40 Lessons from 40 Years

I remember my Dad’s 40th birthday party. I couldn’t imagine then that one day that would be me. So I’ve decided to write down 40 random learnings from my 1st 40 years. Some are lessons from people you’ve read; some are just my own thoughts. 

Joy is never overrated.

Leadership changes the game in the church and in the marketplace.

Choose relationships over results.

You can delegate responsibility at work but not at home (Andy Stanley).

If there isn’t an element of fun in everything you attempt, go a different direction.

Leaders are learners. Learn something every day.

The best replacement word for integrity is consistency. Be consistent and people will say you have integrity. Don’t keep people guessing on who is going to show up.

It’s a bad idea to chase other people’s unique wiring. God made you, YOU. Trust Him with that design.

Emotional Intelligence is the greatest tool for leaders.

Calm is contagious. Let calm be your leadership calling card. (Rorke Denver)

Golf is the best game ever created.

Wonder should never disappear after childhood. It should only increase.

When you say someone’s actual name to them, it makes them feel better.

The 80s was the best musical decade in history.

Trusting my wife’s discernment and prayer life is non-negotiable. 

Sweet Tea makes a day better.

Force your children to speak to adults (order food, respond to greetings, etc.) from a very early age. It makes them better prepared for life.

Start your mornings with worship music. It’s just better.

Apple computers are better than PCs

Never be married to your phone. It doesn’t deserve a seat at the table.

Let your team know the real you.

Humility is a choice. A great choice.

Find a way to be like Bob Goff.

Great leadership spreads color in a monotone world.

Not all jokes are funny, but don’t let that stop you from telling jokes.

The kind of car I drive doesn’t matter.

Extroverts have many “best” friends even though that doesn’t make grammatical sense.

If you can’t sing, sing anyway. It makes you feel good and God likes it.

If you lead a team, you have to fight for your team, take bullets for your team and protect them. If you do that, you’ll always have a team.

God is Sovereign. My job is to be faithful.

Southern fried foods are heavenly. (If you’ve never had a fried pork chop, figure out where to get one)

Some people will never believe or behave like you want them to. Get over it and love them anyway.

Authenticity is attractive.

Roller skating is meant to be done of regular skates, not inline

When working outside is an option because of good weather, it’s always the best option.

People follow people. Be the kind of people, people want to follow.

Leadership is not just what you do but what you allow. (Not sure who I learned that from, but I’ve heard it many times and believe it)

Dress trendy….for your AGE!

At a Brazilian steakhouse, don’t waste your time or belly space with the salad bar. Just wait for them to bring all the meats around. You’ll thank me later.

Smile as much as possible.

 

Abundant Life is the best life. That’s what I want the next 40 years to be. It’s worth fighting for because Jesus offers it to us. I’m not planning on growing up and maturing past wonder, awe, fun, smiling and loving. Let’s talk again in another 40 years.