“Avoiding situations where you do not have to admit publicly that you don’t know something hinders learning.” (Thomas, Robert J.  Leader to Leader Vol. 50, Fall  2008)

To succeed in any endeavor requires having the right information at the right time.  Many companies and individual who fail blame it on a lack of good and timely information.  However, their failure may not be a flawed information system, but a chink in the character armor.

Individuals who are serious about walking the character path have to frequently drink from the well of learning.  Yet, far too often because of pride and a maintaining an image, they refuse to admit they don’t know what to do.  They attempt to bluff their way through the situation.  Imagine a marathoner on a warm day refusing any water offered to him along the way because he is fearful accepting a water will make him to appear under conditioned.  Due to dehydration the marathoner does not complete marathon.  Later, he explains that he could have finished the course if it had not been such a hot day.  While the heat may have been a factor, it was not the deciding factor.  The real culprit was his pride.

Many people blame their failure on their circumstances when the real issue is a character flaw.  People of character are aware they do not have all of the answers, so they drink freely from the spring of knowledge and information. When you admit you do not know you invite some who does know to fill your cup.

Today, if you encounter a situation when you don’t know something, admit it.  You are not only more likely to find the answer but also will be a better person.

Grace to you from a fellow traveler on the character path.
Gary Fenton
Characterpath.com

 

Read 4 Life Truths by clicking on the Pastor’s blog on http://www.dawsonchurch.org