Pain is a constant companion. It evades nobody.
There have been times in my life where I deeply hurt. On top of that, some of those times came from friends. As a leader, pain is part of the job. People can hurt us. Situations can hurt us. Decisions can hurt us.
I agree with Craig Groeschel, “Your success is in direct proportion to the pain you are willing to endure.”
For many leaders, part of their living includes avoiding pain. I am not advocating pursuing pain. I am saying to embrace pain. Step into pain. Yes, it hurts. Yes, healing will come.
Leading through pain can be a moment (for some, a long moment) that could define your next steps. Not only is this beneficial to you, but those that you lead are beneficiaries as well. I know it sounds unfair that you should bear the pain and they get minimal pain or none at all. You are the leader and they are not.
We can increase our pain threshold by remembering:
- that painful seasons are temporary
- that our leadership gets better through pain
- that leading through pain shows integrity
- that we can learn empathy for others
- that avoided pain usually hurts us more later
- that avoiding pain decreases our capacity to withstand future pain
- that our pain will require us to depend on God
What are three areas where you could increase your leadership pain threshold?
Craig goes on to share, “The distance where you are this moment and where God wants you to be is the pain that you are willing to endure.”
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thank ya B. i hope you are doing well. i follow you on twitter and enjoy reading your funny and serious posts. i also like the logo you guys have for your wedding.
Hey JY! I saw this post on Matt’s facebook wall. It’s fabulous! Good job