For over two decades, I have worked with many different kinds of people – from some very different walks of life. And through all of this, I have run into one thing, over and over again, that severely hurts anyone’s chance for success. I’m sharing it with you today, because it’s not just a problem adults have – your kids need to know this, as well!

Constantly, I come into contact with business people who won’t follow directions. They refuse to follow directions, they are not teachable and they constantly push the envelope to reinvent the wheel in their own way. In the vast majority of situations, this type of person fails. They can’t keep a job and have very little stability. They can’t succeed in business because they’re unteachable and they’re forever looking for greener grass, always chasing the wind.

An unteachable person refuses to listen or learn from anyone. They say, “I know that already,” or “My way is better.” They have tons of ideas and suggestions, and they are always right – or so they think. But this will never help them to succeed.

On the other hand, a teachable person says, “Teach me! Show me! Guide me! Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.” They are willing to put their ideas and suggestions aside, to learn from someone else. They are more concerned with learning, than with being right! These are the people who become outrageously successful.

This is not just my opinion. I have seen this as a businesswoman, coaching tens of thousands of people. I have seen who succeeds and who fails, and I’m telling you, people who cannot follow directions get fired, go out of business, have rocky marriages and out-of-control children.

My friend, whether you have kids right now or not, I want you to think about what happens when a child is raised to be unteachable. They don’t follow directions and don’t obey you… or anyone else. It causes frustration in the home and in relationships. It hinders them in school. It can keep them from getting a job. It prevents them from getting raises and promotions in their jobs, or even get them fired… repeatedly.

Why? Because they can’t follow directions. That’s why it’s so important to start teaching them while they’re young.

My experience working with adults in business, highlighted this principle for me… long before I began raising kids. I vowed to teach my kids to obey, to follow directions and to take action the first time I told them to do something. There was no room for, “But Moooom! I don’t want to!” or “I’ll do it later.” They learned to say, “Yes, Mom!” and do what they were told, the first time they were told. If they did not obey, they were disciplined. This equipped them for success.

Today, they are honorable and respectful teenagers and young adults, who gladly follow directions given by myself or my husband, as well as their bosses at work. They are so teachable and eager to learn, both at work and at home. This has positioned them for success for the rest of their lives.

Imagine being trained in this way as a child – to follow directions the first time; to hear a request and take action immediately.

It doesn’t matter how old your children are, or how long you have been in a pattern of disobedience, procrastination and rebellion… it’s not too late!

You have to choose which outcome you want for you and your children – do you want to succeed or fail; do you want your children to succeed or fail?

Today, choose to take a step toward being teachable and following directions. Next time you are asked to do something, try saying, “Sure, I’d be glad to!” instead of fighting the directive. Next time you are tempted to argue or say, “I know, I know,” stop for a moment and listen to what the other person has to say.

This will boost your reputation and cause people to see you as reliable and dependable. It will set you up for success at work, at home and in your community. And, more importantly, it will set your children up for a lifetime of success.

I actually wrote a whole chapter in “Grooming The Next Generation For Success” on how to equip your children to succeed in this area. This is NOT something to mess around with. This one thing can and WILL make – or break – your future and the future of your children.

I highly encourage you to share this with every parent, grandparent, teacher, youth leader or babysitter, along with everyone who has, or works with, kids. Let’s do our part to help equip the next generation for success! Just share this post on Facebook and Twitter. Then let ME know, in the comments below, some examples – good or bad – you have might have experienced!

In great faith,

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