Ep. 11 - Preacher, Teacher, Leader

I've got something on my mind that I can't wait to share with you this week. We're diving into the world of preacher, teacher, leader – a trio that's important, especially when it comes to tackling those pesky limiting self-beliefs. This concept was one of the first things I pondered before penning my initial foray into the world of writing, "Hustle, Struggle, Grind: The 13 Lessons of Life."

Now, if you know me, you're aware that I tend to break things down into threes. Sales, interactions, you name it – I see it in threes. Take, for instance, the "sometimes/always/never people". There are those who'll always be with you, always follow your lead, and always lend an ear. Then there are the "sometimes" folks, those who'll occasionally jump on board. And of course, there's the "never" crowd – those who just won't get you. And that's perfectly okay.

Here's the kicker: a lot of folks out there spend a ton of energy trying to win over the "never" group. But what about the "always" crew? Or even the "sometimes" crowd? Are we giving them the attention they deserve? It's a lesson I picked up along the way, and it's more relevant than ever.

Now, let's talk about the power of three. I see it everywhere in my life, and there's science behind it. Sure, our system is based on the power of tens, and the Romans had their thing with twelves. But for me, it's all about the magic of threes. It's a framework that just clicks.

I once did a speech – 90 ideas in 90 minutes, nine speakers, 10 ideas each. But here's the twist: 10 is a handful. So, I broke it down to three ideas, three words each, with a final word: "do." Because, let's face it, hard work is usually the answer.

Alright, let's shift gears to the main act: preacher, teacher, leader. Or maybe it's preacher, leader, teacher– yeah, that sounds better. You don't have to officially wear any of those hats to embody their essence. If they're praying, you're preaching; if they're learning, you're teaching; if they're following you, you're leading.

Now, let me drop a truth bomb – titles are just fancy fluff. They can inflate egos and stifle great ideas. I've run across this quote recently, "Don't confuse your education with my intelligence." Having a fancy degree or title doesn't automatically make you the smartest person in the room. In fact, it might even limit the information you take in.

Take it from me; I once convinced myself I needed a college degree to own a business. But when I finally got it, I realized I didn't need it at all. Sometimes, we're our own worst enemy when it comes to self-limiting beliefs.

Leadership, on the other hand, isn't about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions. The best leaders listen to the folks on the front lines, the boots on the ground. In teaching, the power lies in sharing unadulterated information, being a consult, not a convincer.

But here's the thing – many teachers fall into the trap of convincing or leading when they should be unbiased sources of information. It's a challenge we face in our society. We tend to box people into predefined roles based on titles, missing out on valuable insights.

So, where does language fit into all this? Let's talk about preachers. They aim to convert, to change your values and beliefs. Politicians and media often do the same, subtly molding your worldview. It's crucial to reflect: Are we, in our advice and recommendations, pushing others to adopt our values and beliefs? Are we really listening or just trying to change someone's perspective?

Leaders, on the other hand, are all about convincing. Persuasion is their game. Are you leading by convincing people to change their actions, or are you merely discussing ideals? Are you open to challenges, or are you inadvertently pushing your solutions onto others?

Now, teachers – they provide unbiased information. Yet, the lines blur when teachers start convincing or leading instead of simply presenting facts. Education is not the same as intelligence. I've had my fair share of run-ins with institutions rigidly sticking to titles and degrees, missing the essence of real education.

So, here's the challenge for you this week: reassess your relationships with information. What serves you, and what doesn't? Who's preaching or leading you in ways you didn't sign up for? Are you consuming information that challenges you and helps you grow? It's time for a little "start, stop, continue." Stop what's not serving you, continue with what does, and then ask yourself, what do you want to start doing?

Remember, life is a simple three-step process: Do the thing, tell the world, and show up. It's a mantra that's served me well, and I hope it does the same for you. So, go out there, challenge those beliefs, and embrace the power of three.