I’ve learned that managing a full schedule is mostly about managing me.
It finally dawned on me that no matter how busy I was, I was always “too busy.”
My schedule is probably the most full it has ever been. But I find myself feeling as energized and personally successful as I ever have. Granted, there is always room to grow, but I am doing better at managing my schedule. Honestly, I am doing better at managing me.
The problem was not my calendar, although keeping a digital version on my smart phone has been an immense aid. The problem was I didn’t have good boundaries on when to say yes, when to say no and when to not speak at all. I had a hard time leaving one place for another thinking I was cheating one area.
The more I began to realize that if I see things for how they are, stop thinking I could fix everything and that all things hang on my shoulders (which, by the way, is a VERY prideful and arrogant thought), the more I realized I have to know my priorities and capabilities and work out of those. The rest is beyond me and out of my control–much like the majority of life.
Young guys reading this: manage your emotions, manage your priorities, manage your pride, befriend a calendar and pray.
Plan like you have your whole life left. Live like it will end today.
No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself. –William Penn
Mike Said:
on January 27, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Brady,
A few years ago I was struggling with what more I could do to please Christ . I was burning the candle at both ends and still felt that I must lead out and do the things that others were to busy to do or just didn’t feel led to do. In the midst of this time of struggle I read a book written by a Missionary to China who was struggling to lead Chinese people to Christ in an effort to please God. In his misery at not being able to fulfill his mission he fell to his knees and asked God why he had put this burden upon him. Gods answer to him changed my life forever. God said
“ My son I did not put this burden upon you. You chose this path thinking that it would not be done without your help. What I will to be done will be done. You have no vote in these matters. Let it be enough to be used by me. Let that be your blessing. Let that be your praise.”
Mike