The Power of Daily Growth
One thing I've learned over more than four decades of leadership is that success doesn't happen overnight. We all want to grow, improve, and accomplish great things with our lives. But here's something I want you to remember. It's what we do every day that determines who we become tomorrow.
I believe goals are important. We need to have a vision for our future and know where we're going. But having a goal isn't enough. We have to develop the daily habits, routines, and disciplines that will take us there. You see, we don't grow just because we want to grow. We grow because we make the decision to do something about it every day.
I remember when I first came to St. Louis over four decades ago to plant Church on the Rock. We started with just 35 people. We had no building, no staff, and no office. We met in a library and later moved to a Holiday Inn. But every morning I would get up, put on my three piece suit, and go downstairs to my little office in the basement of our home to study and pray. Why? Because I had a picture of who I wanted to become and what God had called me to accomplish.
I was preparing for something I couldn't see yet. I was acting like it was so when it wasn't so, so that one day it could become so.
As leaders in the marketplace, we have to understand this principle. Your future is being shaped by the decisions you're making today. Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, raising a family, or serving in ministry, your daily disciplines are either moving you closer to your purpose or keeping you from reaching your potential.
Growth Requires More Than Good Intentions
I've discovered that there are several things we must incorporate into our daily lives if we're going to keep growing and becoming better leaders.
First, we have to be willing to stretch ourselves. Every significant step forward I've taken in my life has required some level of risk. I've had to get uncomfortable, do things I've never done before, and push myself beyond what I thought was possible. Growth doesn't happen in our comfort zone. If we're going to reach another level in our leadership, we have to be willing to do hard things.
Second, we have to become lifelong learners. I believe leaders are readers, and the moment we stop learning is the moment we stop growing. If I want to help other people become better, I've got to keep working on becoming better myself. That means making time every day to read, study, research, and learn something new. We can't lead people beyond where we're willing to grow ourselves.
Third, we have to develop the discipline of focus. We live in a world filled with distractions. Everybody wants our attention, and there will always be something competing for our time. But I've learned that what we focus on, we get a return from. If we want to grow in an area of our lives, we've got to give that area our attention. Successful leaders learn to eliminate unnecessary distractions and concentrate on what matters most.
Fourth, we need accountability. I have a good friend who was a four time world heavyweight boxing champion. Years after he retired, he told me he still had a coach. I asked him why someone who had accomplished so much would still need a coach. His answer was powerful. He said, "I know what to do, but I need someone to hold me accountable to do it." Think about that. Even champions need accountability. It's not enough to know what to do. We need people in our lives who will challenge us to follow through.
Finally, we have to practice gratitude. I believe gratitude attracts more. Years ago, a couple who didn't even attend our church supported our ministry with their time, prayers, and finances. When I asked them why, they told me it was because my wife and I had expressed genuine appreciation for them. That taught me something I've never forgotten. Never underestimate the power of a thankful heart. As leaders, we should make it a daily habit to recognize and appreciate the people God has placed in our lives.
Don't Just Learn It, Live It
Here's another important principle I want you to remember. Knowledge without application won't produce growth. I've met people who have read all the books, attended all the conferences, and heard all the teachings, but their lives never seem to change. Why? Because knowing something and doing something are two different things.
We have to put into practice what we're learning. We have to take action, make adjustments, and give our best effort every day. Don't get so focused on the results that you forget about the effort you're putting forth today. Ask yourself, am I giving my best, or am I just doing enough to get by?
The Bible tells us in James 1:22 to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. I love that because it reminds us that real growth comes when we apply what we've learned.
Leadership Challenge
Today, I want to challenge you to evaluate your daily routine. Are your habits helping you become the person God has called you to be? Are you stretching yourself, learning something new, staying focused, and allowing others to hold you accountable? Are you taking time to express gratitude and putting into practice the things you've learned?
Remember, we don't have to change everything overnight. We just have to make the decision to keep growing and improving every day. Small improvements, consistently practiced over time, can produce extraordinary results.
My encouragement to you as a legendary leader is to be intentional about your daily decisions. Don't allow your future to be determined by chance. Develop the discipline to do what matters most, even when you don't feel like doing it.
Your daily decisions determine your direction, and your direction determines your destination. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep moving forward into everything God has called you to become.