I’m thankful for my Twitter connection with the introvert minister Adam McHugh. Here’s why it’s a must read – whether you are Christian, Jewish or even non-believer.

God’s hand in the creation of and love for the introvert nature touches each page in this thoroughly researched and deep analysis of the introvert personality and gifts. In nine chapters, McHugh shares his thoughtful and sensitive assessment of elevating the introvert to being able to effectively participate at every level in a church, including evangelism. This book is the opportunity for leaders, both spiritual and worldly, to understand the range of talent with which the introvert can serve. McHugh is an ordained Presbyterian minister, a spiritual director and an introvert.

In a detailed and often anecdotal style, McHugh conveys thoughts and feelings, quotations of other ministers that fit the life situations of being more introverted. Imagine being mistakenly and regularly criticized as a recluse or aloof. Then, a clear distinction is made of what is more likely being seen: a true preference of solitude with “permission for solitude from the example of Jesus.” That’s freedom. Permission changes to a preferred disciplined practice outlined in detail from how to cultivate solitude, how to work in solitude and the rhythms of solitude. Could quietness then be sanctioned? “Privacy is something all introverts require and it has a way of naturally and psychologically restoring our energy levels.” Following the contemplation instructions a conclusion: introverts in their own true to self contemplative style know how to listen to their hearts and then with spiritual maturity, can lead others in the spiritual maturity process.

The introvert can participate, belong and contribute to a church even if they take a different path than an extrovert. McHugh describes it as a straight line to the core when extroverts want to be more involved. The introvert’s journey is more of a spiral with steps into and out of the community to recharge, reflect and readjust their reentry. If the straight line works for the extrovert, then the spiral path works for the introvert.

Most of the book encourages the introvert to use their unique personality and gifts in any area of the church community. Two chapters, The Ability to Lead and Leading as Ourselves, are two that encourages the introvert to fit in and break the mold for the typical extroverted leadership style. Quotes from leadership gurus like Peter Ducker, and authors like Richard Draft and Jim Collins, support a newly emerging leadership mold. Most true to the title of McHugh’s book is how God said things to the apostle Paul; “ ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

When McHugh listened to his quiet, inner voice he discovered he had to be the one to open the door for introverts in the church to know their quiet, effective manner is welcome in everything from serving, leading, worshipping and even evangelizing. His first hand experiences; the detailed analysis of the introvert personality and his personal understandings honor and respect introverts everywhere. Introverts and extroverts will find how to elevate their church communities by being more inclusive of a style that God purposefully created to be part of His great commission.

Go ahead and nurture your God given introvert spirit now: Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture

- Pick up the tab for someone’s lunch at a restaurant without them knowing.
- Visit an animal shelter to see if you can help the volunteers.
- An old idea and most appropriate is to pay the toll for the person behind you.
- If you walk by or park near parking meters, find one to put money in that is showing the time is about to expire.
- Take some baked goods to your local fire department: my husband did this one year and the people loved it!
- Let someone else go ahead of you when in line at the bank, grocery store or some other shopping place.
- Send a card to your doctor’s receptionist just to say you appreciate them. I did this last year and the lady called me to thank me! It was a triple win: she said it was JUST what she needed, I felt good and I’m certain other patients ended up seeing her light up. Use my sendoutcards account to send an unexpected card to anyone you know. The cost including postage is on me!
- Smile at anyone you see today.
- You know all those coffee mugs that you have received at meetings? Donate your extra ones to a church.
- Call up a friend or two to do some good deed as a small group.
- Hug all your friends you get together with today.
- Get up early on a Saturday, brew some coffee and call some neighbors over to join you for a cup. One of my neighbors went from house to house with a full thermos on our street one year.

Any act of kindness will bring a smile on someone’s face on the worldwide holiday. This idea for salespeople is to clear your self of being afraid of rejection. There is not a thing you need to expect in return with these random acts of kindness. You only need to act, it will be fun and you will rev up your positive energy. Who knows, maybe you might even attract an unexpected benefit. Salespeople, take your kindness to the world today.

Join me on Mondays for Monday Motivation guaranteed to demolish your devastating doubts: visit http://www.askpatweber.com

Here are some great ways to celebrate National Forget Me Not Day:

– Send Forget Me Not Day ecards to everyone on your email address book.

- Send Forget Me Not gifts to clients you haven’t seen in a while.

- Give Forget Me Not flower seed packets to prospects and friends. Seed packets are inexpensive and easy to mail.

- Phone people you haven’t seen in a while and wish them a happy National Forget Me Not Day.

- Do you know a client or prospect or referral partner who likes flowers? Forget-Me-Not’s are actual flowers you can send to them.

- Do you have a photo of a memorable event with a customer? What about with one of your best alliance partners? Send them a customized photo card with a sentence or two that remembers the event. Free GIFT for you: send a card now! I’ve paid for it for you.

- Invite a previous or inactive client for coffee or lunch just to let them know you still think about them.

- Set aside an hour that you can devote to doing small tasks for any prospect, client or connector who you talk to throughout the day.

- Schedule part of the day to visit your clients and take a photo of you with them. Develop it and then surprise them with it as a gift the next year on Forget-Me-Not Day.

Get creative, in particular with those clients or prospects you haven’t talked to or seen in some time, in as many ways that you can to show them you remember them. In sales, people are more likely to use your product or service if they remember you. People are more likely to remember you if you remember them and you make them feel important. Use the Forget-Me-Not Day to act on this wisdom.

Join me on Mondays for Monday Motivation guaranteed to demolish your devastating doubts: visit http://www.askpatweber.com

Salespeople, what do you have to lose by writing to Santa for what you want? Since 1952 or 1953 children have been writing letters to Santa. So why not write your own Dear Santa letter? Mine would go something like this:

Dear Santa,

You know who I am and how old I am and that I have a been a good business coach this year. No matter what others say, I have been very good all around this year. (I promise!) I know it’s been a long time since I wrote you a letter, and even longer since you’ve come around. As you will see my gift list, it’s so that I continue to of value for my prospects and clients. To make it easier for you, I’m even suggesting that you spread this out all through the year. Here are my wishes:

Let me maintain persistence. I would be grateful for another year of being organized with a system to follow up with prospects and clients so I don’t give up. I know have something worthwhile for them.

Deeper listening. Most of the time I do ask questions and listen to understand. My communication skills in general, but in particular listening. Help me to continue to hone this introvert advantage.

Keep my enthusiasm in check. Sometimes when I lose a sale it dampens my enthusiasm. Who does like to lose a customer? Help me to always choose to focus on the positive no matter what.

Priority focus. You know I can get distracted with email, so many opportunities, online networking. I know my high-payoff activities. Help me focus on why I am selling what I am selling. Acting on what I know to focus on will help me achieve my goals sooner than later.

A top-notch coach. It’s no secret I am willing to invest time and money in myself. Every year I’ve benefited with a coach. Help me find one this year that is just what I need for right where I am with my next level.

Belief in myself. Every once in a while those lingering limiting beliefs kick my butt. I know I have what it takes to continue to be a top performer.

Be a connector. Of all the wishes this one is the one I want to maintain the most. People say “You’re the go to person for anything.” I think because I can usually connect people to others is one of the most helpful thing I can do and be.

Have a full sales pipeline. Let me maintain my energy to do what I know I need to do to always have prospects. I don’t want to get caught in any sales slump in the natural order of things that I will lose a sale here or there. Let me be pro-active with this.

Well Santa, my cell phone is vibrating telling me there’s a voicemail waiting for me. Maybe you are already starting to make my wishes come true? Be safe on Christmas eve and do stop by my granddaughter’s; she’ll have cookies waiting for you.

PS – I’m sure you know this is not a complete list that will help me make this next year my best. I know you are busy so these wishes will lay a solid foundation.

When was the last time you wrote a Dear Santa letter? Decide what top salespeople characteristics you want to continue or have better command of and just write that letter today. It takes a while for it to be delivered to the North Pole.

How Do Your Sales Skills Measure Up? Rate your sales ability in 30 attitude and action statements over five key sales areas.

Today I remembered! And I’ve got the perfect gift for you.

There is the pdf version of a published book of 1800 life lessons compiled by Thomas Leonard, often called either the father or grandfather of coaching, and the coaches at CoachU back in 1999. If you are interested, click on Simply Brilliant – it’s yours for the taking.

Filled with wonderful insights of one liners starting with the empowering phrased, “I have learned”; a couple of my favorites:

- I have learned that growing a business requires not only working “in” it, but also “on” it.
- I have learned that that parents get smarter and more acceptable to children as the children become older than 21.

Now if you prefer an actual book, Simply Brilliant is available for purchase at Amazon. It’s $13.95 plus shipping.

Hey – why not download the pdf version for no cost and then decide if you want the actual book?

Now THAT is brilliant! Recharge and re-energize this weekend!

Patricia Weber
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