At times, I’m backed into a corner and forced to reflect on what has just happened. Then I can answer When is loss good?

This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn weekday posts for September 27 through October 1, 2021.

Everybody does it!

Everybody does it is an excuse used by…everybody!  It side-steps accountability.

So, who cares? What’s the danger?

The problem is there’s no clear line to cross that says “stay here – don’t go farther.”

For example, if a little pride is Ok, then how much more before it turns into destructive arrogance?

Worse yet, this excuse allows my integrity to slip a little at a time. You know, like waistlines expanded during the pandemic!

Today’s Insight: Just because something is common practice doesn’t mean that it’s right!

In Proverbs 30.11-14 we read of list of social ills. The repeated phrase “there is a generation” suggests, to me, that everybody does it!

A transformation story!

Years ago I hit a dead end. Why? My career path wasn’t working for me. Thus, not for my family.

The solution? I stepped back. Took time to reflect, get advice from others, discuss things with my wife, and we prayed together.

The outcome was a major shift in my career.

Here are some take-aways about personal change:

1). Self-awareness is critical.
2). Introspection uncovers new options.
3). There’s no change without risk taking.
4). Be grateful for support of those closest to you.

Today’s Question: What steps did you follow when making a significant change in your career?

Ecclesiastes 4.9-12 points out the value of relationships, especially the “threefold cord.”

Loss is good! Huh?

Ok, when is loss good?

Well, a slammed door such as a job loss is good because I’m now forced to take stock of where I am. Otherwise, I coast along without reflecting.

Here are some questions to ask after a loss:

1). What just happened?
2). How did I contribute to this outcome?
3). What must I learn from this?
4). Where must I change if I’m to grow?
5). What’s the next step I need to take?

Today’s Question: How do you view loss? For example, personal, financial, or career-related losses.

Loss is an end point when I choose not to grow out of that loss! proverbsforprofessionals.net

Proverbs 24.16 motes that personal integrity is an important factor in our ability to bounce back (“fall…rise up”) after a loss.

You have a bigger problem!

Say you go to the doctor for a procedure, but it’s a no-go because you must first deal with a bigger problem!

Fact is, sometimes we are unaware of bigger issues. For example, with health, finances, or relationships.

Now what? A discerning person takes the warning seriously. And, they respond accordingly.

Why act? Because neglect doesn’t make the problem disappear!

Today’s Insight: Being naïve or neglectful may be cute in a child, but it’s a serious problem for an adult – especially one who is a leader.

Discernment aids, while arrogance blocks, my ability to gather and make sense of facts. proverbsforprofessionals.net

Proverbs 14.6 warns against being an arrogant know-it-all. Conversely, the verse points out how discernment can make fact-finding, then root-cause discovery, easy.

Learn from your challenges!

When stressed, it’s easy to cast aside experiences without taking time to reflect.

However, it’s good to learn from your challenges.
How so?

The insights gained from a life challenge are a resource, thus a source of confidence, when facing a new challenge.

Today’s Question: What are some things you’ve learned on the exiting-side of a difficult experience?

Set-backs can inspire me or lead to despair. I get to choose which outcome wins! proverbsforprofessionals.net

Ecclesiastes 11.7-8 reminds us that light is sweet. However, the verses encourage us to “remember the days of darkness”. That is, to be realistic and balanced as we learn from experiences.