I’m going through one of those times in my life when I’m pressing through a short season of working ridiculous hours on a home project, because of a deadline Nancy and I have set for finishing our basement. While we’re having outside contractors do several tasks that require expertise I don’t have or who simply can do it more effectively and faster, I’ve been spending substantial hours in the basement to see the project through. I’m sure Michael Hyatt would tell me to hire it all out and use the time to work extra hours to pay for it, but because I’m a pastor working extra hours doesn’t gain me extra dollars.
I’m not complaining, simply pointing out that sometimes as leaders we need to press through in particular situations to accomplish a task at work, home, or in some other avenue of life. I actually enjoyed the five hours I worked moving furniture, then painting a section of ceiling and eight doors, because I was able to listen to about a third of an audio book, reflect on what needs to be done to complete the project before our December 14 deadline, and to consider various aspects of the ministry at New Life. Nancy’s appreciation for the extra effort is a blessing to our marital relationship, and after nearly 38 years together as husband and wife that matters more than ever to me.
You may have a project at work where you’re pressing through, or you may have a situation with your spouse or a child that requires you to press through. Whatever it may be, times come when we need to expend extra energy and effort in the short-term, and in some cases for a longer season than that in order to gain a long-term benefit. All great leaders have this ability. The key is not to let the pressing through mode become our default mode. We all need rest. We need sleep. We need all seven of the aspects of Life Management that we reviewed over the summer. Right now, for me, I’m giving up some sleep and my daily exercise routine for about a week, in order to press through the project.
That means I’ve been making some adjustments in when I pray (since I usually pray during my exercise bike time), and what I eat (because I am committed to the goal of weighing 190 by the end of February. I hit 200 today, and it’s a good thing, because my better physical health has a corresponding addition to my stamina and ability to perform the tasks required for the project.
I hope you are prepared for the next project or situation that requires you to press through, or are at least preparing for it. Preparing for it means resting appropriately, praying, eating well, investing in your vital relationships and managing your life well. Then when the situation calls for pressing through for a week or two you’ll be ready. If you are already facing such a season remember to be intentional about a starting and ending time for it. Pressing through can degenerate into being a workaholic without a lot of effort, particularly if you have an addictive personality as I tend to have.
As with everything when it comes to leadership, we need to stop and examine what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. That way we’ll be better equipped to make good decisions and commitments, and take effective action. Whether it’s pressing through, or maintaining what you’re doing, or even backing off a bit, the key is to know why you’re doing it, and what it will do to advance your effectiveness in leading.
Here’s to leading better by pressing through or not, but being intentional either way–today!