Nobody Wants to Work with a Victim!

As ministry leaders, it’s easy to fall into a victim mindset. Far too many pastors and ministry executives project fear, frustration, and scarcity to the people that work with them.

“The Elders don’t get it!”
“Millennials are entitled.”
“People don’t give.”
“No one’s coming back after COVID.”
“Churches don’t care about missions.”

Enough of the negativity! The sky isn’t falling!

Nobody wants to work with a victim! The best leaders inspire confidence, love, and positive expectation.

At one time or another, all of us will find ourselves in a negative funk. But if we wallow in it for long, we’ll get stuck there. It’s critical to recognize where we are and move out of the negativity as fast as we can.

In his book Ninja Selling, Larry Kendall shares 8 ways to get out of a negative funk: 

1. Gratitude. (I begin every morning rehearsing a list of the top 10 things I’m grateful for. Thanksgiving is a powerful antidote to negativity!)
2. Exercise. As Kendall put it, “It’s difficult to be depressed while exercising.” (I try to spend an hour at the gym at least 3 or 4 times a week. Always lifts my spirits!)
3. Music. Positive, uplifting music regenerates! (There’s some great worship music out there. Listen to what energizes you!) 
4. Nature. Taking a hike is restorative and quiets the soul. (I try to get into the wilderness at least 2 times a week… even if it’s only for an hour or two.)
5. Learn. Reading good books, taking classes, learning new skills… engage the mind and inspire new possibilities.
6. Escape. Now that the pesky virus is in decline… it’s a great idea to get back to the movie theater!
7. Positive people. The people you hang around with will either take you down or lift you up. Defy the old cliché that ‘misery loves company.’ Spend time every week with joyful, positive, energetic people. 
8. Mentors and coaches. As Kendall puts it, “When you find yourself on the dark side, turn to your mentors and coaches for help.” (I couldn’t say it any better. I’m a firm believer in the value of mentors and coaches!)

Look, we all have a choice as to whether we want to be victims or performers. Everyone wants to work with a performer. Nobody wants to work with a victim!