A growth mindset allows me to see opportunities in daily events. As such, I recognize that I can be refined through life experiences.
This blog entry is composed of my weekday posts on LinkedIn between May 17 and May 21, 2021.
Personal change is messy!
An uncluttered life may be a sign of reaching a plateau. That is, minimal effort, no risks taken, no failures, no new learning, and thus, no growth.
Conversely, personal change is messy. It demands effort on my part. However, it produces growth.
Now, Proverbs 14.4 addresses the growth process. It speaks of a clean stall when you don’t own an ox, but the potential for increase when you do.
The ox is the messy growth process. The strength of the ox is daily, intentional growth effort on my part.
Persistent effort brings multiplication into my life. But, expect that growth process to be challenging – it’s messy!
I have personally experienced the abundant blessings of divine multiplication in my life! proverbsforprofessionals.net
I knew it!
How often do you correctly predict an outcome based on past experiences?
This past weekend I heard something. An unfortunate outcome. A couple of years prior I saw this outcome as a worst case scenario. Well, it happened! I knew it!
Actually, I didn’t “know” it for certain, but I knew it was possible. Now Proverbs 22.3 says critical thinking gives foresight to see a possible outcome. But, I must take corrective action when the outcome is bad.
For leaders, foresight is a critical asset. It’s not some magical capability. Instead, foresight is the outcome of diligent effort, critical reflection, and sense making. Then, the leader must be decisive, based on what they know.
Refined through life experiences
Refining precious metals requires heat. The raw material must be refined because it isn’t ready to use. Once refined, the metal must still be formed into a useful object.
When I see myself as unrefined, I recognize the need to grow personally and professionally from the inside out.
Similarly, Proverbs 17.3 mentions refining by heat, which transforms my character.
So, it’s not just what I can do (the shaping of the refined metal), but most critically who I am as a person (the quality of the metal). proverbsforprofessionals.net
As a leader, if I’m learning from career experiences, I’m being refined as I build integrity. Integrity, in turn, carries me regardless of the job duties I have. So, choose to be refined through life experiences!
Great expectations!
Regardless of my current position, people have expectations about me. Expectations can vary depending on where I am in my career.
Conversely, I cannot quickly undo perceptions of who I am based on my prior behavior by a few wise words. Worse yet, is speech or behavior that’s judged to be out of character for me.
Likewise, Proverbs 17.7 says people don’t expect much from a fool. However, they also don’t tolerate lying from a leader!
So, past offenses are hard to unravel. Whereas, current expectations are easily damaged. Therefore, self control is critical if I’m to avoid damaging my ability to influence others as a leader.
You will hold off your anger when you realize what’s most critical in a situation. Thus, sometimes you must let it go! Proverbs 19.11 paraphrase proverbsforprofessionals.net
How did that happen?
I know from personal experience that ambition can stress relationships closest to me. It’s easy to ignore the signs of stress. Eventually, I ask “How did that happen?” when things blow up.
It’s foolish to persist in a conflict to the point that there’s no way forward because of deep damage to the relationship. proverbsforprofessionals.net
How do I avoid this mistake? By having the foresight to see the impact of my current lifestyle.
Similarly, Proverbs 17.1 says success is empty when accompanied by interpersonal conflict. Thus, check your values by asking “Is this really worth it?”
Impactful leaders are discerning. They have the foresight to recognize unintended consequences. And, they take action, especially in regard to protecting relationships that are most critical.
Contact Me
If you’re active on LinkedIn, please follow my posts there. Look me up at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-young-proverbs-for-professionals/
