Weariness. My father, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, spoke often about the price of leadership. In one of his most powerful messages, The Price of Leadership, he shared:
"WEARINESS. If you are going to do anything worthwhile, you're always going to be surrounded by people who will never be doing their share. There's always going to have to be some people who are willing to do more than their share that take care of all of the people who are not doing their share. That's right. A lot of people think this is the age of relaxation. Slow down; take it easy; pace yourself. Listen! You will never be able to slow down, take it easy, and pace yourself. Remember that verse: to him that much is given, much is expected. That's right. You can call yourself a leader, you can have the title, you can have the position, you can have the endowment, but unless you're paying the price, those things mean nothing.
People used to say to me, 'Charlie, Charlie, slow down, you're going to burn yourself out, you're going to die young!' They'd say I ought to get a hobby. I'd say, 'I ought to get a hobby? I've got six kids! I've got a wonderful job! What do I need a hobby for?' 'Oh, you've got to get a hobby to get away from it all.' Get away from it all? I'm trying to get into it all!
Although a leader should be on guard for the pitfall of overextension, a leader must also deal with the reality that he or she must often go the extra mile. The leader learns that the sense of responsibility comes only to a few, and if your church, community, or company is to go on, you must carry the load that you and you alone can carry. You can give up when you want, lay it down, but remember: no one can pay your price.
So I went down to buy myself a motorboat. They sold me a cabin cruiser. There I was, Captain Jones! Was I relaxed? No! I was worried to death who was selling my prospects back on dry land! I'm a trustee over here at a fine little college. One night, we had a speaker speaking on interdenominational foreign missions. And as I heard this guy speak on the needs of people in other countries and I thought of me riding around on that boat, I couldn't take it. I sold that lousy cabin cruiser and gave every nickel to the missionary fund. Since then, I have been so relaxed I can hardly hold myself together!"
He had a way of weaving hard truths into humor, didn't he? I still chuckle thinking about his story of the cabin cruiser—the ultimate hobby-boat-turned-life-lesson about the true cost of leadership. And while he could poke fun at himself, he never wavered in his conviction that great leaders shoulder the load with joy and gratitude, even when it wears them out.
When I was little, I often joined Dad in his meetings and speaking engagements. We had this little routine at the end of his speeches. He'd call me up on stage, scoop me into his arms, and ask, "Tracey, how are you?" Without missing a beat, I'd reply with a jubilant, "Tremendous!" Then he'd ask, "Well, how are things going?"
I'd shake my head dramatically and say, "I hope things don't get any better."
"Why?" he'd exclaim.
"Because I'm so tired of being happy, it's wearing me out! Wooho!"
Now, years later, I understand the real meaning behind this little skit. That "tired of being happy" feeling hits me, and I embrace it with gusto. This year has already been off the charts—celebrating my fifth anniversary, signing new clients, onboarding new authors, seizing new opportunities, and enjoying the clarity of thought, good health, and pure joy that comes with doing what I love.
But here's the thing: what truly wears me out isn't the work itself. It's you.
Your encouragement, belief, and willingness to follow and lead with me—all fill my heart to overflow and keep me moving forward. There's a profound weariness that comes from a life brimming with purpose and surrounded by tremendous people. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I don't have any groundbreaking insights to share this week. My brain is tired, my to-do list is endless, and my heart is full. I simply wanted to take a moment to thank you—for making my life tremendous, for sharing in this journey, and for reminding me that, no matter how weary I may feel, the price of leadership is always worth paying.
So, here's to being tired of being happy. Let's wear ourselves out doing what matters most.
Woo!
With a full heart,
Tracey
