Leadership often comes with its fair share of challenges, but some years can be particularly tough, pushing you to the limits of your resilience, faith, and endurance. If you haven't experienced one of those years, just wait. We all have them, but there is hope!

One of the best ways we can prepare for these hard times is to learn from those who went before us. If you haven't watched the above video of Kat's interview with Johnathan, stop reading, and go watch it. Johnathan faced an incredibly difficult year, and in this video, he walks us through his experience and offers valuable insights into how to navigate these times.

Based on Johnathan's experience and lessons learned, here are five key things to focus on when you’re leading through your hardest year yet:

1. Lean on Your Core Values and Principles
   When the ground beneath you starts to shake, your core values and leadership principles become your anchor. Johnathan found that every belief and leadership principle he had learned was put to the test during his challenging year. He had to draw on every bit of strength and rely on the values that had guided him throughout his life. In these moments, it’s crucial to remind yourself of the principles that have shaped your leadership journey and let them guide your decisions, especially when you’re stepping into unfamiliar or uncomfortable territories.
   
   
2. Recognize the Importance of Relational Capital
   In leadership, the relationships you build are invaluable, especially during hard times. Johnathan had to spend a significant amount of relational capital to navigate his difficulties—relying on the trust and goodwill he had built with his team and community over the years. This serves as a reminder that relational capital is not something you can build in the midst of a crisis; it’s something you cultivate during the good times so that it’s there when you need it most.
   
   
3. Don’t Ignore the Physical and Emotional Signs
   Leadership hardships don’t just test your faith; they take a toll on your entire being—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Johnathan experienced panic attacks, trouble breathing, and insomnia—clear signs that his body was under extreme stress. It’s vital to pay attention to these signs and address them proactively. Leaders often overlook their own well-being, but self-care is not optional; it’s essential for sustaining your leadership over the long haul.
   
   
4. Seek Encouragement and Support
   Even the strongest leaders need encouragement. Johnathan shared how he reached out to others when he was at his lowest, needing people to speak life into his situation. In your toughest moments, don’t hesitate to seek out encouragement from trusted friends, mentors, or even professional counselors. Surround yourself with people who can offer perspective, support, and hope when you’re struggling to see it for yourself.
   
   
5. Keep Moving Forward with Resilience
   In the face of overwhelming challenges, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. Johnathan’s mantra during his hard year was to focus on the “next right decision.” He didn’t let the weight of the past or the uncertainty of the future stop him; instead, he committed to taking one step at a time, trusting that God had not forsaken him. This resilience—the determination to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps—can make all the difference in getting through the hardest times.

As a leader, you will inevitably face tough years, but by focusing on these key areas:

• Leaning on your core values and principles.
• The critical importance of relational capital.
• Recognizing and addressing physical and emotional signs of stress.
• Seeking encouragement and support from trusted sources.
• Moving forward with resilience, focusing on one step at a time.

You can navigate even the most challenging times with grace and strength. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone, and sometimes the most significant growth comes from the hardest experiences.