“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

― George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman

Being unreasonable doesn’t sound nice or fun, but it is necessary if we want progress. Being unreasonable, to me, means

Not giving in on morals and values

Expecting others to give their best if I’m going to give mine.

Keeping a high standard of performance for myself and others

The powerful idea behind being unreasonable is, as the quote says, without it you can’t make progress.

If you are not unreasonable with others about where you eat you, you may never lose weight.

If you are not unreasonable with your time, shutting out the culture of programs and gossip, you’ll never get anything done.

If you are not unreasonable about who you hang out with you may pick up bad habits or  they might just slow you down.

It is often necessary to be unreasonable if you want to succeed at anything.

Unreasonable people put their idea into the world and will not compromise. They say, “this is the way it’s suppose to be and I will align my life to create that reality.”.

Being unreasonable means mediocrity, average, and middle of the road are unacceptable as is anything that keeps progress from moving forward.

Being unreasonable is:

The mental discipline of seeing a picture in your mind and working to complete it.

The emotional discipline of embracing times of loneliness when no one understands you.

The physical discipline of keeping a schedule and not getting distracted.

Be unreasonable, don’t be unkind.

Be unreasonable, but don’t be inflexible.

Be unreasonable, but don’t shut others out.

Be unreasonable, but don’t lose the war for the sake of a battle.

Be unreasonable. Your success and/or happiness may depend on it.

If I can help you develop a reasonably unreasonable mentality in ministry, check out my two coaching options Ministry Minded Coaching and My Monthly Mentor.