One of my great challenges in life has always been focus and productivity. I have always had grand illusions of grand accomplishments – deep, persuasive or important articles or books that stirred people to be better than they were before reading what I wrote. I’m sure that there is at least a spoonful of pride…
Category: Productivity
General James Mattis on the Importance of Reading
I have been working hard at increasing the depth and breadth (and speed!) of my reading. To be honest, I’ve often felt guilty for taking time in my day to read. I always thought, “How many of my church members get the luxury of sitting down with a book in the middle of their day…
It’s Saturday. Start something
…and so is a plan without goals. Both are necessary ingredients. Basic steps to making change: Determine what needs to be changed (and how badly you want it changed–this is a great place for prayer!). Develop a plan of action. Set reasonable, measureable goals. Count the cost (what do you have to add/subtract in your…
7 Tips for Reading Better, Faster and Smarter
I have to read a lot for my job. As a pastor, my responsibility is not to know everything, but to know as much as I can and then know where to find what I don’t know (which is plenty!). That’s a big responsibility when you are regularly asked questions on every minutia of theology…
Get moving!
INtention without ACTION is still INACTION.
TGC Article: 8 Lies Christians Believe About Success
Man, this is such a great article on the lies Christians believe about being successful in life. If you are serious about being a faithful disciple of Jesus, I would highly recommend you read and re-read this from The Gospel Coalition blog. Here is an excerpt of a few of the lies we easily fall…
Making Time: Learning to Invest This Precious Gift From God
TIME has been on my mind a lot lately. As I near the end of another year, I’m analyzing what has gone well and what hasn’t gone quite as well (notice the gracious way in which I didn’t say those things bombed?) One thing that I haven’t done so well on is managing time. I…
5 Reasons You Should Keep A Journal
For more than twenty years, I have kept a journal…on and off. Yeah, probably more off than on, but I have journaled and think you should, too. As a matter of fact, I have just recently purchased a new journal (my favorite is a Moleskine sketchbook, but use whatever works for you) and have enjoyed…
Navigating Your Way Through a Wilderness of Purpose
Have you ever been stuck in a bad job? I think that might be one of the worst things we have to deal with in life because sometimes we really do feel stuck, like a caged lion or a wolf caught in a trap. You might be in one right now. If you are, I’m…
Saving Daylight, Part 3: Rest
I want to finish this week of posts about “Saving Daylight” with some thoughts on rest. Friday is my day off; my day of rest. It’s the day that I have that I can get away from work, unplug “completely” and spend some time re-charging my batteries. So, as I write this, I’m kicked back…
Do The Big Rocks First: Some Great Time-Management Advice
I saw this on Michael Hyatt’s blog and wanted to share it with you. The video is a little dated and it’s a simple concept, but one I too often miss. It’s a great illustration of how important prioritizing life is and (along with checking out Michael’s blog) is well worth your time.
Not a morning person? I’ve never quite been able to decide if I am or not. I love mornings, but sometimes I have a tough time claiming the time for productivity. Besides the fact that it’s the quietest time of day, it’s also usually the time when my mind is the most rested and focused….