Knowing I have a bad habit isn’t the same thing as taking steps to address that habit. However, dirty dozen the sequel pushes me to begin the character change process.
The Precept Explained
It’s one thing to admit that an outcome was bad. Hard but doable!
And, it’s another thing to recognize the root cause of the outcome. A little harder, but still doable.
However, acknowledging reality while identifying root cause still doesn’t guarantee that I’m willing to change.
Hence, I must make the character changes needed to break out of that destructive pattern!
Dirty Dozen The Sequel
As it turns out, my inability to learn from experiences is one of the dirty dozen destructive traits identified in Proverbs. See below for the full list.
This post – Dirty Dozen The Sequel – focuses on the problems associated with not learning from experiences.
A Way Out
Now, Proverbs 23.29-35 describes this predicament but doesn’t offer a way out. Instead, other conversations propose solutions.
For some examples of solutions, see Proverbs 23.15 “be wise hearted…” And, Proverbs 23.19 “listen and be wise…” Also, Proverbs 23.26 “give me your heart…” Thus, a wise character helps produce sound decisions, and can change my habits.
In each case, these three verses that are close to our focal passage are a parent-child conversation. Also, each deals with the intentional development of a sound character.
As such, the change involves a willingness to listen to wise advice.
Habits to Avoid
The destructive habits in Proverbs 23.29-35 include excessive drinking, inappropriate relationships, and life-threatening behavior.
In short, the advice here is you must change. Why? Because an undisciplined and uncontrolled life produces serious consequences.
Honestly, you cannot live a fraternity-house lifestyle without experiencing unpleasant outcomes!
Unfortunately, the catch is my willingness to not simply acknowledge the problem but to take action by changing.
Moreover, the change described here is to my character. Thus, I change from the inside out.
Conversely, this isn’t simply adoption of some new habits because habit changes don’t get to the core of who I am.
Leadership Insight
How did I get here?
Well, possible causes include an unwillingness to grow up. And, an entitlement mentality. Or, equally as dangerous, the belief that the rules don’t apply to me.
Actually, you may have witnessed a high performer who exhibited one or more of these traits.
They move into leadership positions, but bring along lots of destructive baggage. Then, at some point, the Friday-night fun starts to impose on performance.
So, without some stern mentoring, that leader eventually self-destructs.
Worse yet, they may surround themselves with enablers who provide cover, for a while.
However, it’s simply not possible to ignore the impact of poor character over the long run. Why? Because no matter how successful a leader is, a reckless lifestyle eventually reaches a destructive tipping point.
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders aren’t interested in seeing what they can get away with.
Conversely, impactful leaders recognize that their behavior is far-reaching, so it’s never about them alone.
In addition, impactful leaders are willing to have the hard conversations that are needed to address lifestyle and professional conduct excesses in order to salvage a career.
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