What’s keeping you from pursuing what God has placed in your heart? Sometimes, not having all of the information or resources can make you feel ill-equipped for the task at hand.
But it’s okay to take the pressure off! So much of what I know about adulting, business, and life in general, I learned in real-time.
It’s called building the airplane as you fly it.
There are certainly some best practices and guiding principles you can learn before jumping into something new and taking off into new territory. I learned a great deal during my time in school. I have an accounting background and passed the CPA exam. I also spent ten years in corporate America and took a deep dive into consumer financial planning and then institutional money management.
Let’s just say I have paid my dues.
And while all of that education and experience has helped me grow, I’m currently a content creator who writes books, speaks, creates videos and podcasts, develops courses, and offers coaching.
Not directly related to my accounting degree.
Here’s what really matters as you live, grow, and learn to lead.
It’s the application of what I’ve learned and the life experiences I’ve had that have grown me as a leader. So here’s the deal. If you didn’t follow the traditional route of going to college, or if you transitioned into a different field, you still can learn something new and learn to lead others in fields of your choosing. Here are a few ways I’ve leveled up my learning as a leader.
Embrace every experience
As I’ve journeyed through my life, I have learned many lessons. My experiences have been my greatest teacher. I understand myself better and communicate who I am to others with clarity. I’m also able to lean in and support others because of what I’ve been through in my life. As the great Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Allow the teachable moments to shape you into the leader you are called to be. Every experience matters. If it doesn’t teach you where to lead others, it will teach you about people and who you need to be to lead them well.
Seek out the right resources
The beauty of being an adult is that you can take ownership of your scholarship. There are millions of courses and classes online for just about anything under the sun. My suggestion? Think about the kind of leader you aim to be and the types of skills you need to become that person. Carve out time in your schedule to soak in the information you need.
Pro tip: Start with any information gaps you have now and seek out more as you need it. Look for the books on Amazon in the area of your needed growth. Find the ones with the highest reviews and order them or read them electronically. If you need a place to start, read anything by John Maxwell. Another place to grow your skills? Take a look at LinkedIn Learning. There are tons of courses there. Coursera is an amazing place for taking university level classes for a reduced cost. I’ve recently been made aware of ExecOnline.com, which is specifically aimed at developing leadership.
The bottom line? You have the power to become a great leader. Whatever you don’t have, you can find and engage in the resources to help you grow.
Surround yourself with women leaders
No matter what field you’re in, there are women who have gone before you from whom you can glean wisdom. Join groups that support women in the fields you’re interested in. Have you tried to find a group and can’t? Start one.
Through intentionality and time, you’ll find safe spaces where you can share your struggles and ask hard questions. As you develop relationships with other women, be open to being told hard things. The goal is for you to discover the places where you need to be built up. In this way, you can find accountability and encouragement while connecting with a community of like-minded women.
Don’t forget, you can learn something from every experience in your life. Even if you fail, you can fail forward. Take note of every lesson you experience along the way. You never know how something you’ve learned in the past will be useful in the future.
And don’t count out the power of God to guide you. The Word tells us this about God’s instruction and direction. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”-Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
Whether in the classroom or the school of life, you never really have to stop learning. Lean into the lessons you’ve learned and glean from the wisdom God offers.
The sky’s the limit. Keep growing, my friend!
Reflection Questions:
- What specific life experiences have shaped the person you are today?
- Where can you find the resources you need to thrive as a leader?
- Are there any groups or networks in your field that you can engage with?
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Chrystal is the Founder and CEO of The Sister Circle, an organization that exists to provide practical encouragement and equip women of faith to live with intention and purpose. Chrystal is also a best-selling author and speaker who reaches a wide audience, speaking at conferences, hosting her podcast, and leading the women’s ministry at her home church.
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