Lead with Diligence: The Courage to Keep Going (Even When It’s Tough)

Hey, if you’re a leader—or aspire to be one—here’s the deal: People don’t follow perfect people. They follow people who are real, who keep showing up, and who have the courage to keep going even when things get messy.

This idea is captured perfectly in Winston Churchill’s quote:

“Success is not final, Failure is not fatal, It is the courage to continue that counts.”

And let’s be honest & get real—leadership is all about keeping going: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never messing up. It’s about picking yourself (and your team) back up when things go sideways, learning from those mistakes, and moving forward. It’s about showing up every day, even when you feel like hiding under your desk.

The Power of Perseverance

Success feels great, right? But here’s the thing: It’s not the end of the road. It’s just another step in the journey. And failure? Yeah, it sucks. But it’s not the end either. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and get better.

The real magic happens in the *courage* to keep going. It’s the ability to look at a setback and say, “Okay, what’s next?” It’s the willingness to take risks, even when you’re scared. And it’s the determination to keep leading, even when you feel like throwing in the towel.

A Biblical Perspective on Courage

Let’s not forget where true courage comes from. The Bible has some powerful words on this. In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says,

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

This verse is a game-changer. It reminds us that fear—whether it’s fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of the unknown—is not our default. God has given us the power to lead, the love to care for others, and the clarity to make good decisions.

As leaders, our job is to lean into that power, that love, and that clarity. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about trusting God to give us the strength we need, one step at a time.

Leading with Heart (and a Little Diligence)

So, how do we lead with courage? Here are a few ideas:

1. Chase Growth, Not Perfection
   Let’s stop trying to be perfect and start chasing growth. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and keep moving forward.
2. Be Honest About Your Struggles
   People don’t want a leader who pretends to have it all together. They want someone who’s real, who admits when things are tough, and who keeps going anyway.
3. Lead with Love
   At the end of the day, leadership is about relationships. Show up for your team, listen to them, and pour love into everything you do.
4. Lean on God
   You don’t have to do this alone. Pray, seek wisdom, and trust that God is guiding you—even when it feels like you’re walking in the dark.

Apply It

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and it’s worth every ounce of effort. The people who follow you won’t remember the perfect speeches or the flawless decisions. They’ll remember the times you kept going, the times you stayed true to your values, and the times you showed them what real courage looks like.

So, keep leading. Keep learning. Keep growing. And most importantly, keep trusting God to give you the strength to keep going.

You’ve got this.

Go lead with heart, courage, and a ton of love...In other words:  

Lead with Diligence