“We teach people how to create a specific vision for their future and then take specific action steps to achieve it. We have demonstrated that more powerful results are achieved when people focus on ‘creating a desired outcome’ rather than on ‘fixing problems.’”  URDT web site

In what areas of your life have you been challenged to stop “fixing problems” and switch your focus to the “desired outcome?”

So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  (1 Corinthians 9:26a; NLT)

Over the last couple of weeks, I focused on an incredible book that I was reading by Robert Fritz entitled Your Life as Art.  My mind was stretched and my paradigm significantly altered.  I attempted to convey some of what I was learning in the series of DGs that started on 6/18 and ended on 6/27.  (BTW, a great way to see past DGs is to go to my blog, http://thecoachingpair.com/blog/.)

Over the weekend, it was called to my attention that the creative process that Fritz writes about is not only used in several Fortune 500 companies as well as small entrepreneurial start-ups in this country, but is also being used by a non-profit organization in Uganda to create “rural development through human development.” Uganda Rural Development Training (URDT) trains people who live on less than $1 per day to take a visionary, entrepreneurial approach to developing their own lives, families, and communities.

Has URDT been effective?  You be the judge.  “Since URDT arrived in the district, the rural village where it is located has become a ‘boom town,’ growing tenfold in size. URDT graduates have created many local businesses that employ themselves and others, and URDT has worked with villagers to improve local roads for better access to markets. Other indicators, such as health, sanitation and girls’ education, have also improved markedly.”

In today’s Link of the Day, I urge you to read the first column of the page down to the section entitled “Looking Ahead: Strategy for 2006-2008,” but at a minimum, don’t miss the section entitled, “URDT’s ‘Visionary’ Approach.” 

Hmmmm…apparently this stuff really works!

Prayer Power
Lord, how exciting it is to see an approach to help us reach our goals and preferred futures that works across cultural barriers.  I’m so grateful for Your bringing this to my attention so that I could pass it along to others.

Link of the Day
Uganda Rural Development Training

Blessings on you as you switch your focus from your problems to your desired future.