In the realm of ideas, there’s no shortage of passion. On the other hand, there appears to be a drought when it comes to the implementation of ideas.

Passion without an actionable plan will eventually end up in the grave; sometimes literally. Consider all of the books that were never written, songs that were never sung, humanitarian efforts that never saw the light of day, and business ideas that have gone to the grave with the people who thought of these life changing concepts. It is passion unrealized.

If you’re like me, you probably want to live life to the fullest and actualize many of the passions that reside within all of us. In order to do so, we have to plan and then act. I know what some of you are thinking…”I’m not administrative or organized.” Unfortunately, that excuse won’t work in the real world. Most creatives who live out their dreams have actualized their passion to intentional planning and hard work. Period. Now that excuse is removed, let’s plan.

In planning out action for your passion (kind of rhymes, no?), I would like to recommend the following statements to help guide your process:

• Think Business Plan – A business plan is essential for any endeavor because it will provide implementable direction to any vision or passion. Even if you’re starting a “non-profit” (which in my opinion is a horrible description of that field) or an organization of passion, you need a business plan. From my experience, many non-profit start-ups shy away from language like “business”, “revenue”, “customers”, “market audit”, etc. Well, you have to get over that. Don’t get tripped up by the language of business because you feel that it doesn’t match your organizational nomenclature. You need to think in terms of process. As they say, don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Remember, there is a precious baby in the bathwater that you need to engage. Some resources that may help you in this process include books (there’s plenty out there), searching the web (there’s plenty of blogs and videos on the topic), and/or hiring a qualified consultant (ask me for recommendations).
• Think Sustainability – Does your plan have fiscal and human resource legs? In other words, how will you fund or resource your endeavor? Where are you pulling the fiscal and human capital from? Does your company or organization have concrete commitments from some to help support it? Will people invest in it and why?
• Think Scalability – Is your plan scalable? In other words, how much growth potential is realistic in the next 1-3 years? What are some signs that it will actually be the case? Can you and your team (if you have one) sacrificially commit for the next 3 years to the plan in order to implement the concepts? Is there a cap on how much you can grow as a company or organization?
• Think Simplicity and Uniqueness – This is not to say that your plan will be non-complex or naive at any level. I’m asking if your message is simple enough to grasp and communicate to potential partners and supporters. Will people get the unique message of your passion or will you drown as white noise in the market you’re hoping to impact?
• Think Long Term – I mentioned 3 years because most businesses and organizations need that much time to really develop its initial phase. Also, this will give you a broader perspective of what it is you hope to develop. It can also minimize unnecessary, short-term frustrations.
• Think Investment – Too much start-ups get side tracked by “costs”. In actuality, think of your expenditures as investments and not costs. Yes, you will need to invest funds to make anything move. It is unrealistic to think that money is not a part of the equation. It just is. Get advice on how to maximize your limited budget, but do view it as investment. Last time I checked, money doesn’t grow on trees (unless of course, you’re are independently wealthy to begin with).

I’m committed to helping people implement their ideas. It is not just a passion, but an actionable plan that I’m living out. I hope you will join me in this way of living.

Please let me know if I can ever be of help to you and your passion. Let’s continue to move forward.

“Don’t do it!”

“You’ll open a can of worms!”

“You’re watering down (or compromising) the truth.”

“You’ll confuse (or damage) people.”

“Why are you messing with that?”

“Don’t become a liberal!”

“It’s a slippery slope. Don’t do it!”

“Don’t disturb the force.” [Okay, I made this one up ]

These are the kinds of comments I’ve heard over the years (except for the last one) whenever I have ventured into new areas of thought, practice, or entrepreneurial endeavor. In some cases, these comments are made by well-intended people who desire to protect my life by steering me away from potentially bad decisions. I’m definitely appreciative of those who display such care into my life.

It’s in these moments that you have to make a decision. One choice is to continue in the life or paradigm that you’ve always known (which is not necessarily a bad thing). The other choice is to go out on a limb and see what life may be like on that slippery slope of uncertainty (from which some have never returned).

In making these decisions, the following questions have guided my own processing over the years:

• Where is your heart? Is the new idea, paradigm shift, or venture an escape from something you don’t want to deal with or a running towards something that will make you thrive as a human being?
• Which of the two decisions scares and/or inspires you more and why?
• Can you make the decision continue to live life without regret?
• Hypothetically, if people weren’t involved, what would you choose and why?
• If married, what does your spouse and/or family think?

I’m posting this blog because several people have asked me of late to give input into their decision making process. It appears that many are considering significant life changes in thought, practice, and ventures. Something is definitely brewing within the network of friends and family that I care about. My hope is that this post will help further your own processing if you find yourself in a similar place.

From my experience, living life on the slippery slope, although more volatile and unstable, has often been more fulfilling. For my personality and make-up as a person, I find myself thriving and growing when moving into new areas of engagement. Nevertheless, I do recognize that this is not the case for everyone. I suppose that a big part of this is also finding out who you really are and how you work best.

Love to hear how you process these kinds of decisions.

I recently had the privilege and pleasure of interviewing Andrew Marin, the President and Founder of the Marin Foundation, about his latest research and thoughts about sexual orientation and the Church. I have always appreciated Andrew’s posture, scholarship, and grace-filled approach to one of the most controversial topics within the recent history of the Church.

I’m also looking forward to having Andrew participate in our upcoming Idea Camp in Las Vegas Sept. 27-28. I hope this interview inspires new thoughts and conversations about this particular topic.

I look forward to seeing you in Vegas!

Update on August 27th at 11:21am PDT:

Here’s a link a friend gave me to NT Wright who shares some of his thoughts on this conversation.

Yes, it’s my birthday. I just turned 38!

To celebrate my “coming of age”, I tweaked my neck yesterday while getting up from my couch. Classic!

In light of this special day (which I had nothing to do in creating), I wanted to ask you to help me make a wish come true. Are you game?

As many of you know, I co-founded a non-profit organization with Greg Russinger called JustOne a little less than four years ago. Our hope at JustOne is to create “Everyday Ideas for Human Care” in order to bring relief to those in poverty, orphaned, or trafficked into modern-day slavery. In the short time of our existence, we seen the following accomplished:

• Between 25,000 to 30,000 people are served each month through our 90+ Laundry Love locations around the country. Each location provides a set of services that meet the contextual needs of a neighborhood (e.g., tutoring, job placement, basic medical care, food distribution, holiday celebrations, etc.).
• Through our Trashcan Can Make A Difference Initiative, we have benefited over 250 organizations in their services to those in need by providing tangible goods for human care.
• In the area of modern-day slavery, we’ve been fortunate to have facilitated unique learning experiences, conferences, and practical steps for abolition for thousands of people across our country.

JustOne was designed to be an open-source organization that gives simple yet impactful ideas away. We usually see most, if not all, of our donations go directly to those benefiting from our initiatives. We run primarily as a volunteer, grassroots organization that moves everyday people towards care for humanity.

Here’s where I need your help today.

We are currently in an important season of opportunity and growth. We really need to develop some ideas that will exponential increase our impact.

For my birthday, would you consider the following?

• If you have been positively impacted by the work of JustOne, would you consider giving financially today to help us develop capacity for our operations? You can do this by simply clicking here.
• Would you share this post with your network and encourage others to do the same? Share with them about how JustOne has inspired you to action.

I have personally dedicated my life to platforming and networking those I believe should be heard and seen because of the great work they are doing. I love highlight the work of others.

Well…it’s my birthday and I’m asking you to support JustOne today. Quite honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever asked the readers of this blog and my social network to give towards our efforts. I only ask because we could really use your support to expand our work.

Would you help me make my birthday wish come true today?

Many thanks in advance!

I recently had the privilege of being interviewed by Josh Loveless of Neue Magazine for their podcast. We had a great conversation about ideas, multi-tasking, branding, and the upcoming Idea Camp.

Here’s a link to the interview. Enjoy

Networking is essential to reaching many of our goals in life. It allows for creative intersects and motion towards the betterment of everyone involved. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many strategic networking events that are designed to foster these kinds of relationships. This is why I appreciate the efforts of my friend Lotay Yang & the Black Card Circle Foundation (@BCCF).

The Black Card Foundation is a 501c3 that promote self-reliance and sustainability. BCCF unites volunteers and hosts charity events with strategic partners like the Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Regency, Tiffany & Co., Microsoft, and many other socially conscious organizations. BCCF raises awareness for non-profit organizations that serve one of the following 5 core areas:

• Education
• Environment
• Health Care
• Community Development
• Poverty Relief

During BCCF mixer events, participants not only have an opportunity to support worthy organizations, but find themselves in intentional spaces for networking. The relationships formed in these gatherings have produced much good in our world.

I’m honored to be speaking at the next intimate mixer event next week (Wed August 25th) at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. I will be sharing about the future direction of the Ideation Conference and the topic of Creative Compassionaries. I’m also looking forward to hearing Andy Bales, CEO of the Union Rescue Mission, talk about his heart for those impacted by homelessness.

If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would love to see you there! We still have a handful of tickets left for this intimate event. Here are the ticket options:

• $1500 Head Table
• $250 Dinner Table
• $75 Bar Seating

If you are interested in tickets for the event, please click here to email BCCF at RSVP[at]BlackCardCircle[dot]com.

I really appreciate these kinds of environments where people come expecting to connect with others. It is well worth the investment. Plus, some of the proceeds from the evening will go to help a worthy non-profit organization. Please view the following video to get a glimpse of a previous event.

Art by Quiccs

While reading through some of Mother Teresa’s work this past week, I was reminded of her poem called “Anyway”. Although I never had the honor of meeting Mother Teresa, I’m continually formed by her thoughts and life. I hope this poem re-centers you today:

Mother Teresa’s Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

The Idea Camp coming up in Las Vegas next month is stirring insightful conversations about life, sexuality, and faith. Unlike any other event I have helped to organize, this particular gathering appears to be creating a polarizing effect on those who come in contact with the topics scheduled for engagement. There are those who see the deep value of such an event while others find it offensive and too much on the fringe of Christian thought.

I recognize that this particular Idea Camp has the potential to confront us of our own internal struggles and lead us down a path to see the reality of human brokenness caused by warped sexuality. I understand that this will cause discomfort in many attending the conference.

Based on the steady flow of comments and emails I’ve received, I’m seeing that many were unaware of the broad reaching impact of the issues of sexuality on the Church while others have admitted that they have very little idea on where to start in addressing this with their local fellowship. In addition, I’m sensing that some may feel too much guilt in their own sexual brokenness to attend this event and will rationalize it away in order not to deal with it.

[Side Note: This is not an event just for those "struggling" with these issues. We have designed the Idea Camp experience to lovingly and honestly engage these important and complex topics in order that we may collectively bring wholeness and healing to our culture, both in and outside the Church.]

This is why I’m asking you to pray. I sincerely believe that this event will become a significant moment in the lives of many around the world. I also believe that the works of our adversary will be threatened and exposed because of our efforts. There’s no doubt that this may result in unexpected suffering and pain for those seeking to do something about our current trajectory of sexuality in our Church and culture. Regardless, these conversations about sexuality are too important not to have. The alternative would be too horrific.

Would you join me in praying for the Idea Camp?

Sexual addiction knows no boundaries. It cares not about your gender, age, ethnicity, or religion. No one is immune from potential exposure and addiction in this area. Sexual addiction deteriorates self-image, devalues human life & intimacy, and often leads to broken relationships and destructive activity. It alters brain activity and pathways to create an addiction stronger than most anything else in the world including substance abuse.

Ignoring this addiction won’t help anyone. Rationalizing it will only further the damage it’s already created. It requires holistic intervention and rewiring of mind and soul.

During our upcoming Idea Camp in Las Vegas, we have the privilege of having Dr. Ted Roberts of Pure Desire share about the reality and impact of sexual addiction in the life of the Church. As you will see in the video, many Christians, including church leaders, are deeply being impacted by this addiction.

My prayer is the Church will honestly and loving bring this issue to the forefront in order that we may bring much needed healing and restoration.

I’m entering day 9 of my sabbatical from ministry at New Hope. My goal going into this 6 week season was simple: recalibrate my life to the usual. Yes, the usual. Although normalcy is somewhat relative, I knew my life had to recenter itself into simplicity (something I feel that I have lost this past year).

Leading a faith community is no easy task. It is all consuming to lead complex people and facilitate an environment in which they can honestly engage God (without me getting in their way too much). Quite honestly, I’m thoroughly impressed by those who appear to do it so well. Religion is personal, public, and permeates the whole being. Faith leaders must learn how to navigate and thoughtfully interact with all kinds of fields of study and expertise if they want to be effective in helping others.

In ministry, there is no real “clocking out” of work when the day is done. Even with vacations and days off, life of the community goes on and the needs do not cease to aggregate themselves your way. It’s no wonder why so many ministry leaders are either burnt out or addicted to unhealthy behavior.

I’ll be celebrating my 20th year of ministry this month (Yes, I started when I was 18!). This unusual life is the only life I’ve know for the past two decades. I don’t necessarily feel tired or burnt out, but I do feel off-centered as it relates to being human. I’m attempting to detox from my abnormality during this time off.

So, here’s what I’ve created as my weekly rhythm (based on this past week of activities). I write this to remind myself of why I’m praying God would restore in my life.

• I work Mondays to Wednesdays on my new company (Ideation Consultancy) I established with some great creatives last year. We are blessed to have several amazing clients. Our company does everything from organizational strategy, brand development, design, web, mobile apps, & creative events/conferences.
• I write Thursdays and Fridays at my favorite coffee shop in Redondo Beach. I work on articles and a new book I’m writing about idea-making.
• I visit my wife at work for lunch once a week.
• I work out 5-6 times a week at 24 Hour Fitness.
• I hang out with my kids everyday and create special moments with them each weekend.
• I don’t work late at night. I veg with my wife at night.
• I actually go to church with my family. This is something we’ve never done consistently. I’m usually off to church early Sunday mornings to prep.
• Our family has planned a couple of short trips away. Just because…
• I spend regular times of prayer and reflection. Even as a leader of a church, I sometimes forget that I need to nurture my own faith with God.

I’m so appreciative of a church that allows me to detox like this. Feeling much more alive than ever