]> By: Value of the JMO Career Search and Working through Challenges « The Cameron-Brooks Blog http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59691 Value of the JMO Career Search and Working through Challenges « The Cameron-Brooks Blog Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:49:52 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59691 [...] which are always present in careers and life.   You can find the link to the blog post at – http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html   Joel [...] [...] which are always present in careers and life.   You can find the link to the blog post at – http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html   Joel [...]

]]> By: The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (July 2010) | Dad in the Middle http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59668 The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (July 2010) | Dad in the Middle Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:05:38 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59668 [...] The Most Important Part of Your Story [...] [...] The Most Important Part of Your Story [...]

]]> By: Top Posts for July 2010 http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59651 Top Posts for July 2010 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:26:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59651 [...] The Most Important Part of Your Story [...] [...] The Most Important Part of Your Story [...]

]]> By: Carlester Crumpler http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59640 Carlester Crumpler Tue, 03 Aug 2010 03:41:43 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59640 Very very timely post... Thanks Mr. Hyatt! Very very timely post… Thanks Mr. Hyatt!

]]> By: Justin Buzzard http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59583 Justin Buzzard Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:15:32 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59583 Helpful post. Thank you. Helpful post. Thank you.

]]> By: Gina Burgess http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59561 Gina Burgess Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:08:54 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59561 Another excellent question to put things in perspective is "Will what I am doing make a difference a year from now?" Any decision or situation that has that kind of impact is worthy of tenacity. Sadly, our society is locked into a 30-second warp. If we don't get results in 30-seconds or less our ADHD kicks in and we're off to another race. Another excellent question to put things in perspective is "Will what I am doing make a difference a year from now?" Any decision or situation that has that kind of impact is worthy of tenacity. Sadly, our society is locked into a 30-second warp. If we don't get results in 30-seconds or less our ADHD kicks in and we're off to another race.

]]> By: Joan Linbeck http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59512 Joan Linbeck Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:16:55 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59512 I had a recent what I call an ah-ha moment that your post has helped me clarify. When I am too focused on the goal of where I want to be, I forget to notice that God wants me to pay more attention to the journey towards the goal. The journey itself...is where He lives in me the most abundantly, transforming me as I rely on Him. So in the midst of a struggle that I desperately want to be over, I am trying to live for and appreciate this very moment of time on that journey. I am learning, albeit slowly and stubbornly, that there is value even in a journey with the pebbles of disappointments & failures in my shoes. Some are given the great gift of heart to be a marathoner whereas some are short-distance sprinters. Though both finish their appointed race, I suspect the joy at the end of the marathoner’s race is so much deeper. Thank you for being such a strong resource of new and insightful perspective. I had a recent what I call an ah-ha moment that your post has helped me clarify.
When I am too focused on the goal of where I want to be, I forget to notice that God wants me to pay more attention to the journey towards the goal. The journey itself…is where He lives in me the most abundantly, transforming me as I rely on Him. So in the midst of a struggle that I desperately want to be over, I am trying to live for and appreciate this very moment of time on that journey. I am learning, albeit slowly and stubbornly, that there is value even in a journey with the pebbles of disappointments & failures in my shoes. Some are given the great gift of heart to be a marathoner whereas some are short-distance sprinters. Though both finish their appointed race, I suspect the joy at the end of the marathoner’s race is so much deeper. Thank you for being such a strong resource of new and insightful perspective.

]]> By: What Do You Want? | Progress Forge http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59486 What Do You Want? | Progress Forge Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:57:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59486 [...] us happy? What do we want that would make us happy? Something from the world? Nah – that all wears out eventually – planned obsolescence, perhaps, so that we will actually quit looking for “stuff” and “get [...] [...] us happy? What do we want that would make us happy? Something from the world? Nah – that all wears out eventually – planned obsolescence, perhaps, so that we will actually quit looking for “stuff” and “get [...]

]]> By: justopenthebook http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59480 justopenthebook Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:14:11 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59480 Great questions to ask yourself in the midst of tough times. I think the most important factor should be your prayer life - "Lord, is this your will for me?" and if so, "Lord, show me what needs to change." Sometimes we need His redirection, sometimes just the comfort of knowing he is there with us. Cling to his promises. Test the spiritual source of your frustration. And know that if it's God's will, quitting isn't always bad. I followed God to leave the corporate world and start a Christian ministry; it has been one of the best decisions of my entire life. Great questions to ask yourself in the midst of tough times. I think the most important factor should be your prayer life – "Lord, is this your will for me?" and if so, "Lord, show me what needs to change." Sometimes we need His redirection, sometimes just the comfort of knowing he is there with us. Cling to his promises. Test the spiritual source of your frustration. And know that if it's God's will, quitting isn't always bad. I followed God to leave the corporate world and start a Christian ministry; it has been one of the best decisions of my entire life.

]]> By: Christian Salafia http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59446 Christian Salafia Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:38:16 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59446 Wow. This is exactly where I am at the moment..."I wanted to quit, but I couldn’t. I felt stuck." Thank you for this. Wow.

This is exactly where I am at the moment…"I wanted to quit, but I couldn’t. I felt stuck."

Thank you for this.

]]> By: Work In Progress http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-2#comment-59440 Work In Progress Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:57:42 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59440 My marriage! It was love when we started and everything seemed to work out great. We didn't fight like most couples, we has once in a while a fight (kind of once in a year) ... then we hit the middle ... I was ready to trow in the towel, but my kids ... will I be able to just keep moving for the kids ... it took four years ... then we started to be honest with each other, not wanting to change a bit the other, but accepting the differences and realizing with felt in love because we were crazy about the other's differences ... we complement each other so much, but first we had to lay down the competition ... we weren't against each other, but to complement each other ... we have the best ever relationship, those years i would of never think ...it's so worth staying in the middle of the story ... one step at the time, one day at the time ... we both changed, to have the relationship we have now we needed both to change ... we needed that "middle" section. It was hard and painful, but we been transformed for the better ... just stay in ... just keep walking, you might not run for a while, just walk ... slowly move even even it seems that you walk the treadmill just keep moving ... you'll change and become better IF you allow God to change you through these circumstances. My marriage! It was love when we started and everything seemed to work out great. We didn't fight like most couples, we has once in a while a fight (kind of once in a year) … then we hit the middle … I was ready to trow in the towel, but my kids … will I be able to just keep moving for the kids … it took four years … then we started to be honest with each other, not wanting to change a bit the other, but accepting the differences and realizing with felt in love because we were crazy about the other's differences … we complement each other so much, but first we had to lay down the competition … we weren't against each other, but to complement each other … we have the best ever relationship, those years i would of never think …it's so worth staying in the middle of the story … one step at the time, one day at the time … we both changed, to have the relationship we have now we needed both to change … we needed that "middle" section. It was hard and painful, but we been transformed for the better … just stay in … just keep walking, you might not run for a while, just walk … slowly move even even it seems that you walk the treadmill just keep moving … you'll change and become better IF you allow God to change you through these circumstances.

]]> By: Mitch Ebie http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59434 Mitch Ebie Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:22:05 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59434 I started a graduate degree in 2004 in ministry. Many people finish the same degree in two years. However, I had a few things go wrong...quite a few things. To make a long story short, I will be finishing that graduate degree within a week of this post. By not quitting, I will be gaining a master's degree, of course, but I have also convinced myself that I have the ability to stick to something, which is perhaps just as valuable. I started a graduate degree in 2004 in ministry. Many people finish the same degree in two years. However, I had a few things go wrong…quite a few things. To make a long story short, I will be finishing that graduate degree within a week of this post. By not quitting, I will be gaining a master's degree, of course, but I have also convinced myself that I have the ability to stick to something, which is perhaps just as valuable.

]]> By: Andrew Scott http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59427 Andrew Scott Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:01:25 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59427 Thank You Michael. As a young father, with another child on the way any day now, it can feel like a struggle to make it through the day. I am trying to find my calling and passion while all these other circumstances are swirling around and the responsibility to my family looms heavy on my heart. Recently I have started watching and participating in Robert Lewis' "The Great Adventure" with a few other men. In it he describes that life IS the adventure and we are to see it from that stand point. It has been ever so helpful. And your blog post has just been a rekindling of the fire of perseverance and enjoying the journey. Thank you for your ministry here. Andrew Thank You Michael.

As a young father, with another child on the way any day now, it can feel like a struggle to make it through the day. I am trying to find my calling and passion while all these other circumstances are swirling around and the responsibility to my family looms heavy on my heart.

Recently I have started watching and participating in Robert Lewis' "The Great Adventure" with a few other men. In it he describes that life IS the adventure and we are to see it from that stand point. It has been ever so helpful. And your blog post has just been a rekindling of the fire of perseverance and enjoying the journey.

Thank you for your ministry here.

Andrew

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59426 Michael Hyatt Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:42:01 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59426 Absolutely. Most published authors share a similar story. You are not alone! Absolutely. Most published authors share a similar story. You are not alone!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59424 Michael Hyatt Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:41:11 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59424 No, I have never seen this poem. It expressed the idea beautifully. Thanks for sharing it. No, I have never seen this poem. It expressed the idea beautifully. Thanks for sharing it.

]]> By: Randy Elrod http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59421 Randy Elrod Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:22:01 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59421 Great post, Mike. Thanks for your transparency...and encouragement. Randy Great post, Mike. Thanks for your transparency…and encouragement.

Randy

]]> By: Chris Youtsey http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59416 Chris Youtsey Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:59:13 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59416 Hello Michael, I wonder if you have ever come across a poem called "Ithaca" by C.P. Cavafy. I think it captures much of the spirit of your thought-provoking post. --- When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion touches your spirit and your body. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter, if you do not carry them within your soul, if your soul does not set them up before you. Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter ports seen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars. Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches. Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would have never set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what Ithacas mean. Constantine P. Cavafy (1911) Hello Michael,

I wonder if you have ever come across a poem called "Ithaca" by C.P. Cavafy. I think it captures much of the spirit of your thought-provoking post.

—

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon — do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)

]]> By: Susie http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59403 Susie Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:56:12 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59403 good stuff james...keep going. good stuff james…keep going.

]]> By: @JamesCartee http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59402 @JamesCartee Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:07:42 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59402 I am kind of in the middle of the road here myself, Mr. Hyatt. I find it interesting that you would use some textual support from one of my favorite authors and that I would find your blog entry while goofing off on Twitter one night. I am in the process of writing a book. I know that millions of people are literally trying to do the same, and those millions will also probably also say the following statement. But I believe my story will inspire people with disabilities with all that I have accomplished even though I have often been marginalized in the process that I would not be able to achieve success. I hope that completing a book will be one more chapter in my own story of success. Your entry could not have come at a better time when I needed to read something of inspiration when I may have quit this endeavor. Sometimes it is not the amount of people who will read what you write. Perhaps better said it is whether you finish and with the completion of a new work glorifying God because you knew that is what He called you to do at that very moment. The middle may be the hardest part but also perhaps the most rewarding to complete. I am kind of in the middle of the road here myself, Mr. Hyatt. I find it interesting that you would use some textual support from one of my favorite authors and that I would find your blog entry while goofing off on Twitter one night. I am in the process of writing a book. I know that millions of people are literally trying to do the same, and those millions will also probably also say the following statement. But I believe my story will inspire people with disabilities with all that I have accomplished even though I have often been marginalized in the process that I would not be able to achieve success. I hope that completing a book will be one more chapter in my own story of success. Your entry could not have come at a better time when I needed to read something of inspiration when I may have quit this endeavor. Sometimes it is not the amount of people who will read what you write. Perhaps better said it is whether you finish and with the completion of a new work glorifying God because you knew that is what He called you to do at that very moment. The middle may be the hardest part but also perhaps the most rewarding to complete.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59401 Michael Hyatt Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:02:38 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59401 Good for you. I find that writing really helps me sort through things. Good for you. I find that writing really helps me sort through things.

]]> By: Susie http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59397 Susie Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:43:56 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59397 Michael, i think quite possibly this post was inspired just for me (o; Thanks for reminding me about the b i g g e r s t o r y! Great questions I plan on making some coffee and sitting with them for a bit. Michael, i think quite possibly this post was inspired just for me (o; Thanks for reminding me about the b i g g e r s t o r y! Great questions I plan on making some coffee and sitting with them for a bit.

]]> By: marydemuth http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59390 marydemuth Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:59:44 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59390 Both my hubby and I adored Miller's book. It's been helpful to us as we counsel others and we consider the adventure God is bringing is on. I tell everyone about the book! Both my hubby and I adored Miller's book. It's been helpful to us as we counsel others and we consider the adventure God is bringing is on. I tell everyone about the book!

]]> By: Jaycee (E.A) http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59389 Jaycee (E.A) Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:51:14 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59389 This story applies to the many different phases of life, that I cannot help but notice the extreme importance. Thanks for sharing your personal story of how you almost quit, but then had to look at your perspective again. This story applies to the many different phases of life, that I cannot help but notice the extreme importance. Thanks for sharing your personal story of how you almost quit, but then had to look at your perspective again.

]]> By: fghart http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59387 fghart Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:15:12 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59387 Yes! I absolutely agree. I read Jesus Calling last year and was blown away by how often a reading hit me over the head with immediate application in my life. Yes! I absolutely agree. I read Jesus Calling last year and was blown away by how often a reading hit me over the head with immediate application in my life.

]]> By: Peter_P http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59386 Peter_P Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:11:47 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59386 Great post, Mike. Great post, Mike.

]]> By: Allie Marie Smith http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59384 Allie Marie Smith Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:56:56 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59384 Thanks MIchael! Great post. This makes me think of Seth Godin's book "The Dip." Last September I nearly walked away from the ministry I started in college over five years ago, but God was gracious to surround me with a phenomenal team who encouraged me, helped carry the burden and have taken ownership within the organization! Now we are truly spreading our wings and flying as we seek to make a lasting impact in the lives of young women. Let us persevere and "not grow weary in doing good." -Allie Marie Smith Founder of Wonderfully Made Author & Speaker Thanks MIchael! Great post.

This makes me think of Seth Godin’s book “The Dip.” Last September I nearly walked away from the ministry I started in college over five years ago, but God was gracious to surround me with a phenomenal team who encouraged me, helped carry the burden and have taken ownership within the organization! Now we are truly spreading our wings and flying as we seek to make a lasting impact in the lives of young women.

Let us persevere and “not grow weary in doing good.”

-Allie Marie Smith
Founder of Wonderfully Made
Author & Speaker

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59383 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:41:08 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59383 Thanks your active engagement here, Ben. Your comments are a great encouragement to me, and I’m sure to others. Thanks your active engagement here, Ben. Your comments are a great encouragement to me, and I’m sure to others.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59382 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:40:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59382 Me, too. It's almost like God knows how much we can take, and shows up with help at the exact moment we are ready to quit. The challenges get tougher, but only because He loves us and is committed to working out, what He has built in. Me, too. It's almost like God knows how much we can take, and shows up with help at the exact moment we are ready to quit. The challenges get tougher, but only because He loves us and is committed to working out, what He has built in.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59381 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:39:34 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59381 Scoti, thank you so much for staying in your story. It would have been so easy to bail out. In the process you have created a legacy for your children. It will affect them and the generations that follow! Scoti, thank you so much for staying in your story. It would have been so easy to bail out. In the process you have created a legacy for your children. It will affect them and the generations that follow!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59380 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:38:01 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59380 You're welcome, Kevin. You're welcome, Kevin.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59379 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:37:36 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59379 I think that is my favorite question. Another one I really is this: “What is really at stake in this situation?” In every story, there is something significant that can be lost or gained. It all hinges on whether we stay in our story and keep contending for what is important. I think that is my favorite question. Another one I really is this: “What is really at stake in this situation?” In every story, there is something significant that can be lost or gained. It all hinges on whether we stay in our story and keep contending for what is important.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59378 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:35:23 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59378 Good. Hang in there. The story is not over, and the <em>best stories</em> have middles that look impossible. (This is why it is so worth reading Donald Miller's book. If you will email me your mailing address, I'll send you a free copy: michael dot hyatt at gmail dot com.) Good. Hang in there. The story is not over, and the best stories have middles that look impossible. (This is why it is so worth reading Donald Miller's book. If you will email me your mailing address, I'll send you a free copy: michael dot hyatt at gmail dot com.)

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59377 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:33:48 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59377 As the husband of one wife (32 years) and five daughters, I think most women need to be encouraged to take care of themselves. Women are such natural caregivers, that they will do it to their own detriment. It's like the flight attendant's instructions: Put on your own oxygen mask first, before you try to help someone else. (I have to remind myself, too.) Thanks for commenting. As the husband of one wife (32 years) and five daughters, I think most women need to be encouraged to take care of themselves. Women are such natural caregivers, that they will do it to their own detriment. It's like the flight attendant's instructions: Put on your own oxygen mask first, before you try to help someone else. (I have to remind myself, too.)

Thanks for commenting.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59376 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:31:55 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59376 Thanks, Mary. I am humbled that you would say this. Thanks, Mary. I am humbled that you would say this.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59375 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:31:21 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59375 You should write a post with that exact outline. You are exactly right! You should write a post with that exact outline. You are exactly right!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59374 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:30:57 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59374 I think you just said in one sentence what it took me a post to express. ;-) I think you just said in one sentence what it took me a post to express. ;-)

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59373 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:30:25 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59373 And that peace of obedience is enough. We may never know why in this life, but it is still worth it. And that peace of obedience is enough. We may never know why in this life, but it is still worth it.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59372 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:29:37 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59372 There might be a book here. I think the best leaders, lead through asking great questions. Frankly, I am not as skilled at it as I should be. My wife and daughters are great at it, and I am learning a lot from them. Ultimately, I think asking the right questions provide the gift of perspective, which is usually enough to get you through. There might be a book here. I think the best leaders, lead through asking great questions. Frankly, I am not as skilled at it as I should be. My wife and daughters are great at it, and I am learning a lot from them.

Ultimately, I think asking the right questions provide the gift of perspective, which is usually enough to get you through.

]]> By: ThatGuyKC http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59371 ThatGuyKC Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:28:13 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59371 I'm definitely in that "post college" category. I graduated in 2005, got married to my wonderful wife in 2006, became a dad in 2007, moved to new company in 2008, started an MBA in 2009 and began a new role at the same company in 2010. We've had some bumps along the way, but your 3 main questions above have been lifesavers. Also, I started reading more books, including Donald Miller's and it's been inspiring and empowering. Thank you again for the reminder not to quit our stories. We're probably tempted the most to quit when it just starts to get interesting. I'm definitely in that "post college" category. I graduated in 2005, got married to my wonderful wife in 2006, became a dad in 2007, moved to new company in 2008, started an MBA in 2009 and began a new role at the same company in 2010.

We've had some bumps along the way, but your 3 main questions above have been lifesavers. Also, I started reading more books, including Donald Miller's and it's been inspiring and empowering.

Thank you again for the reminder not to quit our stories. We're probably tempted the most to quit when it just starts to get interesting.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html/comment-page-1#comment-59370 Michael Hyatt Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:27:50 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/the-most-important-part-of-your-story.html#comment-59370 I LOVE that scene in Lord of the rings. The whole movie is about the middle of the story. It's one of my all-time favorites (maybe my VERY favorite). I LOVE that scene in Lord of the rings. The whole movie is about the middle of the story. It's one of my all-time favorites (maybe my VERY favorite).

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