Henry Cloud uses a powerful image of a boat’s wake to describe a way to evaluate how we conduct life.
On one side, the wake represents “relationships.” On the other side, the wake represents “results.”
A quote attributed to many is: “We are the sum total of our relationships.” Many of the defining events in our life are defined by a relationship. Someone taught us. Coached us. Loved us. Forgave us. Saw some potential in us. Trusted us. Encouraged us. Gave us a chance. Gave us a second chance. Fired us when we deserved firing.
We’ve had relationships that were momentary and others that endured for a lifetime. The more I reflect on the life-changing nature of my relationships, the deeper and wider the wake.
The “results” wake is a matter of intention. Jimmy Wilson sent me a quote today: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
If you start every day with the intention of using your time, talent, and resources to benefit those you impact, you accumulate a record of results. A purposeful life marked by day after day of making a difference mounts up.
A swift-moving boat elegantly slicing through the water makes a nice wake. Hope yours is mounting to one which satisfies you.
