As Christian leaders, we should be describing and defining success very differently than people with a different world view than what we hold. Success is often described with words like: Possessions, Popularity, Position. As a Christian leader how are you currently viewing what success looks like in your context, in your world? Dan Rockwell pushes us to rethink our working understanding of success!
Guest Post by Dan Rockwell
Just because successful people reach the peak it doesn’t mean they know the best way up. Or how to get back down. Or what the mountain is for. Successful people blind us with want. We assume success means wisdom. We think money equals insight. We believe fame proves virtue. Lies one and all. Fools become influencers because we believe success equals universal competence.
Before You Copy Successful People:
#1. What aren’t they telling you?
Behind every success is an avalanche of failures, compromises, and sunk costs. What’s hidden matters more than what’s displayed.
#2. Do you want their life or their results?
Success doesn’t arrive like magic. It comes from lifestyle choices. I might want an Olympic gold medal. I’m not willing to choose a life that might get one.
#3. Would you copy them if they weren’t famous?
Strip away the status. Do their character and choices earn your respect? Fame distorts judgment.
Success overwhelms perception. Wisdom whispers. Listen carefully.
Choose Wisdom:
Wisdom thrives regardless of circumstances.
Don’t copy success—gain wisdom. Nothing compares to wisdom. The one who gains wisdom acquires the key to success.
5 ways to choose wisdom:
- Don’t confuse wealth with worth.
- Notice what people do. Behavior reveals values.
- Listen deeply. Fools chatter like monkeys and listen like chipmunks.
- Like people. I notice wisdom tends to love the world.
- Practice gentle rigidity. Wisdom is kind even when doing hard things.
Read: The Fools Guide to Wisdom
Aspire to wisdom, not applause. Admire character, not clout. Pursue growth, not glamour.
“Illumination of the intellect, together with charity inflaming the heart, constitute the gift of wisdom.” H. E. Manning
What should we learn from successful people?
Resources:
Recent Comments