3. That’s Just Like Me to Get It Wrong
Are you going to get it wrong? Absolutely.
As Craig Groeschel says, if you’re going to innovate, it’s not that failure isn’t an option, failure is a necessity.
The destructive part of that self-talk isn’t that you got something wrong, it’s that sinister “it’s just like me to…” part.
I have messed up more times than I can count. So it’s easy to fall into an ‘it’s just like me’ trap.
But live there and soon you’ll lose your courage to correct, to learn, to master a new skill and even to change.
Want a bridge? Try this.
Tell yourself, “I’ve made this mistake before, but I don’t need to live here. What can I do to help me grow?
4. This ALWAYS Happens
You always lose good staff.
The numbers always go down at this time of year.
You always end up screwing up relationships like this.
You always end up fixing other people’s work.
Want out of that? Make always a stop-sign. The moment you think always, stop, reflect, even pray and ask yourself WHY.
Maybe it’s true that things always turn out that way for you.
But just because something’s been true in the past doesn’t mean it needs to be true in the future.
Look back at the patterns, declare it a new day and try something different.
You’ll break patterns you thought were unbreakable.
5. I Should Just Quit
I’ll die on this hill if I have to, but here’s what I’m convinced of: Too many leaders quit moments before their critical breakthrough.
So many leaders declare it over long before God declares it over. And that’s a huge mistake.
Should you ever leave things or quit things? Sure! I’ve left many things in my life.
But it’s always a mistake when you quit because you’re discouraged. When you’re convinced you’re washed up.
Need to leave something?
Quit on a good day. After much prayer and wise counsel.
The problem most leaders have? They quit on a bad day, with little consultation other than fellow miserable people.
Don’t abandon your calling. God hasn’t.
Care about issues like the ones I cover in this post?
I do.
My new book, Didn’t See It Coming, tackles issues like this because I think they’re so critical to many people.
Didn’t See It Coming answers the question, “Why do so many skilled and competent leaders who mean well end up cynical, compromised, disconnected and feeling empty?”
In the book, I show you how to spot cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout and emptiness long before they capture your soul.
I also outline the keys to breaking free and finding your heart and passion again, so you can be more alive and vibrant at 40 than you were at 30, or more curious and engaged at 70 than you were at 40.
I really do believe this book could change your life. Here are some responses from a few of my friends that have already read the book:
“You have to read this book. Carey Nieuwhof is one uncommonly perceptive and generous guide.”
—Ann Voskamp, author of New York Times bestsellers The Broken Way and One Thousand Gifts
“If you’re looking for gentle, empathetic life coaching from a Christian perspective, this book is sure to help you.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of New York Times bestsellers When and Drive
“Nieuwhof’s new book…pierces the heart.”
—Nancy Duarte, best-selling author and CEO of Duarte Inc.
“A powerful, personal and highly readable book.”
—Brian Houston, global senior pastor of Hillsong Church and author of There Is More
“There is something powerful…here.”
—Andy Stanley, author, communicator and founder of North Point Ministries
“Carey isn’t just a great lawyer; he’s a wise friend. This is a practical book about navigating your life.”
—Bob Goff, author of New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Everybody, Always
“Carey points leaders to some very important areas to observe.”
—Dr. Henry Cloud, leadership consultant and author of The Power of the Other
Pre-Order Didn’t See It Coming Here:
https://www.amazon.com/Didnt-See-Coming-Overcoming-Experiences/dp/0735291330
What Do You Tell Yourself?
What conversations show up in your mind? And what do you do about them?
This article originally appeared here.
