breathing
Are you BREATHING? #SYMC
It’s always a great feeling when you hear a great speaker and you feel like His message is directed at you. It’s God telling you, “This is what I...
When I hit this time of year I feel like I’ve just crossed a finish line. It’s that natural feeling of the grind being over and this desire to check out. While I just want to take a break, I know it’s better to take the time to invest in myself.
Courtesy of GotCredit/Creative Common License
As a leader you are constantly investing in teens, their families, leaders and the local church. You give, and give until you can’t give anymore. Before you empty yourself out, plot out a season where you can invest in yourself and:
REFOCUS ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT
It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’ve been in the trenches too long. During that time you can easily neglect:
- Boundaries
- Secondary responsibilities (i.e. working out)
- Relationships
To refocus on what’s important take time away. Sit down and look at your Priorities and Schedule. Is what’s reflected on your calendar true to what’s in your heart? If the answer is, “No” readjust it, so you can get back on the right path.
CHECK-IN WITH THOSE AROUND YOU
Throughout the year you might collaborate a lot with your team, but how often do you spend time with them? Grab a cup of coffee, take people out to lunch and gain their insight on the last year.
When you take time to check-in with them team it gives you the opportunity to broaden your perspective. You’ll hear stories that will motivate you for the upcoming year and prepare you for any potential problems.
EDUCATE AND GROW YOUR SKILLS
A leader should always be learning. A few ways you can learn is:
- Create a summer reading list
- Attend a conference
- Sign up for an online class
Find others to grow with you. Use what you learn as research to help you grow for the fall.
DREAM BIG
God’s got a vision for you and it’s bigger than anything you can imagine. If you don’t try to dream big, then you are limiting what God can do with you.
Take some time to set goals. List out 3, 6 and 12 months goals. Share them with people so that you can be held accountable. Then start putting together a plan that will help you reach those goals.
No matter what your year looks like you need a season of reflection. If you are constantly going, then you aren’t listening and allowing God to lead you.
[reminder] When do you take time to invest in yourself? [/reminder]