Lead with Diligence: Push Through to Failure

As a leader, I’ve learned that inspiring others to follow isn’t about charisma or titles—it’s about commitment. It’s about showing up, pushing past your limits, and giving everything to the mission God has placed on your heart. If you want to be the kind of leader people trust and rally behind, you need to embrace the mindset captured in a powerful quote I recently shared on our Make Today Count VidCast: “The only way to discover your limits is to push beyond them—go all in.” As I said in the VidCast, “You’ll never know your potential until you fully commit.” Let’s explore how this principle, grounded in faith and action, can shape you into a leader worth following.

The Heart of Going All In

Leadership demands more than half-hearted effort. In the VidCast, I shared how training for my first triathlon  taught me I was capable of far more than I thought. Running 6.2 miles, Swimming .9 miles, and biking 12 miles, seemed impossible, but going all in—committing fully to the training—unlocked potential I didn’t know I had. Leadership is the same. People don’t follow those who play it safe or stay comfortable. They follow leaders who dare to push beyond self-imposed limits, who say yes to growth and no to excuses.

Going all in means giving your absolute best, even when it’s tough or scary. It’s not just about physical effort; it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. As a leader, this looks like tackling tough decisions with courage, investing in your team’s growth, and staying true to your vision even when obstacles arise. When you model this kind of commitment, you inspire others to do the same. Your team sees that you’re not just talking about the mission—you’re living it.

Anchored in Faith

This principle isn’t just motivational—it’s biblical. In the VidCast, I referenced Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This isn’t a feel-good slogan; it’s a promise that God equips you to push past your limits when you lean on Him. Leadership can feel overwhelming, but you’re not doing it alone. Christ’s strength is your foundation.

I also pointed to Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Think of biblical leaders like David facing Goliath or Esther risking her life for her people. They went all in, trusting God’s presence. As a leader, you’ll face your own giants—doubt, criticism, or failure. But when you commit fully, God is with you, guiding every step.

Why Going All In Matters for Leadership

People want to follow leaders who are authentic, bold, and invested. When you go all in, you demonstrate integrity—you’re not just asking your team to work hard; you’re leading by example. This builds trust, which is the currency of leadership. Your commitment also creates momentum. Just as world-class athletes and entrepreneurs don’t achieve greatness by staying comfortable, you won’t inspire change by holding back. Your all-in attitude sets the tone, showing your team what’s possible when everyone gives their best.

Moreover, going all in unlocks your potential as a leader. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had, just like I did crossing that marathon finish line. Maybe it’s your ability to rally a struggling team, navigate a crisis, or cast a vision that ignites passion. You’ll never know until you fully commit.

How to Lead by Going All In

So, how do you apply this as a leader? Here are three practical steps that translate perfectly to leadership:

1. Pick One Area to Commit To. Identify a specific leadership goal where you’ve been holding back. Maybe it’s mentoring a team member, launching a bold initiative, or deepening your own spiritual growth to lead with wisdom. Make it SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. For example, instead of “I want to be a better leader,” commit to “I’ll meet weekly with each team member for one month to understand their goals.”
2. Take Action with Full Commitment. Break your goal into steps. Schedule time, seek mentors, or join a leadership group. Pray for guidance.  For instance, if your goal is to improve team morale, start by hosting a listening session this week. Going all in means acting now, not waiting for the perfect moment.
3. Push Through Challenges. Obstacles are inevitable—resistance from others, self-doubt, or unexpected setbacks. As I said, “Going all in doesn’t mean it’s easy; it means you keep going.” Lean on Philippians 4:13 for strength and Joshua 1:9 for courage. Each challenge is a chance to grow as a leader and show your team what resilience looks like.

The Ripple Effect of Your Commitment

When you go all in, you don’t just transform yourself—you transform those you lead. Your team will see your dedication and be inspired to step up. Your courage will give them permission to take risks. Your faith will point them to the God who makes all things possible. Like the Triathlon that changed how I saw my own potential, your all-in leadership can change the trajectory of your team, organization, or community.

Your Leadership Challenge

Here’s my challenge to you: Take one bold step today. Write down your leadership goal and tell someone about it—your spouse, a colleague, or your team. Sign up for that leadership course, have that tough conversation, or pray boldly for God’s direction. Don’t wait for tomorrow—your potential as a leader is ready now. As I said, “The only way to discover what you’re capable of is to go all in.”

If you want to be the kind of leader people want to follow, lead with diligence. Go all in. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being faithful, courageous, and fully committed. Philippians 4:13 and Joshua 1:9 remind you that God is with you, strengthening and guiding you. So, step up, push your limits, and lead in a way that inspires others to follow—not because they have to, but because they want to.

What’s your one bold step today? Share it with your team, pray over it, and watch how God uses your commitment to Lead with diligence.