“Sabbath rest is not a reward for hard work, but a gift of God's grace. I used to think - and sometimes still do - that I don't deserve to rest until l'm exhausted. Such a damaging way to live.” Rich Villodas
A study shows that between 25% and 50% of people report feeling overwhelmed or burned out (Tech Journal cites Career Builder’s Study in 2011 - imagine how bad it is now!). The people in Jesus day had similar felt needs …
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Assessment: Time Analysis Spreadsheet
It’s not just the number of hours we’re working, but also the fact that we spend too many continuous hours juggling too many things at the same time.
What we’ve lost, above all, are stopping points, finish lines and boundaries. Technology has blurred them beyond recognition. Wherever we go, our work follows us, on our digital devices, ever insistent and intrusive. It’s like an itch we can’t resist scratching, even though scratching invariably makes it worse.
Do you text, answer email or take calls during meetings/family dinners? Do you allow others to do those things?
The biggest cost of an unhealthy, frantic pace of life is to your sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In part, that’s a simple consequence of splitting your attention, so that you’re partially engaged in multiple activities but rarely fully engaged in any one. But most insidiously, it’s because if you’re always doing something, you’re relentlessly burning down your available reservoir of energy over the course of every day, so you have less available with every passing hour.
Is the life you’re inviting others into the life that you’re leading?
GOOD LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT DEVELOPING A RHYTHM OF LIFE, NOT AN EQUATION.
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them (crowds fed by 5 loaves & 2 fish), he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone …” Matthew 14:22-23 (NIV)
A biblical rhythm modeled by Jesus …
Rest – no work; sleep; totally unplug … no texts, emails, phone calls, computers, etc.
"Sabbath breaks our addiction to doing, producing, and accomplishing. In a culture like ours, it is like getting off crack cocaine." Pete Scazzero
"We keep Sabbath not because it makes us more productive at work. We keep it to resist the idol of productivity. We are more than what we produce." - Rich Villodas
Recover – Take real & regular vacations. Real means that when you’re off, you’re truly disconnecting from work. Regular means several times a year if possible, even if some are only two or three days added to a weekend. Research strongly suggests that you’ll be far healthier if you take all of your vacation time, and more productive overall.
Replenishment – What is it that refuels you? (fun, hobbies, people who add value, etc.)
Reflect – resist every impulse to distraction, think long term, creatively or strategically. If you don’t, you’ll constantly succumb to the tyranny of the urgent. Find a different environment – preferably one that’s relaxed and conducive to open-ended thinking.
Reengage – Make waves! …
“Jesus said, ‘No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.’” Luke 9:62 (MSG)
“YOUR LIFE MOVES TO A BETTER PLACE WHEN YOU MOVE AT A SUSTAINABLE PACE.” (Jeff Henderson)
Four kinds of leadership styles …
Pay Now Pay Later (Unhealthy Rhythm!)
Pay Now Play Later
Play Now Play Later (Unhealthy Rhythm!)
Play Now Pay Later
Are you living, leading and ministering at a sustainable pace?
A study shows that between 25% and 50% of people report feeling overwhelmed or burned out (Tech Journal cites Career Builder’s Study in 2011 - imagine how bad it is now!). The people in Jesus day had similar felt needs …
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Assessment: Time Analysis Spreadsheet
It’s not just the number of hours we’re working, but also the fact that we spend too many continuous hours juggling too many things at the same time.
What we’ve lost, above all, are stopping points, finish lines and boundaries. Technology has blurred them beyond recognition. Wherever we go, our work follows us, on our digital devices, ever insistent and intrusive. It’s like an itch we can’t resist scratching, even though scratching invariably makes it worse.
Do you text, answer email or take calls during meetings/family dinners? Do you allow others to do those things?
The biggest cost of an unhealthy, frantic pace of life is to your sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In part, that’s a simple consequence of splitting your attention, so that you’re partially engaged in multiple activities but rarely fully engaged in any one. But most insidiously, it’s because if you’re always doing something, you’re relentlessly burning down your available reservoir of energy over the course of every day, so you have less available with every passing hour.
Is the life you’re inviting others into the life that you’re leading?
GOOD LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT DEVELOPING A RHYTHM OF LIFE, NOT AN EQUATION.
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them (crowds fed by 5 loaves & 2 fish), he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone …” Matthew 14:22-23 (NIV)
A biblical rhythm modeled by Jesus …
Rest – no work; sleep; totally unplug … no texts, emails, phone calls, computers, etc.
"Sabbath breaks our addiction to doing, producing, and accomplishing. In a culture like ours, it is like getting off crack cocaine." Pete Scazzero
"We keep Sabbath not because it makes us more productive at work. We keep it to resist the idol of productivity. We are more than what we produce." - Rich Villodas
Recover – Take real & regular vacations. Real means that when you’re off, you’re truly disconnecting from work. Regular means several times a year if possible, even if some are only two or three days added to a weekend. Research strongly suggests that you’ll be far healthier if you take all of your vacation time, and more productive overall.
Replenishment – What is it that refuels you? (fun, hobbies, people who add value, etc.)
Reflect – resist every impulse to distraction, think long term, creatively or strategically. If you don’t, you’ll constantly succumb to the tyranny of the urgent. Find a different environment – preferably one that’s relaxed and conducive to open-ended thinking.
Reengage – Make waves! …
“Jesus said, ‘No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.’” Luke 9:62 (MSG)
“YOUR LIFE MOVES TO A BETTER PLACE WHEN YOU MOVE AT A SUSTAINABLE PACE.” (Jeff Henderson)
Four kinds of leadership styles …
Pay Now Pay Later (Unhealthy Rhythm!)
Pay Now Play Later
Play Now Play Later (Unhealthy Rhythm!)
Play Now Pay Later
Are you living, leading and ministering at a sustainable pace?
| time_analysis.xlsx |
| control_your_calendar.pdf |
I highly recommend that you listen to The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: 002: How Perry Noble Hit Bottom While Pastoring One of America’s Largest Churches & How He Battled Back to further reflect on whether or not you're a candidate for burnout. In addition to listening to the podcast episode there are numerous links to other blog posts and helpful resources to aid you in getting some assistance in overcoming an unhealthy rhythm in life. Here are some of the takeaways from the interview ...
3 Things You Can Do Right Away
1. Tell Someone. Telling someone you’re struggling with being overwhelmed, or with anxiety, depression or suicide is the first step toward breaking the power those emotions have over you. You don’t need to be ashamed. Telling someone is the first step to breaking the power of depression.
2. See a Doctor and Biblical Counselor. Getting professional help will help you get better. Don't be afraid to see a Christian counselor to help you stay healthy in leadership over the long run.
3. Be Transparent. People identify more with your struggles than your victories. If you let them know that you struggle, it will help them in their struggles.
3 Things You Can Do Right Away
1. Tell Someone. Telling someone you’re struggling with being overwhelmed, or with anxiety, depression or suicide is the first step toward breaking the power those emotions have over you. You don’t need to be ashamed. Telling someone is the first step to breaking the power of depression.
2. See a Doctor and Biblical Counselor. Getting professional help will help you get better. Don't be afraid to see a Christian counselor to help you stay healthy in leadership over the long run.
3. Be Transparent. People identify more with your struggles than your victories. If you let them know that you struggle, it will help them in their struggles.
Craig Groeschel has two podcast episodes below that you can watch that will help to explain how our rhythms impact our energy levels as leaders. Be sure and download the episode notes so you can easily follow along with the content.
The Art Of Energy Management - Leadership is the art of harnessing human energy to create change, to make a difference, and to get results. In this episode, Craig Groeschel will show you how to master energy management by auditing your energy and creating an energy budget. Download notes here.
Understanding Your Four Forms of Energy - It’s almost impossible to lead well when your tank is empty. In this episode, join Craig Groeschel to take a close look at four different types of energy—and why they can make a huge difference in how you lead day in and day out. Download notes here.
The Art Of Energy Management - Leadership is the art of harnessing human energy to create change, to make a difference, and to get results. In this episode, Craig Groeschel will show you how to master energy management by auditing your energy and creating an energy budget. Download notes here.
Understanding Your Four Forms of Energy - It’s almost impossible to lead well when your tank is empty. In this episode, join Craig Groeschel to take a close look at four different types of energy—and why they can make a huge difference in how you lead day in and day out. Download notes here.
Craig Groeschel also has two episodes on Eliminating Distractions. I believe distractions play into the rhythms of life. When our lives are too cluttered we struggle to live and lead at a healthy pace. Be sure and download the episode notes so you can easily follow along with the content.
Eliminate Distractions: Cut the Slack, Part 1; "Cutting the slack" means getting rid of unnecessary rules and processes that slow you down. Join Craig Groeschel for a practical, step-by-step approach to eliminate distractions and lead your team to think quicker, move faster, and get more done. Download notes here.
Simplify Your Life and Leadership: Cut the Slack, Part 2; Ever wish there was a better way to simplify your life and leadership? In this episode, you’ll get a five-step outline from Craig Groeschel to minimize stress in your personal life while maximizing your impact as a leader. Download notes here.
Recommended Reading: Spaciousness - Avoid The 8 Traps That Steal Your Margin (by Pete Scazzero)
Recommended Reading: Take the Day Off: Receiving God's Gift of Rest (Unfortunately, I can't endorse the author any longer but the content of the book is outstanding!)
Eliminate Distractions: Cut the Slack, Part 1; "Cutting the slack" means getting rid of unnecessary rules and processes that slow you down. Join Craig Groeschel for a practical, step-by-step approach to eliminate distractions and lead your team to think quicker, move faster, and get more done. Download notes here.
Simplify Your Life and Leadership: Cut the Slack, Part 2; Ever wish there was a better way to simplify your life and leadership? In this episode, you’ll get a five-step outline from Craig Groeschel to minimize stress in your personal life while maximizing your impact as a leader. Download notes here.
Recommended Reading: Spaciousness - Avoid The 8 Traps That Steal Your Margin (by Pete Scazzero)
Recommended Reading: Take the Day Off: Receiving God's Gift of Rest (Unfortunately, I can't endorse the author any longer but the content of the book is outstanding!)
