Leaders must first be learners.

In a culture where knowledge and information is at the tips of our fingers, it’s awfully sad to think about how rarely we (myself included!) take advantage of such a privilege and gift. Instead of pursuing our God-given talents and passions, learning a new skill, or investing in our future, we are far more likely to complain about our circumstances and do absolutely nothing about them. We live in a society that breeds intellectual laziness – people who lack drive and purpose for living. We create young adults that get into trouble because they have nothing better to do. And while there is something called self-government and personal responsibility, this is partially because no one is pushing people to a higher standard. We are not challenged or expected to DO big things, go beyond the norm, or get our hands dirty.

I love this straightforward, truthful statement from Jamie Delaine — “If you’ve never failed, you aren’t trying hard enough.”

The reality is that with great accomplishment also comes great difficulties, and oftentimes great failure. But you learn from it all. If you ever want to be not only a great dreamer, but a great doer – you have to keep learning. You have to dig deep and get dirty and MOVE. I have been so convicted of this (thus, the reason behind this post!) because even though I never consciously made a decision to be apathetic, I’ve found myself far more complacent when it comes to learning that I ought to be. When was the last time I picked up a book about business and invested in my education? When is the last time I truly put forth an effort to grow? I was reading in Proverbs the other day and chapter 1 verse 5 said this, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning…” You would think that God would say something along the lines of “let the stupid or simple minded increase in learning” yet on the contrary, he is actually talking to those who are wise! We can never stop learning and growing. We never arrive! We are always in the process of refinement!

“You can decide who you want to be and get about the business of becoming that person.” Dave Ramsey, EntreLeadership

The reality is that I can’t expect to grow as an individual or run a thriving business if I don’t put a full effort into learning. Growing, pushing myself, training, becoming disciplined. Success doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a daily choice to go beyond and refuse to live up to society’s low standards. The key to business success is becoming a learning leader. It’s such a simple concept, yet often difficult to bring to fruition in our own personal lives. Changing old habits, getting rid of distractions, setting high goals – it all takes effort and it’s not always comfortable. But when we are soft hearted and open to learning and change – we put ourselves in an incredible place to grow! Likewise, if you are frustrated with where you are personally, spiritually, at work, in your home life – change yourself. You are the only one keeping you from growing. (In other words – I am my own problem!)

Being a small business owner (or fill in your wildest dream here) is not an unachievable goal. Anyone can do it – you just have to do it. Stop telling yourself you can’t and go make your dreams come to life. You’ve got this, sweet friend. None of us have arrived – we are all still learning.

Much love,

Jessica Lauren