Dear John,

James 1:2-3 (NASB)

2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various [a]trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [b]endurance.

As a 7th grader I chose James 1: 2 - 3 to be my life verse. Now when I look back at this, I wonder what I was going through at that time to pick that verse.

From almost every perspective, my life was about as perfect as it could be. Loving parents, good health and a great school along with Dad's success in the business world, meant that I faced very few real trials.

Now with an additional 44 years of experience, I can honestly say that this verse has made a huge impact in my life, simply because of the way I view trials, perseverance, and endurance.

Saying “never give up” is much easier than actually never giving up, especially when the trials come like Covid and devastating storms.

Consider it all joy.

As a coach leader, I'm going to challenge you to consider it all joy when the challenge, disruption and change comes. Everything about a challenge should be relished, because with the right mindset and determination, it will make you stronger in every area of your life.

When we stress our muscles with weights, the challenge tears down the muscle, but then they are restored and grow back stronger.

As we progress in our business career, the challenges that we overcome allow us to grow, and give us the opportunity and competency to handle more responsibility.

The next time a problem shows up in your professional life, either through a business circumstance, or a unique relationship challenge from one of your team members, consider it all joy because this test and how you GROW through it will make you stronger.

The “consider it all joy” attitude and mindset towards the challenge will greatly increase the likelihood of handling it correctly and quickly.

Choose to Win!

Tom