Scripture:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
The Power of Small, Consistent Habits
Many leaders dream of making a huge impact, but the truth is, great leadership is built on small, daily decisions rather than one-time events.
John Maxwell teaches that leadership is a journey, not a destination—and that small, consistent improvements over time create the greatest results. This principle is often called The Slight Edge: the idea that small, seemingly insignificant decisions, when repeated consistently, lead to long-term success.
Think about how Jesus discipled His followers. He didn’t give them one massive lecture and send them out; instead, He spent time with them daily, teaching, correcting, and modeling what it meant to follow God. Small, daily faithfulness transformed the disciples into world-changing leaders.
As a leader, you don’t need one big breakthrough to be successful. You need small, daily habits that, over time, produce significant growth.
How to Apply the Slight Edge to Your Leadership
1. Recognize That Small Choices Matter
“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” (Luke 16:10)
Most people underestimate the power of small choices. Skipping one workout, cutting one corner in integrity, or neglecting one day of reading Scripture doesn’t seem like a big deal in the moment—but over time, these choices add up.
The best leaders are consistent in the small things because they understand that small decisions lead to big results.
✅ Action Step: Identify one small habit that you can commit to daily. It could be reading for 10 minutes, praying intentionally for your team, or writing down leadership lessons each day.
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)
Perfectionism kills progress. Many leaders never move forward because they’re waiting for the perfect plan, the perfect opportunity, or the perfect conditions. But the best leaders start where they are, with what they have.
Don’t worry about being the best leader overnight. Just be 1% better today than you were yesterday. Over time, these small improvements will make a massive difference.
✅ Action Step: Choose one leadership skill you want to improve. Commit to small, daily progress instead of waiting for a “perfect” opportunity to develop it.
3. Be Patient—Compounding Growth Takes Time
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:7)
In leadership, results don’t always come immediately. Just like a seed takes time to grow into a tree, leadership development requires patience and persistence.
Too many leaders quit because they don’t see immediate results. But the best leaders keep showing up—reading, learning, serving, and leading faithfully—trusting that their consistency will pay off in time.
✅ Action Step: If you feel discouraged about your leadership progress, remind yourself that growth takes time. Keep showing up, and trust that faithfulness produces fruit.
Action Steps for Growth:
- Identify One Small, Daily Habit. Choose one small leadership habit you can practice every day.
- Commit to Progress, Not Perfection. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start now, and improve along the way.
- Stay Patient and Persistent. Trust that daily faithfulness will lead to long-term leadership success.
Bottom Line
Leadership isn’t about making huge leaps—it’s about small, consistent steps that, over time, create massive impact. The leaders who succeed are the ones who show up daily, make small improvements, and trust that God will bring the growth.
This week, commit to one small habit. Stay consistent. And remember—small choices, made daily, will shape the leader you become.
Reflection Questions for Leaders:
- What small habits am I practicing daily that are shaping my leadership?
- Am I waiting for the perfect opportunity, or am I taking small steps forward?
- How can I remind myself to stay faithful, even when I don’t see immediate results?
