The Leader’s Tool Kit: A Shovel for Success in 2025
This past weekend, I had the incredible privilege of attending a Leadership Summit that could not have come at a more perfect time. As I complete the first week of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, I’ve been intentionally disconnecting from outside noise to seek the Lord’s voice. My prayer and intention is to make 2025 my best year yet—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. This summit served as a pivotal moment in my journey, equipping me with the tools to overcome obstacles and embrace growth.
A huge shoutout to our Leadership Coach for the weekend, Scott Ross, for taking us on this leadership journey. This is my sixth time attending Scott’s leadership summit, which may have been the best yet. They are always incredible. Scott is a good friend and a trusted mentor. As a John Maxwell certified trainer, Scott has incredible insight into effectively bringing the best leadership traits out in people.
Today, I want to share a key takeaway: the importance of using a shovel in your leadership toolkit.
Leadership is Influence
One of the foundational lessons from the summit was this: Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. It’s not about titles or positions. True leadership is about how you respond in stressful situations. When challenges arise, what tool are you reaching for? Are you yelling, blaming, or demeaning? Or are you using the right tools to dig deep, clear the path, and move forward?
The Shovel: A Symbol of Leadership
One of the most impactful metaphors shared was the idea of a shovel—not just as a tool to dig but as a weapon to bury the past. Too often, the burdens of yesterday keep us from stepping into the fullness of our potential. Here’s why the shovel is essential:
- It’s not the mountain; it’s the pebble in your shoe. Often, it’s the small, overlooked issues that keep us from reaching the summit.
- The past can hold you back. Whether it’s lingering on past failures or clinging to outdated methods, we must address these roadblocks to move forward.
- Are you constantly talking about how things used to be?
- Are you equating events with outcomes instead of seeing the role of your response?
By using a shovel, you can:
- Identify patterns that need breaking. The beginning of the New Year is a great time to dig into our thoughts and emotions, reflect, and journal about repeating issues in our lives. What’s keeping you stuck?
- Bury the pain of past failures and disappointments. As Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Letting go of the past is essential to moving forward.
- Cultivate flexibility. A plane or boat that doesn’t flex will crash. Leaders must adapt and see opportunities before others do.
- Step out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you rise to challenges rather than shrink from them.
Breaking the Chains of the Past
A key theme of the summit was letting go of past hurts and failures. Gratitude becomes a powerful antidote:
- Make a list of what has worked, successful moments, and strong relationships.
- Remind yourself that failure is feedback. It’s never final; it’s a stepping stone to success.
Another powerful verse that reinforces this truth is Isaiah 43:18-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This verse reminds us that God is always working on something new, but we must leave the past behind to see it.
If you’ve been reflecting on how to leave the past behind and embrace God’s new thing, I invite you to check out our All Things New series at Church of the Highlands. If you live in Alabama, I would love to personally invite you to join us for one of our live services. There’s nothing like being there. If you can’t physically attend, you can join us online. Pastor Chris Hodges has delivered two weeks’ worth of spirit-filled messages that can be transformational. Don’t miss it!
One of my favorite takeaways was this reminder: Every time you don’t succeed, give yourself a fist bump and say, “Let’s do it again!” Failure is not a reflection of who you are; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and try again with better insight.
Embrace Responsibility
The day your life changes is the day you take 100% responsibility for your outcomes. Circumstances may be real, but when you let them control you, you surrender your power. Instead, own your outcomes, learn from failure, and keep moving forward. The shovel is not just a tool for digging out of problems—it’s a weapon to bury what no longer serves you and clear the way for what God has planned.
Closing Thoughts
Today’s post is just a fraction of what I learned during the summit. In the coming days and weeks, I’ll share more insights to help you grow as a leader and take steps toward your goals. I hope and pray that these reflections inspire you to dig deep, bury the burdens of the past, and invest in your personal growth.
Thank you for hopping on and reading today’s post. Please like, comment, and share if you found value in these insights. Your engagement means the world to me! Let’s grow together and make 2025 a year of transformation.
