6 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

In our last blog post, we talked about How to Lead Up by Leaning Up, focusing on trusting God—not our own strength—as the source of wisdom, strategy, and direction. Today, we’re taking it a step further and exploring what it means to Level Up in our lives and leadership through our leaning. The secret to leveling up lies in surrendering four key areas to God: your Head, Heart, Hands, and Guts. These areas don’t just help you survive life’s challenges; they empower you to thrive and grow into the person God created you to be.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Head: Mindset

Your mindset determines how you experience your life and work. It’s no exaggeration to say that the biggest battles you face in life are the ones in your own head. Your thoughts shape your emotions, your actions, and ultimately your outcomes. But as believers, we capture our old  thoughts and renew them:

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

“Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

To conquer your mindset, you must slow down and ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your thoughts. Reframe negativity and align your thinking with God’s truth. Remember:

• Your actions follow your thoughts.
• Reframe your thoughts to align with God’s Word.
• Respond thoughtfully, don’t react emotionally.

Conquering your head allows you to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

2. The Heart: Relationships

At this point, we’re assuming you’ve already given your heart to God (that’s Salvation). What we’re talking about here is loving others (sanctification— becoming more like Jesus). If mindset is the foundation, positive relationships with others are the lifeblood to level up. Whether it’s your family, friends, or team, strong relationships enable you to make a positive impact. People don’t follow someone who knows it all; they follow someone who cares.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Here’s how to conquer your heart in by building relationships with who God brings your way:

• Be intentional about seeing, hearing, and valuing others.
• Build relationships that cultivate trust and unity.
• Lead with love, compassion, and forgiveness.

When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they’re inspired to follow you—all the way to Jesus that is!

3. The Hands: Execution

Whether at home or work, you’ve been entrusted with responsibilities that require results. Enter execution. But execution isn’t just about doing; it’s about doing the right things with purpose and efficiency.

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:2-3)

To conquer execution:

• Commit your plans to God and let Him guide your path.
• Focus on what is mission-critical.
• Streamline your work to make it efficient.

When you execute with intentionality and faith, you sew quality seeds on quality soil that will bear fruit.

4. The Guts of Leadership: Accountability

Accountability is where courage meets consistency. It’s the difference between staying stuck in chaos and conflict versus making progress in every area. Accountability requires bravery—to speak truth, have tough conversations, and hold others (and yourself) to a higher standard.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Here’s how to conquer accountability:

• Speak up about things that matter. (Read More about this here.)
• Step into hard conversations with courage and grace. 
• Remember: To hold someone accountable is to show you care.

Being accountable and holding others accountable isn’t just necessary; it’s an act of kindness.

Leveling Up

When we lean on God and surrender these four areas—our Head, Heart, Hands, and Guts—we’re not just surviving life; we’re leveling up. We’re stepping into the fullness of what God has called us to do, leading with His strength, wisdom, and love.

So, ask yourself today:

• Are your thoughts aligned with God’s truth? (Head)
• Are you building relationships rooted in love and compassion? (Heart)
• Are you executing plans with purpose and faith? (Hands)
• Are you courageous enough to hold yourself and others accountable? (Guts)

Let’s commit to leveling up in every area of our lives and leadership. When we surrender our head, heart, hands, and guts, we’re more mission-ready to go where God leads.

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Level Up!

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” ~ Luke 9:23

Theme Song: 

Social Club Misfits - Social SZN (Audio)

References Used:

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.