Confession #55: I have five goals for Catalyst Dallas

I read a blog this past week by MIchael Hyatt about the correct way to attend a conference.

A friend offered to pay his way to a certain conference with one stipulation, that he “play full out.”

This article caught my attention for two reasons. The first it that it is not like me to naturally “play full out.” My approach to everything in life is similar to my description of the incremental life. I am usually the guy who sits towards the back and watches. I let others go up on stage and perform, while I play it safe in the comfort of anonymity.

The second reason is that I am attending my first Catalyst conference this week in Dallas. Not only have I not been to Catalyst, I have never been to any type of modern, popular Christian conference at all.

I am unsure of what to expect either from the conference or from myself. The list of speakers is incredible, though. A few of my favorites include Don Miller, Matt Chandler, Michael Hyatt, Jon Acuff, Andy Stanley, Pete Wilson, David Platt, and more. You can click on the link to learn more about Catalyst.

For myself I have set 5 goals to help me “play full out.”

1. To not be distracted. Sometimes we miss out on what is right in front of our faces because we are too busy letting our minds be preoccupied with other things. I need to turn off my phone, not worry about blog traffic and quiet the nagging thoughts that like to circle my brain.
2. To initiate. I am usually the guy who is sitting on the sidelines watching. I plan on taking risk and initiating interactions with people I do not know.
3. To look past the external. Ever since I started noticing what people looked like on the outside, I have always struggled to get past this and see what people are really about on the inside. Instead of noticing their clothes, their hair cut, their body habitus, or their overall “cool factor,” I want to look at their heart, their passion, their love, their soul.
4. To read and pray. At the end of my life, no one will accuse of reading the Bible too much or praying too often. These are good gifts that God has given us for our own benefit. I can’t think of a better time to get this done, than at a conference.
5. To be honest. In order to be transformed I have to acknowledge that change needs to happen. I have to then be willing to make myself vulnerable so that my faults can be exposed. Only then change can happen, and heaven knows I need it.

Do you “play full out” or do you hold back? What conferences have you been to that you benefited from the most?

By the way, if any of you are going to Catalyst Dallas I would love to meet you. Just leave me comment or send me an email at confessionsofalegalist@gmail.com.