The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday
A leader I coach mentioned that people seem disappointed when new problems keep showing up.
The reality is that yesterday’s success won’t answer today’s challenge.
It’s frustrating to think you graduate from new frustrations.
Destructive Success
Complacency turns yesterday’s trophy into today’s anchor.
Success whispers, “Relax. You earned it.”
Success isn’t ease; it’s new possibilities.
Leadership’s response to dangerous success is: “What’s next?”
3 Warnings
Unchallenged, success…
#1. Seduces leaders to trust what worked yesterday.
#2. Creates entitlement. People start believing they deserve ease.
#3. Tempts you to stop learning.
The rent on success comes due every morning.
3 Truths About Leadership
#1. Yesterday’s Win Builds a Platform
Past performance rewards you with new opportunities dressed in work boots.
#2. Teams Take Their Cues from Leaders
When leaders coast, teams slow down.
When leaders engage, teams lean in.
#3. Growth Demands Fresh Cultivation
The glory days become weeds when you water them.
Grow by doing what needs to be done next. Nostalgia is a lousy growth strategy.
Embrace an Uneasy Reality
Naïve leaders are shocked when problems return wearing new boots.
Expect struggle.
Difficulty kicks you in the pants every morning.
Don’t be stunned. Find your joy. Get busy.
- Show up fully.
- Learn continuously.
- Serve with vitality.
- Improve relentlessly.
Yesterday’s success provides a wonderful rest stop but a deadly parking lot.
Leadership isn’t for people seeking comfort. It’s for people determined to make a difference.
Today’s opportunities call for new resolve.
The Navy SEALs say: “The only easy day was yesterday.”
How can leaders stay positive when problems persist?
This post is inspired by: The Wisdom of the BullFrog (Chapter 5 in particular)
You might enjoy this post from 2019: The True Value of Persistent Problems and Nagging Distress
Staying positive during difficult times – Harvard Health
