How are your minutes used? I learned from Maxwell the need for self-discipline in his book Developing the Leader Within You.
He wrote:
Every person on the planet is given the same allotment of minutes in a day. But each person’s level of self-discipline dictates how effectively those minutes are used.
Since I have been personally working on this issue for a few years now, this statement revived my commitment to self-discipline. Learning to function in ministry with the barrage of interruptions has been difficult for me. Maxwell’s pivotal teaching reminded me that I must learn to protect myself from the interruptions of ministry but not to the level of neglecting the people to whom I am to minister.
I started serious calendering a few months ago. I have a web application that connects to my phone where I put everything on the calendar. Here’s my schedule for today:
- 8-10 – Planning Next Worship Series
- 10-12 – Baptism/Parent Resource Development
- 12-1:15 – Elders’ Study Group
- 1:15-3:30 – Making Faith Stick Lesson 4 Development
- 3:30-4:30 – Counseling Appointment
- 4:30-5 – Clean Office/Schedule Next Week
While this may seem a little too much, I am free to handle interruptions, but I know what I must get done today – it helps me focus a ton!
Are you leading the day or is the day leading you?
