I get asked frequently:
Pastor, how do you get so much done and still take care of yourself and your family?
Honestly, I never feel I’ve accomplished as much as I would like, but after receiving the question so many times, perhaps I should attempt to answer.
I do have a lot of responsibility. I pastor a large church … undergoing transition and change. I have an active (some would say over-active) online presence. I blog regularly to a growing audience and daily interact with my readers. I maintain a separate nonprofit ministry I’ve managed for over 10 years where I provide consulting and teaching to pastors and churches. I frequently take on extra writing projects and speaking opportunities, which usually keeps me doing something different every week. And, I strive to be the person, husband and father my congregation could seek to follow.
OK, typing that paragraph reminds me. I’m busy. Productive would be subject to interpretation, but certainly I have activity in my life.
As I’ve reflected on what helps me accomplish much, here are seven thoughts:
My seven secrets to being a high achiever:
1. I’m intentional.
That’s probably number one. I strive to live my life for a purpose and that carries over into everything that I do. (Notice there are even seven steps in this answer. That was intentional.) If you could name one word that describes who I am as a pastor, leader, husband, father, friend and child of God, it would be intentional. (By the way, I’m intentional about resting too.)
I even put that last sentence about rest in here intentionally, because I knew someone would wonder.
2. I don’t sit still long.
Being still is a discipline for me. Some seasons I’m better at it than others. I realize some people have no trouble with this, but I do. As I said about being intentional, I have to make myself rest.
My mind is constantly in motion. If I’m watching a television program, which isn’t often, I’m attempting to do something productive while I watch … otherwise I feel I “wasted” time. I wish I could say I’m always doing the “best” things, but certainly more activity leads to the potential for more productivity. It doesn’t always work that way, which is why some of the other points I’m listing are far more valuable than this one.
3. I exercise.
I’d also love to say I watch what I eat, and I do to a certain extent, but mostly I exercise to stay fit. I’ve learned that the more out of shape I am the less effective I am in all that I attempt to do. It impacts me physically, emotionally and spiritually when I skip my time exercising.
