Welcome to my new blog! It’s been a long time coming. In fact, I’ll never forget the day back in 2009 when I bought the domain BeACatalyst.com. At that time I realized more clearly than ever that my life’s purpose was not only to strive with God’s help to make an impact in the world myself; but also be a catalyst to inspire, encourage and equip others so that they too become catalysts to make a positive impact on the world around them.
So what does it mean to be a catalyst?
Well, let’s begin by looking at the definition of “catalyst”? It’s a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It can be described as an event or person that causes a change.
It’s interesting to note that while it causes or speeds up a reaction it isn’t consumed in the process. As leaders we are driven to accomplish great things, but at the same time we must constantly strive for balance so that the pursuit, be it noble, doesn’t consume us to the exclusion of other important areas in our lives such as our faith, family and even our health. A great topic for another day.
In large part, I owe the inspiration for this blog to my mother who instilled in us a deep sense of realization that the world doesn’t 
revolve around us and that the measure of our life shouldn’t be about how much we gain, but how effectively we serve others. I wish I had a dollar for every time we wanted to do or buy something and she would say, will this advance our God given purpose on earth to love and serve others.
My earliest memories at three years of age, before mom lost her health (and thankfully regained it years later through NeoLife wholefood supplements), is helping her scrub toilets, fold other people’s laundry and go the extra mile in serving those we lived with while Dad was in Bible College. It made quite an impression on me that no task was too menial or insignificant when serving others.
Growing up Mom always had a seriousness about her due in part to the health challenges she faced from missing organs. She constantly lived with the end in mind. At the height of her health challenges I can remember her telling me that she didn’t think she would live to see us all grown. This reality gave her a certain ability to see life through the lenses of what really matters.
While she lived life in an intentional manner she had contentment and joy. She taught us that true satisfaction and joy is found, not in what we have, but rather in what we give. She believes that life is a gift from God and he expects us to make an impact in the world through the gifts and talents he’s given us.
Mom isn’t comfortable being praised and will be the first to tell you that she is far from perfect, but the reality is that she is the best example of “Be a Catalyst” that I know. After all, she gave of herself in raising 10 children while missing a kidney and spleen and today her impact is multiplied many times over through the lives of her children.
It is my firm belief that each of us has been endowed by our creator with unique talents and gifts so that we can fulfill our God given purpose on earth. One day you and I will be required to give account for how we invested them. I don’t believe these gifts are only for our personal success, but to impact the world around us while receiving joy and satisfaction in the process.
Have you noticed that too often the people who should be influencing the world aren’t and those who shouldn’t be are? Look at Isis for example. Why do evil people tend to think large scale and global, while those who have a gift that could make the world brighter are too often hiding their light under a bushel? It’s time to quit complaining and go out and become catalysts (change agents) in the world!
It is my desire that this blog serve as a catalyst to inspire, encourage and equip you to not just simply exist or survive, but rather thrive while making a real and lasting impact in the world around you.
How you ask? By providing practical coaching, strategies and resources that promote transformational growth on 3 levels:
- Be Your Best – Develop yourself first so that you can impact others.
- Be a Catalyst @ Home –Succeed at home by making a positive impact on those closest to you such as your spouse, children, family and closest friends.
- Be a Catalyst @ Work, Church, Community and Beyond. – Become a person of influence, a servant leader, who makes a positive and rippling impact in the world around you that continues beyond your lifetime.
In closing I want to challenge you to do 3 things:
- Call 3 people who know you well and ask them what your top 3 strengths are.
- Identify 3 areas where you can apply your strengths to impact your home and beyond.
- Call someone who has been a catalyst in your life and thank him or her for their impact on your life.
Question: Who is one person who has been a catalyst in your life and how? Share your answer on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.