I've spent every night this last week failing, constantly. But this time I'm choosing to be hopeful.
Over 2 years ago my kids and I purchased a 2nd hand 3D printer. We had grand plans for what we could design, create and build. It was going to be cool. We had no idea what we were doing and it became apparent pretty quickly that it wasnt going well. We persisted for weeks, countless messy builds, frustrations, failures and discouragements followed. With all of this evidence mounting, we conceded defeat and made the decision that 3D printing wasn't for us. We decided that WE were clearly the problem and the printer has lived under my desk (mocking me) ever since.
This past week we discovered a new project we want to work on and it has called for us to bravely enter the world of 3D printing once again. Haunting us were questions like: Is this going to be the same as last time? Why are we even bothering? We failed last time, why would this time be any different?
But it was time, a new opportunity was ahead of us. So we dusted off our arch-nemesis and courageously started again. So 7 days in, I'm not going to tell you that it is going well, the memory of our past experience is still very alive. But this time, we are choosing to be hopeful, we are learning. We are approaching it with fresh eyes and realising that maybe there are some external factors at play, making this adventure so difficult.
We are learning that we had the wrong software installed, humidity effects the filament, the temperature of extrusion and bed temperate effects adhesion. Also our printer is 9 years old and maybe we have been trying to do something that just isn't possible with what we have. We would never have learnt this if we hadn't tried again.
This is just a fun hobby for us, but it has got me thinking about other things. Like many others, I have had a previous leadership experience that didn't end how I had hoped, I decided for a significant amount of time that maybe it was because I wasn't a good leader. Because of this I resisted reengaging in positions of leadership for a number of years, because I just didn't want next time to be like the last time. So the easiest way to control that outcome was not to put myself in that position again.
I am hopeful that just as my new attempt at 3D printing doesnt have to be like it was last time, neither does my next experience of leadership and the pursuit of what God has equipped me for. As I work with leaders from across Australia I hear many of them say that they are reluctant to go again, to be vulnerable and courageous enough to be passionate and lead again.
I get it, but I also know that deep inside those leaders there is a compulsion to chase after something once again. Something that is on our hearts and we are uniquely equipped for. Maybe we need to find a different place or space, or new relationships with people in which our leadership can thrive. Either way we know that we can't ignore it.
Richard
Project Nexus is committed to building a community of hope-filled, cause-driven leaders who are pursuing their passions and skills.
Your next experience doesnt have to be like your last, it can be something completely new!
