Defining Success, Challenging Expectations, and Pursuing Impactful Work with Mark Slabaugh

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Get ready to explore the power of defining success on your own terms. Discover how to make your experience count, take control of your schedule, and be rewarded for your hard work. Join the conversation as Mark Slabaugh shares personal stories of impactful moments, transitions from ministry to business, and the keys to setting healthy and biblical goals. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that will inspire you to seek meaningful work and create a life of significance.

"There's no magic recipe for building impactful days – it takes consistency and perseverance." Mark Slabaugh

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Mark Slabaugh is a seasoned coach with a unique background of non-profit leadership and entrepreneurship. His diverse experiences greatly contribute to his unique ability to provide innovative solutions in team management, leadership, and dealing with high-pressure situations. Known in his circles for his strategic approach to the topic of money, Mark's methods are based on finding harmony between hard facts and faith. His experience as a former pastor allows him to expertly navigate conversations around finance, diffusing any surrounding anxiety and fear. With an enthusiasm that is infectious and a knack for turning arduous tasks into exhilarating challenges, Mark is a beacon of hope for those caught in the relentless swirl of work and life pressures.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Gain insights on finding fulfillment in work: This episode explores the importance of defining what success means for yourself and finding meaningful work that aligns with your values. It dives into the challenges and frustrations that can arise when your job doesn't bring you joy, and offers practical advice on how to navigate through those difficulties.

2. Discover the power of your impact: Through a heartfelt personal story, the guest reminds listeners that their work can have a profound, often unknown, impact on others. This episode encourages you to embrace the idea that your experience and efforts truly count for something, and that your work can touch lives in ways you may not even realize.

3. Gain insights into the transition from ministry to business roles: For those who have experience in ministry or are considering a transition from full-time ministry to business roles, this episode provides valuable insights and perspectives. The guest shares their own experience and discusses the process of finding meaningful work outside of traditional ministry, offering inspiration and guidance for those on a similar journey.

4. Learn about setting realistic goals and aligning faith with practicality: The episode touches on the importance of setting realistic goals based on data, rather than arbitrary numbers. It explores the balance between having a scientific and faith-based approach when setting goals, particularly in the context of church organizations. Listeners can gain valuable insights into finding a healthy and biblical approach to goal-setting that integrates both mathematical and faith-based perspectives.

5. Be inspired to make a positive impact consistently: The guest shares personal experiences and observations that highlight the importance of consistency and perseverance in making a lasting impact. You'll be inspired to approach your work and daily life with a mindset that acknowledges the ups and downs, and embraces the fact that impactful days are built through dedication and steadfastness.

Episode Highlights:

00:05:09 The failure informed their work more than success. Two problems: goal too big, lack of preparation. Moved forward by learning typical outcomes and variables. Powerful but undesirable failure.

00:08:28 Experience is key in helping people navigate the challenges of setting realistic goals in faith-based endeavors, such as capital campaigns. While exceptional outcomes are possible, typical results should inform the process. Balance is needed between aspirational goals and the potential consequences of falling short. Failed campaigns have led to pastoral resignations.

00:13:08 In a marketplace or church context, goals should be informed by data and faith. Pastors should seek a balanced perspective on money.

00:21:34 The guest discusses their motivation for creating a list of five priorities, which include valuing their experience, having control over their schedule, and not missing important family events.

00:24:52 The guest wants their experience to count, greater control over their schedule, and to be rewarded for hard work. They also mention the importance of not working alone and pursuing meaningful work that serves beyond just making money.

00:30:58 The guest discusses the process of reassessing their career and feeling guilt after leaving their job as a pastor.

00:41:35 Coaching boys in baseball, different development paces, dad pressure, bell curve of performance, no magic recipe for impact.

00:46:23 A story about how helping someone with plumbing revealed the impact the guest had on a person's life.

00:52:08 Capital campaigns and succession planning are Mark's main focuses in consulting. Succession planning involves facilitating honest conversations about future plans. He also have other interests, such as startups and mergers, and is open to new opportunities. His goal is to help others achieve their big ideas and provide assistance where he can. He believes in the power of connections and is open to meeting new people who may have valuable insights.

00:58:35 Mark has written a book called "My Job sucks. Now what?" and wants to help others find meaningful work. They also offer assistance for leadership teams through their website ministryrenewal.com.

01:01:25 Gratitude for conversation, share podcast to help others.

Key Lessons:

1. Define what success means to you: Take the time to consciously define what success means for you, regardless of societal expectations or external pressures.

2. Your experience counts: Your past experiences and skills are valuable and can be leveraged to make a meaningful impact without necessarily needing to go back to school.

3. Control over your schedule: Seek greater control over your schedule to prioritize important family events, like birthdays, and create a better work-life balance.

4. Reflect on the impact you've made: You may underestimate the impact you've had on others, even if you haven't received explicit feedback. Remember that your work and efforts may have positively influenced someone's life, even if it goes unnoticed.

5. Find fulfillment outside of your job: If you're feeling unfulfilled in your current job, look for fulfillment outside of your daily responsibilities. Explore other interests, hobbies, or causes that align with your values and bring you joy.

6. Define your criteria for meaningful work: Take the time to identify what meaningful work looks like for you. Establish criteria or filters that align with your values, allowing you to pursue work that truly matters to you.

7. Balance faith and realistic goals: When setting goals, integrate both a scientific and faith-based approach. Ground your goals in data and realistic expectations while also seeking guidance from your faith foundation.

8. Understand the ups and downs of making an impact: Making an impact is not a linear journey. There will be highs and lows, successes and failures. Embrace the inconsistencies and persist in your efforts to create meaningful change.

Remember, these are just a few of the key lessons highlighted in the episode. For a more comprehensive understanding, we encourage you to listen to the full interview with Mark Slabaugh on Seek Go Create.

Resources & Action Steps:

• Learn more about capital campaigns for churches at MinistryRenewal.com
• Connect with Mark and learn about his coaching at SlabaughCoaching.com
• Get Mark's book My Job Sucks! Now What? HERE
• Action Step 1: Reflect on Your Definition of Success - After listening to this episode, take some time to reflect on your own definition of success. Consider what truly matters to you and what brings you fulfillment in your work and personal life. Write down your thoughts and revisit them periodically to ensure you are aligning your actions with your values and aspirations.
• Action Step 2: Identify Your Impact and Value - Take a moment to recognize the impact and value you bring to others through your work and personal relationships. Consider the stories and experiences that may be out there, even if you haven't received explicit feedback. Keep a journal of positive moments or feedback you receive from others to remind yourself of the significance of your efforts.
• Action Step 3: Create Your Own Filters for Meaningful Work - Similar to the guest in the episode, create your own set of filters or criteria to guide your pursuit of meaningful work. Consider factors such as the impact you want to make, the level of control over your schedule you desire, and your personal values. Use these filters to evaluate job opportunities, projects, or ventures and choose the ones that align with your vision for a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Thank you for listening to Seek Go Create!

Our podcast is dedicated to empowering Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to redefine success in their personal and professional lives. Through in-depth interviews, personal anecdotes, and expert advice, we offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for achieving your goals and living a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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