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?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
