“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. “– John 15:5
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
It has been an eventful week in my world. My clock says: two cities, six airplanes, my third Spartan race of the year, attending the BookThinkers Conference, co-facilitating the Kingdom Business Leadership Summit... Oh, and I turned another year older!
It was what I call a “drink with a fire hose.” I couldn’t take all of it in, but my cup is certainly overflowing.
At the BookThinkers conference, the host encouraged us to “write a book” on the spot as we listened to great authors, podcasters, and thought leaders. I immediately gave my book a working title and then created a chapter for every major lesson I received this week.
This is the table of contents for the book I wrote this week: “The Soundest Advice I Ever Got on a Road Trip & Other Ways to Overcome Resistance.”
Chapter 1: Do Hard Stuff
The week kicked off with a Spartan 5K Stadion in Fenway Park—one of the most historic venues in baseball history, now turned into an obstacle course over and around the Big Green Monster. I had been publicly challenged on my podcast by best-selling author Jill Schulman to sign up for this Spartan (I believe she said if I didn’t, I would be “worthless and weak” or something like that…!). Doing Hard Stuff makes for great conversation, but if you’re going to do it, do it with others. The Spartan community is amazing. Your inner circle should encourage you and go with you to do hard stuff.
Chapter 2: Just Knock on the Door
Fear keeps us from knocking on doors to rooms we know we should be in. While the Staples button says “That was easy,” the truth is, it isn’t easy. It would be better if it said, “That was worth it.” Face the fear and do it anyway. The regret of not knocking is far heavier than the discomfort of the potential “no.”
Chapter 3: “I Don’t Care How You Feel”
82-year-old best-selling author Steven Pressfield impressed on us the difference between being an amateur and being a professional. The difference often lies in this: amateurs act on how they feel, but professionals don’t care how they feel. The pro shows up every day and stays on the job. The pro has discipline and habits that are done regardless of whether you feel like doing them or not.
Chapter 4: Write the Scary Book
Kary Oberbrunner shared a powerful insight: if you find there is a question that at least three people ask you because you are the expert in that area, you probably have something valuable to write about. You may not be comfortable, but we have to learn to be uncomfortable and be okay with writing something or doing something that scares us. That’s where your unique impact lies.
Chapter 5: Collect Awesome People
Do you have mentors who encourage you and call you to a higher place? Do you have people in your life who actively support you through positive as well as constructive feedback? If you don’t, you need to go out and “collect” them. Take care of them, pour into them, and stay connected with them. Your growth depends on the quality of your feedback.
Chapter 6: If You Feel Fear, Run Toward It!
Jill Schulman continued to challenge me, discussing the value of her book, The Bravery Effect. Her message is essential for leaders: happiness is found on the other side of hard things. Don’t retreat from the feeling of fear; recognize it as a signal that you are facing a growth opportunity, and run right toward it.
Chapter 7: Build Relationships Before You Need Them!
Whoa. So true. In all areas of life, we are either going into a crisis, in a crisis, or coming out of a crisis. You will need help. Wouldn’t it be better to build relationships with those important people now rather than when you really need them? This includes our relationship with God. He wants to be with us in all areas of our lives, not just when we get into a problem and need Him to help us out of it.
Chapter 8: Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Do you have a growth mindset, or do you think you have already arrived? Don’t be a know-it-all leader. Have a growth mindset. When was the last time you changed your mind about something you believed for a long time? The professional is always learning; the amateur is always judging.
Conclusion: It All Belongs to Him
The end of my week was spent co-facilitating 2.5 days with a group of Christian Business Leaders at the Kingdom Business Leadership Summit. We discussed how to continue to grow, and the clear consensus was that we must stay connected with God. The source of our fruit is external, not internal.
- Quote of the Week:
“Amateurs wait for inspiration. The rest of us just show up and get to work.”
– Chuck Close
Being effective as a leader means consistently choosing discipline over distraction. It’s about deeply reflecting on what’s working, humbly learning from what hasn’t, and courageously course-correcting in relentless pursuit of uncommon growth. Leaders don’t just drift into success—they evaluate, decide, and act.
Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “CHAPTER” and let me know which chapter resonated most with your leadership journey right now.
What you need to do:
Your Call to Action: Design Your Legacy
I can take some of this “fire hose” of wisdom in, but I can’t take all of it in. But my cup is overflowing. It was energizing and memorable, and a week I am glad to share with you.
Which of the 8 chapters hit you the hardest this week?
It’s an honor to be your trusted Friday Coffee Guy. Each week, I bring what I’m learning and living in the trenches of leadership. If this edition challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who leads, stays faithful, or learns alongside you, then click subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together!
Until next time—stay focused, stay faithful, and keep growing, Champions! 💪
