Maturity Takes Work

Challenges are inevitable. That is part of life. Things rarely go according to plan.

But just because things are out of our control doesn’t mean it is the end of the world. As finite human beings, we simply can’t control everything. And part of maturing as a leader is learning that truth. 

However, learning that truth and believing it is tough stuff. The mental and emotional maturation process for leaders is hard work. We have to learn to ask different questions amid challenging circumstances. Instead of “Why is this happening to me?” we have to learn to ask “What can I learn from this situation?”

Leadership is about learning to see challenges as a growth opportunity rather than an obstacle to progress. And that is a mindset shift that requires effort to change.

We can’t deal with disappointments in the present while maintaining mindsets of the past. Part of having a growth mindset means learning to deal with disappointments and challenges differently than we used to.

Here is the main point: If we want to be leaders that change the world, we have to first start with our own perspectives regarding challenges. Just because we can’t control our circumstances doesn’t mean the proverbial “sky is falling.” When times are tough, learn to ask questions that promulgate growth through the challenges. Be intentional about maturing to the point that you can see them as opportunities rather than obstacles. 

Learn to think differently.

Take action to change the lens through which you view the world. 

Growth, my friends, is a choice!