This entry was posted by Brian Rush, Executive Director of Creative Arts at People’s Church.
I have never really been a big fan of pain. For the most part, I don't know many people who are. What I have come to realize, though, is that the biggest payoff or return happens when I embrace the pain. In a physical workout, the growth happens in the last few reps when the muscle is torn and then has a chance to repair itself. If you're a runner, some of the most pain comes in the last leg of the run when you have to push yourself beyond what you really think you can do. Likewise, in leadership, a painful yet honest critique can make you better. Putting down old tools to learn completely new ones is not easy but is required to go to that next level. Failing can sometimes hurt, but it allows us to learn from it and not make that mistake again. If you want to grow, get better, make a difference, advance the ball and fulfill your God-given potential, it's going to HURT sometimes, and you’ve simply got to love every minute of it and embrace it :)
Wherever you are in the leadership spectrum, I encourage you to embrace the pain. For those who you lead, don't shy away from that conversation that needs to happen because you think it might be painful. The next time someone gives you an honest critique, don't take it personal. Instead, learn from it and become better. However it applies to your situation, remember...NO PAIN, NO GAIN!
