For over 25 years, I have worked with different types of people, from all different walks of life. And I have run into one thing, over and over again, that severely hurts anyone’s chance for success. So allow me to share it with you today, because it’s not just a problem adults have – your kids need to know this, as well!

I constantly encounter business people who will not follow directions. They refuse to follow directions, are not teachable and constantly push the envelope, trying to reinvent the wheel their own way. The vast majority of these people fail. They can’t keep a job and they have virtually no stability. They can’t succeed in business because they’re unteachable, forever looking for greener grass, always chasing the wind.

An unteachable person cannot listen to, or learn, from anyone. They say, “I already know that” or “My way is better.” They have tons of ideas and suggestions, and 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 willingly put their ideas and suggestions aside, to learn from someone else. They’re more concerned with learning, than with being right. THESE people become outrageously successful!

This is not just my opinion. As a businesswoman who has coached tens of thousands of people, I’ve actually seen it. I’ve seen who succeeds and who fails, and let me tell you, people who cannot follow directions get fired, go out of business, have failing marriages and out-of-control children.

My friend, whether you have kids right now or not, think about what happens when you raise a child to be unteachable. They won’t follow directions or obey you… or anyone else. It will cause frustration in the home and in relationships. It will hinder them in school. It can keep them from getting a job. It will keep them from getting raises and promotions, or even get them fired.

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

Because of my experience working with adults in business, I recognized this principle before I began raising kids. I vowed to teach my kids to obey, follow directions and 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, I’d be glad to!” and do what they were told – the first time they were told. If they did not obey, we disciplined them. This equipped them for success, equipped them to be honorable and responsible young adults. And it has prepared them for a lifetime of success.

Imagine being trained in this way as a child! Imagine being taught to follow directions the first time, to hear a request and follow through 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 steps toward being teachable and following directions. Next time someone asks you to do something, instead of fighting it, try saying, “Sure, I’d be glad to!” Next time you’re 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 enhance your reputation, causing people to see you as reliable and dependable. It will set you up for success at work, at home and in your community. It will set-up your children 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 the future for you and your children.

I strongly encourage you to share this with every parent, grandparent, teacher, youth leader, babysitter or everyone who has – or works with – kids. Let’s do our part to equip the next generation for success!

I’d also love to know your thoughts on today’s topic. Would you consider yourself “teachable”? What about your kids? Leave your comments below!

And don’t forget to join us today for The Dani Johnson Show, to gain more insights for your everyday life. You can find the show on your TV and radio or stream today’s show, right here on our website.

Looking to connect even MORE? Then please subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with new messages just for you, posted daily!

In great faith,

P.S. Like what you read here? Just hit the “Like,” “Share” and “Tweet” buttons at the top of the page! Don’t forget to leave your comments below.