Introduction Draft

Introduction:

Are you a dreamer? Do you wonder what your life could be? Have you found yourself in quiet moments imagining a better life, a different path? Do you remember the dreams you had as a child? Boys often imagine growing up as professional sports stars. They envision a world where they perform astounding physical feats to the roar of a crowd. They hit three-point plays at the buzzer. They run kickoffs back 105 years for the winning touchdown. Their names are in the headlines, and they possess wealth and fame. It is intoxicating. Girls imagine the world of an exciting career, or an idyllic marriage. They set their visions high. Young children and teens are very certain about their dreams. They will happen, they must.

But now, where are your dreams? What happened to them? For most they are soon replaced by the daily grind. Instead of envisioning the next mountain to conquer we find ourselves conquered. Worry, conflict and disappointment are often our daily fare. Somewhere along the way the dreams vanished along with the ideals that created them. They were dashed. Talk with any adult about their dreams; scratch a bit beneath the surface and you will find a forgotten world. The dreams are old and tarnished, the sparkle and glimmer are gone. The ideals of childhood give way to the realities of young adulthood and the merciless responsibilities of middle age. Have you heard of how elephants are trained? These mighty creatures are taken from their infancy and tethered to a chain and stake. They learn their limitations quickly. In addition they come to depend on their masters for food and drink. When adults little do they know in adulthood they could gain their freedom with ease. A simple tug of their massive leg would unloose them. But it is not even a question. They have come to live in a world where reality does not include the joys of freedom. The mighty beast bows now to another. His eyes have no hope of liberty. The dream was lost against the harsh realities of steel and whip.

Will you dream again? Will you consider a new life, a better life? The advantage you now have is that your ability to dream comes from a much more mature heart. It is rooted in reality and is tempered by an understanding of life’s limitations. But nonetheless it is the same burning hope you entertained as a child. God wants to meet your deepest longings. He wants to fill your life with a purpose that in your deepest heart you only imagined. Could this be what you really longed for as a child? The embodiment of your dream may have been a sports hero, or actress, or a fabulously wealthy person, but in your heart of hearts you wanted meaning, purpose and significance. God wants that for you. God can provide that for you. But how is it to be found? God’s answer may surprise you. This book describes the journey to this new way of life. It is a life that recaptures the deepest longings of our hearts. It is the Superperforming Life.

Take Ephesians 3:30 … (and Romans 8:37).

Chapter One: Everybody is Somebody

You are not an accident of nature but someone personally designed by God and for God (Genesis 1:27 and Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Chapter Two: You Won’t Believe this Gift

God knew we would have problems (sin). It was all a part of God giving us a free will and the ability to call our own shots. He provided a way out of our greatest problem (John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Chapter Three: The Secret to Superperformance

God wants His children to have distinctive lives. He calls us to match who we are in Him and what we do every day (Ephesians 4:1).

Chapter Four: The Five Distinctions of the Superperforming Life

There are five distinctions of a Superperformer: (1) a superfperforming view of yourself, (2) a superperforming view of others, (3) a superperforming attitude about your calling (Genesis 2:15), (4) a superperforming vision for your future, (5) a superperforming attitude about obstacles (Philippians 3 and 4).

Chapter Five: The Five Habits of the Superperforming Life

If you adopt these four disciplines the superperforming life that dwells in you will find its way out. The power of prayer. The insight of Scripture. The circle of fellowship. The focus of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 12).

Chapter Six: How Superperformance Works in Everyday Life

Your health (3 John). Your money (2 Corinthians 9). Your marriage and family (Ephesians 5 and 6). Your career (Ephesians 6).

Chapter Seven: The Bumps Along the Way

When we fall. When we fear. When we feel depressed. When we doubt. When others reject us. When we feel defeated. When there seems to be no hope (Luke 18:27).

Chapter Eight: You are a Superperformer, But Keep It Simple

The most important thing to do right now. The power of one step at a time.