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.  Leaders need to constantly be getting better by “lifting their lid” and increasing their leadership capacity.  The cause and team you lead are worth it.  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)

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.  Don’t settle for anything less than gold.  Your excellence and character as a leader requires daily discipline in order to not only keep you at your best but always 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 and to run in such a way that is pleasing to Him.  If I lead myself well, I can lead others well too.  Are you ready?…then get set and…Go for the gold!

“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