Leverage The Lesson

Turning Experience Into Advantage 

The number one equation many of us miscalculate is that we’re the common denominator in our lives. What remains constant in every relationship, city, and job is you. If we spent more time on mastering self, we’d reap the benefits in every area of our lives. This phenomenon is a soul-related issue. 

On the journey of self-mastery, leveraging the lessons along the way is essential. Mistakes are inevitable—especially when you’re growing and learning—but each one holds wisdom you can apply forward. 

Learning the lesson happens in your mind, leveraging the lesson happens in your life.

Learning the lesson happens in your mind – It’s the awareness part. You recognize what went wrong or what worked, you process the experience, and you understand the “why.” But at this stage, it’s still just knowledge. Many people stop here—they know better, but their actions don’t change.

Leveraging the lesson happens in your life – This is the application part. It’s when you take that awareness and put it into practice—changing behaviors, making different choices, setting new boundaries, or approaching opportunities with fresh wisdom. Leveraging means the lesson is no longer just information in your head, it’s transformation in your habits, relationships, career, or faith walk.

Words of Wisdom by Char of the Week: What would happen if we approach situations eager to learn? I once heard someone say “I don’t think that there’s no greater teacher than pain, but maybe there is… someone else's." When you learn to leverage your lessons, invite others into that process.

*originally featured in October 1, 2025 edition of The Facts Newspaper, "WOWbyChar Column"

The Facts Newspaper (1961-present) is one of the first and largest Black news publications based in the Pacific Northwest. The six-decade publication circulates over 100,000 newspaper a week, excluding digital engagement. To learn more, visit thefactsnewspaper.com