By John Paschall, Servant Leader

Perspective Gained Along the Way…

For all of you that are under the age of 35 who are reading this – stop reading.   Seriously, the rest of this article will probably not make any sense to you until 5 or more years from now.  If you are 35+ keep reading…

A good friend told me a number of years ago that most people find great clarity and perspective about life and living around the age of 40.  I have found that to be INCREDIBLY true.  Here are some of the “nuggets” I have gained in the last 46 years. (okay, really in the last six – I am not sure what I was doing the 40 years before that!)

1.  The person who has truly learned how to be a servant and a follower is best prepared to be a leader.

I spent many years trying to lead without learning this lesson.  Through the “hard knocks” of life, this one finally sunk in.  Now, I try to spend most of my day working on becoming a better servant – to my family and to my organization.  Time will tell on the results.

2.  The person who has truly experienced death is best prepared to appreciate life.

         This includes the death of a dream, death of a relationship, etc.  We probably have all experienced the “death” or ending of some dream or vision that we had for our life, our business, our career.  It has been said, “When one door closes, another opens."  I have found that to be true and that the second door often doesn’t open UNTIL the first one closes.

3.  The person who has experienced failure and learned from it, is best prepared to experience success.

         Some of the greatest “successes” in life (Lincoln, Edison, Disney, Babe Ruth), failed more times than almost anyone else in their profession, but they are not thought of as failures – they learned from their failures and used them to develop their character and inspire their vision to become the successes we know them as today.

4.  There is joy in achieving, but those who experience the greatest joy in life are those who have figured out how to find joy in the journey.

         Success is best described as a journey not a destination.  Those who best learn how to enjoy the journey are able to find value, benefit, and joy in each day not just on the days that they achieve certain goals.

5.  There is joy in receiving, but greater joy is found in giving.

         I have found this to be particularly true as it relates to helping develop, train, and inspire others to grow in their own skill, ability, and capacity for leadership.   

I know that this month’s article was a little more reflective than normal, but my hope is that you found it of value for your situation as a business leader.  As with all other information that you and I receive throughout the day…take in and use that which is helpful to you and filter out and discard that which is not – “In with the good, out with the bad.”

If we can help you, please call us and let us know what we can do.  We are here for you.  Continue building your better business and have a great month!