Scaling your leadership – 4 of 8

Improving leadership is not for the weak or tired. What you may not fully understand by reading books, listening to others, or getting an MBA is how much pain you will have to overcome to fulfill the leadership potential within you. Leaning into this reality and accepting the pain that comes with leadership is a priceless learning experience that we need to recognize and appreciate. One of my favorite authors, James Clear, puts it this way:

“You are as mentally tough as your life demands you to be. An easy life shapes a mind that can only endure ease. A challenging life builds a mind that can withstand challenges. Like a muscle that atrophies from lack of use, mental strength fades unless it is tested. When life doesn’t challenge you, challenge yourself.”

When I look back on my leadership journey, I am continually reminded of how demanding it has been to lean in and humble myself when the going gets tough. Furthermore, when the burden is heavy and the suffering is great, what we want to do is throw in the towel and not give in. We may want to escape, not humiliate ourselves. I understand perfectly. I myself can think of many times when I didn't push as hard as necessary and instead gave up too soon. In hindsight, I can see these mistakes. I'm far from perfect, but I can say that in the great opportunities when they mattered most, my persistence, my perseverance, and God's grace helped me to succeed.

What situations or circumstances are you currently going through? Are you struggling through a challenging phase of growth that is more frustrating than satisfying? If the answer is yes, feel blessed. If perhaps you are slowing down a little and not being challenged where you feel the pressure and friction, then maybe it's time to change things up a little. Start a new project, decide to write that book, learn a new language, get your degree, or volunteer at an NGO. My guess is that you already have a next step that comes to mind.

?Depending on the situation, humiliating yourself will look different for everyone. Find courage in that the refinement, perseverance, and struggle that comes with humbling yourself is priceless. Improving your leadership requires humiliation, and biblical wisdom is waiting for you in God's Word.

#Jean Kamradt #Sabedoria Milenar