One letter separates the words better and bitter. Such a minor difference in appearance, yet a dramatic difference in outcome. What enables one to become better, not bitter?
In an article titled Are You Coachable? in The Deseret News, Timothy R. Clark says about the term coachability:
As a term, coachability has not officially entered the lexicon of American usage. But it should and perhaps it will at some point, because coachability is not just teachability. It’s not just a willingness to learn. It’s a willingness to unlearn and change. Coachability is a moral capacity that allows a person to accept feedback, acknowledge faults, limitations and deficiencies, and act on the new information. Coachability is a relevant concept everywhere — at home, in the workplace and even on the battlefield.
– Timothy R. Clark
I love this word, coachability. I want lifelong coachability. It’s better than lifelong learning. I don’t just have a willingness to learn, but a willingness to unlearn and change for the better. I don’t just want knowledge, but I want to transform it into information and act on it to improve the quality of life for myself and others.
I realize that achieving this goal is not possible if I’m proud. Rather, I need to be humble. Humility and pride are opposing forces and cannot coexist. Grace is given to the humble. Opposition is shown to the proud.
And I realize my coachability must be retained through the good and the bad in life. I must learn, unlearn, and change for the better no matter what happens because every experience is an opportunity to grow and make another version of myself. Marc, version 5 is much better than Marc, version 1.
If my ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, I’ll need more strength to chop wood. If I keep it razor-sharp, I can be more productive. The same is true for any skill. If I keep my mind and heart sharp, I will have success.
I mustn’t allow myself to become vengeful or bitter when disciplined, punished, or hurt. I will let myself mourn for a day and then move on. I will look for a silver lining. If I use it as a training tool, discipline will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace later on in my life. I only need to be patient and faithful. I will give thanks in all things because God is working for my good in all things as long as I allow myself to be coachable by Him.
Lifelong coachability will empower you to become continually better, not constantly bitter. The lives of others will be better off too. Commit to lifelong coachability. Commit today to become better, not bitter.
This post was originally published on October 29, 2017, with the title, “Lifelong Coachability,” and is republished today with a new title, “Better, not Bitter,” and meaningful enhancements to the content.
MindWolves 