The Men of Iron Minute
by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation
Six Steps to Reach Greatness
We can learn a lot about dead guys.
One of my favorite men from history is Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a British statesman and Prime Minister who led the UK during World War II. His inspiring speeches and steadfast leadership rallied the nation against Nazi Germany. Churchill’s legacy as a writer, historian, and symbol of resilience continues to be admired worldwide. Here’s a bit about his upbringing before becoming legendary.
Winston Churchill had a complicated relationship with his father, Lord Randolph Churchill. Although Lord Randolph was a well-known politician, he often kept his distance from Winston and disapproved of him. Their relationship was complicated, with Lord Randolph frequently criticizing Winston’s academic achievements and career decisions. However, Winston greatly respected and looked up to his father, always hoping to earn his approval. Time would tell that Winston’s drive and zealous approach to life and leadership most likely drank from this common well.
Here are six things that I have gleaned from this historical giant.
- Lead
Every man can and should lead, but the size and scope vary greatly. Men have been given masculinity to lead themselves, their lady, and others.
- Start with yourself.
Begin where you are.
Begin with who you are.
Develop a vision based on goals.
Look for habits to reach that goal.
Lead yourself before you try to lead others.
- Drive/willpower is necessary.
Churchill had an insatiable drive to succeed and lead. It was a bit over the top, but I will take a guy with drive over a stuck guy. You can’t get around it. Slowly down the pace of life often fuels willpower. Willpower requires a reserve tank of energy and time. Unnecessary busyness drains willpower.
- Circumstances don’t determine the outcome.
Life has a way of teaching and revealing the kind of man you are. It’s not always bad. I believe that God has a reason for every situation and circumstance, so circumstances are here to help us grow and lead. Strong men reveal themselves by how well they lead in dangerous and/or uncertain situations. The timeframe that Churchill was in his prime gave him the platform to lead even after he had some epic failures.
- Today is an opportunity to become someone’s hero.
Every day you are presented with an opportunity to lead spiritually, relationally, or physically.
- Put in work, not excuses.
Put in the work! Being an agent of change takes work. Leadership is a form of suffering. Put in the reps every day. Leading is not for those who are lazy. Churchill’s work ethic was top-end (and his ability to relax with a cigar was too).
It’s time for you to reach your greatness.
Be a mentor.
Find a mentor.
Be a better man.
SUBSCRIBE | LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
30-Day men’s devotional, small group and bible study video courses, action plans for goal setting & more! Check out our FREE RESOURCES and find the tool you need to help you become the man you want to be!