Photo and blog by Sharman Dow
“But you be watchful in all things…” –2 Timothy 4:5
When you are a person who is alert and watchful you have the ability to be quick to perceive matters and act appropriately. You are keenly aware of your environment and ready to respond in all circumstances with wisdom and discernment. You have a watchful eye that perceives opportunities to grow and promote oneself. You are also someone who is alarmed to danger and ready to be posed for protection.
Developing a spirit of alertness is a Godly character quality that will greatly benefit you in your career for promotion and protection. There are many instances in the Bible where we are admonished to be watchful and alert, because the watchman was the one who scoped things out and who saw things before anyone else. In other words, by being alert and watchful in your career, you will be able to act upon a need or opportunity before anyone else and be valued by your superiors. In the scripture above, Paul is exhorting Timothy to be ready in and out of season. To always be ready and prepared for whatever the turns and twists the day brings.
The first step in developing the ability to be alert is to become aware of your circumstances by making a mental note of the things that surround you. Distractions are everywhere and it’s easy to be preoccupied in your thoughts, which can cause you to stumble and fall, both literally and figuratively. It happens to all of us, because we live in such a fast-paced lifestyle and our attention span is short. But if you are ever going to develop a keen watchful eye you need to slow down and take things in. Listen to others and think before adding your two cents. Also, being aware of other’s needs will aid in making wise decisions that make you alert to opportunities for promotion and improvement.
Another aspect of being watchful and alert is to realize there is a difference between those who wait for something to happen and those who are observant and ready, looking for opportunities. You might be overlooked if you wait to be promoted in your career, but if you are looking for those moments where a need might be met in your job you enhance your chances of getting ahead. Be alert and watchful for those opportunities.
A lifeguard at your local beach or pool is a good analogy of someone who is always watchful and alert. These watchmen are usually perched above the swimmers, keeping a watchful eye on all that goes on, looking for potential danger making sure no one is lost on their watch. In the same way, you can be a watchman in your business, looking for opportunities to step up and take the lead on a project.
A number of years ago I had the opportunity to work on the marketing of a popular film. I was hired to be an administrative assistant to the CEO of this marketing firm. However, as we all worked in the marketing of the film I saw there was a need for someone to step up and do some cold calling. They needed an extra hand for the project. As I listened to others making calls I realized it was an easy task I could perform, as well. So on my lunch hour I spent some time making calls, because I wanted to learn more about the business and help make my company become successful. It was not long before the CEO noticed I had a real talent in selling the film to prospective buyers. I then was promoted to a regional director and managed the entire selling project over many states. In less than six months I out performed most of my peers and found I really loved to sell.
It was not long after this that a good friend realized I had a talent for selling and asked me to come sell insurance for him at his agency. That launched an entire career change for me that ultimately became a personal and financial success in selling insurance and owning my own agency. It all started because I was alert and watchful, looking for an opportunity to help promote my company.
How about you? Do you look for opportunities by being alert and watchful in your business? Being an alert person will enhance your opportunities and call success into your life. Maybe it’s time to empower yourself and start being an alert and watchful person!