TobySturgill.com, y’all.

I’ve been working on a list of goals for 2010 for the past two weeks and here’s what I plan to accomplish both personally and professionally in 2010: (in no particular order)

• Amp up my business wardrobe; no more jeans. I know this is Nashville and all, but let’s kick it up a notch shall we?

• Go back to New Zealand (for Inside|Out if not permanately)

• Give myself a salary and stop living paycheck to paycheck (it’s harder than it sounds when you own your own business and said business is still in its infancy stage in a down economy)

• Get body fat percentage down to 10% (A lofty goal, but it’s doable)

• Get back into lifting, running and spin class

• Get certified to teach spin class (and get paid for working out. Nice.)

• Play harder.

• Get involved with the Nashville Film Commission/ Nashville film industry (acting/producing/writing)

• Continue to pay off my debt

• Find a third business partner (more on this later)

• Get plugged into a church in Nashville

• Barter for office space in downtown Nashville or close by

• Bartend part time at a bar or night club

• Pursue more national and international clients

• Blog more (ta-da!)

• Invest more into people/serve more

• Write a treatment for a short film/write a short story

• Develop more male friends and business relationships

• Get a tattoo(s): New Beginnings symbol from NZ for starters

• Establish new budget sheet to track cash flow (DONE!)

So there they are. Some will change and some will get added to the list throughout the year. I’m all about adding items to list so I can cross them off. Don’t be afraid to keep me accountable on these; ask me how I’m coming along on them.

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The folks behind the Myers-Briggs studies were totally on to something when they developed their personality profiling system. It’s amazing to know how people work, how we function, why it is we act the way we act and do the things we do; the reason we are who we are.

The key to effective leadership lies in the ability to understand all of this; how personality dynamics influence actions in the work place. Sadly, most bosses and employers either 1) have no idea about this phenomenon or 2) have no interest in learning about. I had a bad experience working with the latter.

But it was one man, one boss that “got it” and saw how intricately we are all programmed and how (but furthermore, why) we all either got along or we didn’t. His example and wisdom is what I want to emulate with my own team at Gradient Overlay.

Knowing how team members are programmed is crucial in getting a well balanced team in place and it all starts with knowing yourself and how YOU function and are programmed to make it work effectively. I remember the outcome of a very similar personality profile test (DISC) was the determining factor as to whether I was hired or not at this man’s job. I couldn’t believe it… So THAT’S why we had such an amazingly well balanced team.

DISC differs from Myers Briggs in that DISC takes it a few steps further and spells out how to approach team members when they’ve done well and when they’ve done poorly; exact words they need to hear first, how to confront, how to give praise… all in ways that are “peaceful” and well received. Not knowing this information can reek havoc on a team member and cause confusion and further conflict. “Why doesn’t he just get it?” “Why aren’t I getting through to her?” come from employers and supervisors who are naive to a person’s hard wiring. All it takes is a little interest, some time, and the desire to understand the amazingly talented people you have working with you.

The whole process does require some time and attention. I won’t go into the whole process or explain the 16 different types of personality types. You can read those for yourself here.

My name is Toby and I’m an ENFP–The Inspirer. What does that mean? In four words I’m Extroverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving (hence the ENFP).

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As an ENFP, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you take things in primarily via your intuition. Your secondary mode is internal, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit in with your personal value system.

ENFPs are warm, enthusiastic people, typically very bright and full of potential. They live in the world of possibilities, and can become very passionate and excited about things. Their enthusiasm lends them the ability to inspire and motivate others, more so than we see in other types. They can talk their way in or out of anything. They love life, seeing it as a special gift, and strive to make the most out of it.

ENFPs have an unusually broad range of skills and talents. They are good at most things which interest them. Project-oriented, they may go through several different careers during their lifetime. To onlookers, the ENFP may seem directionless and without purpose, but ENFPs are actually quite consistent, in that they have a strong sense of values which they live with throughout their lives. Everything that they do must be in line with their values. An ENFP needs to feel that they are living their lives as their true Self, walking in step with what they believe is right. They see meaning in everything, and are on a continuous quest to adapt their lives and values to achieve inner peace. They’re constantly aware and somewhat fearful of losing touch with themselves. Since emotional excitement is usually an important part of the ENFP’s life, and because they are focused on keeping “centered”, the ENFP is usually an intense individual, with highly evolved values.

An ENFP needs to focus on following through with their projects. This can be a problem area for some of these individuals. Unlike other Extraverted types, ENFPs need time alone to center themselves, and make sure they are moving in a direction which is in sync with their values. ENFPs who remain centered will usually be quite successful at their endeavors. Others may fall into the habit of dropping a project when they become excited about a new possibility, and thus they never achieve the great accomplishments which they are capable of achieving.

Most ENFPs have great people skills. They are genuinely warm and interested in people, and place great importance on their inter-personal relationships. ENFPs almost always have a strong need to be liked. Sometimes, especially at a younger age, an ENFP will tend to be “gushy” and insincere, and generally “overdo” in an effort to win acceptance. However, once an ENFP has learned to balance their need to be true to themselves with their need for acceptance, they excel at bringing out the best in others, and are typically well-liked. They have an exceptional ability to intuitively understand a person after a very short period of time, and use their intuition and flexibility to relate to others on their own level.

Because ENFPs live in the world of exciting possibilities, the details of everyday life are seen as trivial drudgery. They place no importance on detailed, maintenance-type tasks, and will frequently remain oblivous to these types of concerns. When they do have to perform these tasks, they do not enjoy themselves. This is a challenging area of life for most ENFPs, and can be frustrating for ENFP’s family members.

An ENFP who has “gone wrong” may be quite manipulative - and very good it. The gift of gab which they are blessed with makes it naturally easy for them to get what they want. Most ENFPs will not abuse their abilities, because that would not jive with their value systems.

ENFPs sometimes make serious errors in judgment. They have an amazing ability to intuitively perceive the truth about a person or situation, but when they apply judgment to their perception, they may jump to the wrong conclusions.

ENFPs who have not learned to follow through may have a difficult time remaining happy in marital relationships. Always seeing the possibilities of what could be, they may become bored with what actually is. The strong sense of values will keep many ENFPs dedicated to their relationships. However, ENFPs like a little excitement in their lives, and are best matched with individuals who are comfortable with change and new experiences.

Having an ENFP parent can be a fun-filled experience, but may be stressful at times for children with strong Sensing or Judging tendancies. Such children may see the ENFP parent as inconsistent and difficult to understand, as the children are pulled along in the whirlwind life of the ENFP. Sometimes the ENFP will want to be their child’s best friend, and at other times they will play the parental authoritarian. But ENFPs are always consistent in their value systems, which they will impress on their children above all else, along with a basic joy of living.

ENFPs are basically happy people. They may become unhappy when they are confined to strict schedules or mundane tasks. Consequently, ENFPs work best in situations where they have a lot of flexibility, and where they can work with people and ideas. Many go into business for themselves. They have the ability to be quite productive with little supervision, as long as they are excited about what they’re doing.

Because they are so alert and sensitive, constantly scanning their environments, ENFPs often suffer from muscle tension. They have a strong need to be independent, and resist being controlled or labelled. They need to maintain control over themselves, but they do not believe in controlling others. Their dislike of dependence and suppression extends to others as well as to themselves.

ENFPs are charming, ingenuous, risk-taking, sensitive, people-oriented individuals with capabilities ranging across a broad spectrum. They have many gifts which they will use to fulfill themselves and those near them, if they are able to remain centered and master the ability of following through.

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So what are you? If you’ve never found out, or never taken the Myers-Briggs test I encourage you to do so. You can do that here. Read more about DISC here.

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Stories are our history. In our story we discover why we do what we do and the things that either bind us or set us free. Inside|Out workshops empower students from many different histories to tell their stories to the world through the media of film. Through a week-long film workshop students learn the basics of film making, create films and then showcase them in a film festival.

Inside|Out Global’s strength comes from its use of leading edge strengths training, professional collaboration and community partnerships. They connect organizations interested in the future and well-being of future generations of leaders.

Inside|Out is the catalyst in building relevant, healthy relationships while also providing professional training and mentor relationships which build character, develop strengths and give hope.

I have the chance of a life time to be part of this great ministry!! Will you help me go? Your monetary gift will not just impact me, but others literally on the other side of the world!

I need to raise $2,000 in under 30 DAYS!! It’s coming up quick, but I know it can be done.

Thank you in advance for anything you’re able to give in these tough economic times.

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Stories are our history. In our story we discover why we do what we do and the things that either bind us or set us free.

Inside|Out workshops empower students from many different histories to tell their stories to the world through the media of film.

Through a week-long film workshop students learn the basics of film making, create films and then showcase them in a film festival.

Inside|Out Global’s strength comes from its use of leading edge strengths training, professional collaboration and community partnerships.

Inside|Out connects organizations interested in the future and well-being of future generations of leaders.

Inside|Out is the catalyst in building relevant, healthy relationships while also providing professional training and mentor relationships which build character, develop strengths and give hope.

I have the chance of a life time to be part of this great ministry!! Will you help me go? Your monetary gift will not just impact me, but others literally on the other side of the world!

I need to raise $2,000 in just 30 DAYS!! It’s coming up quick, but I know it can be done.

Thank you in advance for anything you’re able to give in these tough economic times.

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It’s Saturday night. My buddy, Jesse (@blinkonceprod), and I are hitting the town (Nashville–Demonbreun Street to be exact). It’s guy’s night. Our first stop is The Tin Roof. Jesse makes the comment that it’s pretty slow and there aren’t a lot of people out. Coldplay & Snow Patrol are in concert tonight, so that’s where the sum of Nashville’s nightlife seem to be.

A few hours pass and we decide to meet up with some of our friends down on Broadway; the Bluegrass Inn. We already had a parking spot on this side of town and didn’t want to 1) fight traffic and 2) find & pay for a parking spot. We take a taxi. It’s 10 blocks.

I stay outside for a bit and eat a hot dog. Having not really eaten dinner, it’s exactly what I need. The time is now 12:15am and it’s starting to pick up; the concert just got out of the Sommet Center across the street.

A few hours pass and someone notices that one of the guys in the bar (I believe we’re at The Fiddler, although I can’t be too sure as we came in the back door from the honkytonk next door) looks like the guy from Snow Patrol. Tracie (@gradientracie) is sure of it and goes to talk to him. Sure enough it’s him plus another guy who we didn’t believe to be part of the band, but a quick Google search on an iPhone proved he was in fact a second member of Snow Patrol.

It’s 3:00 AM, last call, and we’re standing outside talking the the main guy from the band (sorry, didn’t catch his name). Tracie is flirtworking (her form of networking, but with some added flair… great for drumming up new business).

Jesse and I say our goodbyes and goodnights and head back up to where my car is parked. We decide to hoof it all 10 blocks. The fresh air is nice, although these shoes are killing my feet.

We get to my car around 3:20 AM and make our way back to The Hill, reflecting on the night’s progress. All in all it was a good night.

—–

About a year or so ago my car is having radiator issues. There is a problem with a fan blade not working properly that sends a mixed signal saying the car is overheating when, in fact, it isn’t. I get the car checked out and everything is is working order.

…Until about a week ago. I notice that my coolant light is coming back on. I always keep an extra bottle of it in my car to top it off here and there. I notice that my car is “overheating” again (assuming it’s the same problem as before) and make a point to have it looked at on Monday. It’s Saturday, well Sunday morning by now and we’re almost home.

—–

Passing under 840 I feel my car acting funny; it is a bit jerky. I notice smoke in my rear view mirror, but think I’m merely burning some oil (a condition my Jetta has had for some time now). The needle for the engine temperature keeps spiking and falling; the AC goes in and out.

It’s just a miscommunication between parts. I really need to get this looked at tomorrow. We’re slow close to home, almost there.

It’s at that moment my engine completely shuts down; all engine lights come on and I have no power. I pull off on the side of I-65 and turn the engine off. White smoke pours out of the hood and into the cabin from the air ducts.

I wake Jesse up. “Dude, it’s overheated.” Said pretty matter-of-fact. More annoyed than anything. Great, now I’m going to have to call a tow truck. “Oh, that’s ok… just wait til it cools down.” he says with his eyes closed and not really awake yet. “Hmm…”, I say.

At that moment I notice a flicker of yellow light on the pavement outside my window. That’s odd… I don’t have my blinker on. Where’s this light coming from? Curious, I get out and look under my car. I see fire dripping down from the engine block.

“Dude, wake up! We’ve gotta get out of here. The car’s on fire! Jesse, c’mon!” Said with a little more panic.

He gets out of the car and looks under as well. It keeps dripping. We walk away from the car and I call 911. It’s 3:52 AM. Shocked and in disbelief at what’s happening I tell the guy on the other end of the line where we’re located and that my car is on fire. He sends someone out and hangs up the phone.

Two minutes pass by and I’m not certain the 911 guy got the severity of the issue. I call back. It’s 3:54 AM.

“911 what’s your location”

“Yeah, I just called you about my car being on fire… I’m not sure you understand the severity of the issue. This thing’s about explode!” All I can imagine is a big explosion happening at any minute.

By this time my car is engulfed in flames. Black billowy smoke can be seen against the dawning sky. Traffic isn’t sure what to do. Some people stop and ask if they can help, others speed by to get out of the way.

I’m not exactly sure what emotion I’m feeling at the moment. I laugh (my default emotion when I’m not sure what else to do. It’s often inappropriate and gets me into trouble). I feel sick to my stomach, I’m shaking, I’m in shock at the fire ball my little Jetta has become.

The firemen show up and finally extinguish the inferno. “You can take a look at it now, sir. The trunk is the only thing that’s left.”

Jesse and I go to take pictures and retrieve what’s left out of my trunk; my climbing harness and chalk bag.

Tracie shows up at this point to come get us and is just emotional and in shock. She takes us home.

—–

It’s often said that we can’t control our situations, only how we react to them. My reaction, while stunned and in shock, is one of acceptance and belief that this all happened for a reason. Not sure what that reason is quite yet and it doesn’t help me get to where I need to go, but I have a peace that everything will work out.

Standing there watching my car go up in flames I couldn’t help but think of this:

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-20 The Message.

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