Let’s face it – we’ve all ended up in a colossal mess at one time or another. Life is unpredictable and full of difficult circumstances and painful situations.
We don’t create messes on purpose – they just happen, right? OK, maybe there ARE times when painful experiences result from our own poor judgment.
Yep – occasionally the mess is our own fault. And, that’s OK – your mess makes you unique. It allows you to connect on a personal level with others in a way that success does not.
Here are a couple things I’ve learned from chaos…
1. Avoid as many messes as possible
That’s not hard to grasp, is it? Well, if it’s that easy, why are so many facing incredibly difficult problems? Avoiding painful situations really comes down to consistently making good decisions.
Many leaders, teams, and organizations collapse under the weight of fundamentally flawed decisions. Effective leaders must make decisions based on proven principles. Check out 3 Ways to Guarantee Your Success for more on making better decisions.
It seems counter-intuitive, but messes actually help you become a better person. Theyprovide opportunities to grow.
The huge mess that you are enduring right now will one day be something that you look back on as a life-changing, learning experience. Life’s most challenging moments and deepest hurts can become the very stories that later encourage others on their journey.
2. Make the mess part of your message
Several years ago, I attended a public speaking workshop in Atlanta. During one of the sessions, Dr. Robert Rohm made this statement – My mess is my message.
Who are we kidding? – no one wants to hear about how smart, great, or perfect we are. They’re more likely to listen to (and learn from) our personal struggles and failures.
So, today, tomorrow, next week, next month – when it all falls apart, share it with someone else. It’s likely they are experiencing something similar.
Question: How has your mess has become your message? Leave a comment below.
Agreed sir. It’s often the thing that we connect with more than anything else. Those people that are too perfect do nothing but end up looking fake. And eventually, they’ll be found out. Being true to ourselves is a must. Thanks for sharing!
Another good point – be authentic. Thanks Jared.
Thanks for your words of encouragement, Mike. My life is definitely messy right now as I have been “stuck” in NJ helping to care for my mom who is on hospice and not following any time frame laid out for us by any doctors. God has been teaching me a lot about waiting on Him and trusting in Him. I’ve seen Him at work particularly as I have been interacting these past 4 weeks with my brother-in-law with whom I am staying. He is not a believer but has dozens of books he’s read on religion on his shelves. I am praying that God would show Himself to Tony in an unmistakable way.
I appreciate your transparency, Barb. I’m sure you are an encouragement to your family!
That’s awesome. Seek the Lord in those circumstances and He will be faithful. Very happy to hear your heart is in the right place. I wish you the best with your mom and pray for an opportunity to share with Tony. Take care!