Regardless if you are a parent, leader, manager or just trying to pay the bills…there are increasing feelings that haunt us, “I am not cool.” “I am not relevant.” “Do I have anything to bring to the table?”
Many leaders don’t feel cool enough to lead, make changes, and have a voice in the emerging generation.
Parents feel like they can’t keep up with their kids. Pastors live with this haunting thought that their preaching is out of date, the music is not relevant and they need to wear skinny jeans.
Most people would never admit this…but deep down inside you feel irrelevant and can’t keep up with our culture’s definition of “cool”.
Here is my question: When did “cool” become the goal? When did we become so shallow that if you are not cool you are not relevant?
If you don’t feel cool enough to parent or lead, I am glad you are reading this. Here are four things I would suggest…
#1: Admit you are not cool
This will free you up big time….say it out loud…”I am not cool.”
Pastor and Author Earl Creps says, “It is not necessary to be cool or young to lead. It is necessary to have the grace to admit it when you are not.”
Read that again…you don’t have to be cool to lead. Matter of fact, some leaders look foolish trying to be what they are not.
#2: Own your age.
If you are 21, be 21…enjoy it. If you are 45, be 45. If you are 70, be 70. You bring valuable insights to the table. Your perspective is essential.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young or old. The day of your birth is providential in God’s hand. Own your age. I am not suggesting that you don’t take care of yourself and at times even mix it up a bit….but there is nothing worse than a 40 year old trying to be 20.
# 3: Learn from everyone
I truly believe every home, church and organization needs the energy of youth and the wisdom of age. I purposefully hang out with people 20 years younger than me and 20 years older than me. I need both. It is a tragic life to only hang out with one generation.
#4: Be Real!
Your goal is not to be cool but real. Write this down. Our kids, the people we lead, and the people closest to us—need us to be real, not cool.
“You were born an original, don’t die a copy.”-John Mason
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”–Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you are a leader in your organization, your organization needs a real authentic Christ follower showing them you can live for Jesus in the marketplace.
Pastors, your church needs a real pastor— not cool pastor.
Parents, your kids need parents who love each other and provide wisdom and guidance!
Here I am feeling quite obsolete, and you said just what I needed to hear. I am an oldie goldie, or is that a goldie oldie…who cares!