We gain knowledge when we go to class.
We gain knowledge when we read books.
We have understanding if we learn from the instructor.
We have understanding if we learn from the author.
Wisdom is the gift of utilization.
Knowledge is information.
Understanding is comprehension.
Wisdom is knowing what to do with it.
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 KJV
What about my family?
What about my friends?
What about my children?
What about my neighbors?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Don’t let the simplicity of the golden rule fool you. It’s much more than smiling, a kind word, or helping someone across the street. Our actions both, good and bad, touch the lives of many others. It’s our responsibility to understand and limit the collateral damage of the things we do. On the flip side, we should never let our actions be dictated by the thoughts and whims of others.
Act with regard for others but without regard for what others think.
Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:
Nehemiah 9:33 KJV
Vision + Explanation = Understanding
Great leadership and strong culture gives understanding to vision and growth. Conversely, vision without leadership creates questions, anxiety, and confusion.
The explanation is just as important as the vision.
If they can’t understand you, they won’t follow you.
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Nehemiah 8:8 KJV
Lottery winnings.
Inherited fortunes.
Unearned positions.
Why are most unearned prizes wasted?
Because the person who earns, works, and achieves is a different person than one who does not. Who you are determines what you have. Not the other way around.
For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: [22] For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; [23] For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
Proverbs 30:21-23 KJV
Lead by telling, the words are forgotten.
Lead by showing, the instruction will drift.
Lead by doing, the action will be repeated.
Leaders increase their influence by aligning their words, instructions, and actions.
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
Proverbs 29:19 KJV
I often use the phrase, “Spin Up”. It’s just a loose way of saying, get better over time. This morning, while reading Nehemiah 1-2, a process for the phrase became clear. You could call it The Success Cycle.
1. Need
This is the starting point and the inflection point for the success cycle. When you first start, you see there is a lack of understanding or ability within yourself. Later the need is exposed by action and adversity. Either way, it’s up to you to see it and then take the next step.
2. Preparation
School, apprenticeship, mentors, reading, and learning. Preparation can take place in a classroom, pasture, factory, or kitchen table. Build a solid foundation that will not crumble under the weight of what is coming. Beware that you don’t get stuck here. There are many would-be success stories that find comfort in preparation and turn it into procrastination.
3. Opportunity
Your preparation has sharpened your vision and you can see the possibilities. Choose and take the next step.
4. Action
I have always said, there is real magic in action. Action is the separator between success and failure. Face the fear and seize the opportunity. Remember, regret is the only failure that cannot be overcome.
5. Adversity
If you are in the game, seizing opportunities and acting on them, you will run up against adversity. Whether procedural or personal, adversity will expose your weakness and need. Embrace adversity because it will show you where to start your next cycle.
Now, the next time I say “Spin Up”, we will both know exactly what I’m talking about. 🙂
Outcomes can be predicted but they cannot be guaranteed.
Humbly plan, diligently work, and never boast.
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1 KJV
The decision and responsibility lay squarely on your shoulders.
You must make the call, but will you own the outcome?
Confidence is when you can make the call.
Conceit is when your call is always right.
A good self-image is confidence.
A perfect self-image is conceit.
Conceit is a cancer.
Humility is the cure.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 26:12 KJV
Seldom is it a good idea to discuss problems and disagreements with a third party. This backward mode of communication creates gossip, negativity and rot.
Here are a few things to help when having an uncomfortable face to face.
1. Be humble.
No matter your position, communication and correction is better received with humility.
2. Never attack.
“You are a terrible person because you did this.” Wrong! Avoid personal attacks. The action is usually the problem, not the person. “I’m sure this wasn’t intentional, but when you did X it caused Y?” Focus on the action.
3. Show you care.
If you do the first two, it will open the door to have a conversation. When we communicate, problems get solved.
4. Face your fear.
We all love sunshine and roses, but nothing grows without a little rain. Call it for what it is, embrace it, and step into the fear. If you can have the conversations when they are needed, you can avoid the thunderstorms. 😉
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself ; and discover not a secret to another:
Proverbs 25:9 KJV
We often use phrases like…
That’s the last straw.
I’m at the end of my rope.
It’s over!
None of which are actually true.
In reality, you might need to find a new camel, get a longer rope, or start again. Either way, try to keep that negativity in your mind instead of letting it come out of your mouth. Have the mental battle and then speak the truth to yourself and everyone around you.
I’m not saying, there are no breaking points.Â
I am saying, you are stronger than you can possibly imagine.
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
2 Chronicles 36:16 KJV
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