It’s a great day to be productive – one step closer in your journey to your dreams and beyond. Let’s hear some words of encouragement. This will be the final post on persistence, as persistence seeks wisdom and wisdom is faithful.
The words from Friday sparked what is on my heart for today. Therefore, it will appear as a repeat of earlier Words of Encouragement. Being committed to growth is what I made note of from the other day!
”…with the guidance of wise and seasoned people.”
I told someone the other day that the words of encouragement I write are for me. These are my studies of scripture and conversations with Jesus. I share them hoping they will inspire someone else like they do me. That’s why sometimes you get my random thoughts that are hard to connect at times. God uses my random thoughts and they connect in my head. I try to write in a way that will connect with you too. Back to the regularly scheduled program…..
Being Engaged is What a Learner Does
When it comes to persistence, being engaged, and being a learner, Dre` Truitt (whom some of you may know) comes to mind and that’s why I love that man. Therefore, he eats it up when it comes to wanting to learn and wanting to be better. This energizes me! He just posted about his mentor the other day!
So here’s the deal with persistent people, they are engaged. There are plenty of opportunities to be engaged in the franchise system where I am a coach and consultant. So you can be a part of any one or all of the following: Mastermind Vision Groups, various training events including our annual retreat, high-end SMEs (Subject Matter Experts), podcasts, coaching, and the all too famous, “and there’s more.”
Dre` is an example of a man who is engaged. He has every opportunity to use the B-word (Busy) as an excuse. He and his wife Karie carry a very full plate in being productive (we use ‘productive’ instead of the B-word) in all areas of their life.
Busy = Not Good!
“Scott, I’m just too busy to be engaged.” I hear this too often. Trust me, I get it! But first, you just used the “B” word. Take that out of your vocabulary. Second, you will always struggle and be stuck if busy is all you are. Therefore you slip right back into the valley after barely catching your breath for a few seconds just when it seems that you were making progress.
It may appear that highly persistent people act alone and don’t need anyone. Most have a carefully chosen group of people they admire and emulate, like me with my mentor. Look to any group of business owners in various industries. The ones at the top are those who choose to have and use support and be engaged.
Mentor + Wisdom = Accountability and Growth
My experience in having a mentor? We have a high-level trust relationship that has richly grown over the years. My mentor brought me to that level with guidance, motivation, inspiration, emotional support, role modeling, listening, honest feedback, trust, respect, and he is present. He has deeply impacted my life.
Persistent people stand out from their environment by having strongly ingrained models who help them. So with the guidance and input of a mentor, a persistent person can sustain and motivate themselves in an environment that is not always supportive. And that’s because of what you don’t see behind the scenes.
Persistence Seeks Wisdom and Wisdom is Faithful.
Proverbs 8:32-36
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. 34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor
Proverbs 4:6-7
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom personified is represented as a companion and guardian who, if not forsaken, will continue faithful. If loved, Wisdom will continue a protector. Wisdom is the Word of God. The word spoken through that of a mentor. The word spoken from God created that which was unseen. That word became flesh, that being Jesus. And Jesus is the Word incarnate. That word is wisdom. That Wisdom ultimately is Christ. This means you have wisdom ultimately in your every-day-walking-around-kind-of-life with you, everywhere you go. Jesus is Wisdom and a great mentor! 😊
Don’t isolate yourself – you can’t gain wisdom on your own. Be around others who have blazed the trail. Often that wisdom, Jesus Christ, speaks through others.
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Challenge of the day: Get wisdom, get a mentor. And then meet no more or no less than once a month to start. Do a phone call (or Zoom meeting). Jesus (through others) = wisdom. So be it!
