𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐇𝐘𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
At Growing Champions, our vision is simple yet bold: To Inspire, Encourage, and Equip leaders to be the leaders they were called to be.
This week, I want to explore a leadership framework that could change the way you think about motivation and momentum. It all started with a truth bomb I heard on a podcast from Craig Groeschel:
“People only change for one of two reasons: desperation or inspiration.”
Read that again.
Desperation… or inspiration.
That quote stuck with me, and I want to give Craig credit for that powerful insight. I actually plan to write another post about how I read and process impactful ideas like this. But for today, I want to show you how this insight lines up perfectly with the framework we use at Growing Champions to help leaders break through barriers and drive lasting change.
Either you hit rock bottom and have to change, or you get so excited about a compelling future vision that you want to change.
At Growing Champions, we teach a simple but powerful 3-step framework that helps leaders navigate change with clarity and courage:
So What → Now What → So That.
And Craig’s idea perfectly illustrates the power behind the So What.
The Problem, the Plan, and the Payoff: Nehemiah’s Masterclass
Let’s take a look at one of my favorite Biblical leaders—Nehemiah. In just one verse (Nehemiah 2:17), he lays out the entire framework:
“Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.’” (So What)
“‘Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.’” (Now What)
“‘And we will no longer be in disgrace.’” (So That)
Boom. There it is. Clear problem, actionable plan, and compelling payoff.
Nehemiah didn’t just rally people with emotion. He led with vision and strategy. He didn’t ignore the ruins. He pointed to them. Then he invited action. And finally, he painted a picture of restored dignity.
That’s how you lead change.
The Invisible Walls: Why Change Stalls
You and I may not be rebuilding Jerusalem, but we’re rebuilding something. Habits. Culture. Faith. Focus. Teams.
And yet, why is change so hard?
Because without a strong So That, we stall out. We get distracted. We procrastinate. We stay stuck.
“You know you should eat the veggies, but the cheesecake looks better.”
“You want to stop doom scrolling, but the couch is calling.”
“You need to have a tough conversation, but anxiety keeps whispering: Not today.”
Sound familiar? It’s not a lack of knowledge. It’s a lack of WHYpower.
People only truly change when the displeasure of staying the same is greater than the discomfort of change.
Nehemiah’s people kept building despite threats and ridicule—because their ‘So What’ was real, their ‘Now What’ was clear, and their ‘So That’ was worth it.
So here’s the question: What’s your wall?
Being effective as a leader means knowing when to clarify the urgency that sparks action, and when to paint the future that sustains it. That’s why I believe leaders must start with a compelling “So What.” When your team understands why something matters—whether through desperation or inspiration—they’re more likely to commit to the journey. At Growing Champions, we equip leaders with a roadmap: a clear problem, a concrete action plan, and a vision worth pursuing. Because great leadership doesn’t just respond to urgency—it turns urgency into opportunity.
👉 Want to bring both urgency and clarity to your leadership?
📩 Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the word ‘WHYPOWER’ in the subject line, and I’ll send you the WHYpower Leadership Tracker—a tool designed to help you define your mission and ignite change.
- Quote of the Week
“People only change for one of two reasons: desperation or inspiration.” – Craig Groeschel
What You Need to Do
Your Call to Action: Lead With WHYpower .
This week, answer these three questions:
- So What? – What needs to change?
- Now What? – What steps will you take?
- So That? – What envisioned future are you creating?
Write it down. Share it with someone. Rally your team around it.
📩 Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the word ‘WHYPOWER’ in the subject line, and I’ll send you the WHYpower Leadership Tracker—a powerful tool to help you define your mission, align your action steps, and anchor your leadership in purpose that lasts.
It’s an honor to serve as your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy.” Each week, I bring what I’m learning, what I’m seeing, and what I believe can move us all toward uncommon leadership.
If this edition challenged or encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone you lead, love, or learn from—and don’t forget to subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together. ☕💪
Let’s grow Brew Nation together!
Until next time — Stay Inspired. Stay Encouraged. And Keep Growing, Champions! 💪
P.S. Want to share your story of courage and grace on The Uncommon Leader Podcast? Email me and let’s connect!
