“You can map out a fight plan or a life plan. But when the action starts, you’re down to your reflexes. That’s where your road work shows. If you cheated in the dark of the morning, you’re getting found out under the bright lights.” ~ Joe Frazier
In the Olympics, the difference between a gold medal and fourth place is often measured in hundredths of a second. Can you imagine coming that close to the prize only to fall short? In his book “Good to Great”, Jim Collins makes the point that “good is the enemy of great.” In other words, when we are good at something, we can become so satisfied with “good” that we don’t have the motivation to work harder in order to become “great”.
As leaders, we must never settle for just being good. Leaders are learners. There is always room for improvement. Leaders need to constantly be learning, growing and getting better so they can “lift their lid” and increase their leadership capacity and effectiveness. The people on your team deserve your best. Don’t settle for “good” when you can go for the “gold”.
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (I Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT)
God called you and intentionally positioned you to lead where you lead. When you “go for the gold”, it isn’t about you…it’s about Him. His calling and purpose for you as a leader is worth your “best” today and your “better best” tomorrow. Good is good, but it’s not great. If you are truly committed to growth, you will never be satisfied by making today’s “best” your standard when you know you can do better tomorrow. You can always reach higher to a new level of “best” if you keep growing as a leader. Don’t settle for anything less than gold.
Your competence and character as a leader requires daily discipline in order to keep you going for your “better best”. It’s not what you do in a day that will make the greatest difference, but what you do daily…day after day. That’s what counts. Before you lead others, you must successfully lead yourself.
I have discovered that I can be the hardest person for me to lead. My daily disciplines are crucial for keeping me on track to run my race in such a way that is pleasing to Him. I must lead myself well, if I want to lead others well. My personal growth is essential to helping others grow.
Be determined to grow as a leader today by building on what you have learned from yesterday. Your day has started and God deserves your absolute best. Lead yourself well so you can lead others well today. Get ready, get set, and…go for the gold!