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Archive for the ‘Balance’ Category

Are You Working in Air-Tight Compartments?

Posted in Balance, Excellence, tagged , , , , on May 2, 2013 | 6 Comments »

My best friend, Kevin Campbell, has many gifts. He is one of the best salesmen I have ever been around and he is the best evaluator of people and situations ever.

For several years, he has talked to me about working and living in “air-tight compartments”. Honestly, I never paid much attention to this idea. But recently, I shared with him how challenging our preparation is for the annual WorkMatters Chick-fil-A Leadercast. Once again, he said, ”air-tight compartments Dave”. This time, it stuck. It was just what I needed to hear.

I found myself sharing the idea with our WorkMatters team, then with my son who was going through finals in his freshman year in college, and finally with my nephew who works at Tyson Foods. That’s when I received this picture. His visual reminder of this important concept.

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So what does it mean and how do you use it? It’s pretty simple. In our crazy busy life, identify those tasks or projects or high priorities, that you must focus on. Then, when it’s time to work on them…put them in an air-tight compartment. Totally focus JUST on that critical task. It may be a 15-minute task that is critical to execute, or it may be a three-day project for your boss or a major client.

This simple phrase, and the visual image that comes with it, helps me focus. It challenges me NOT to wander off on other things that need my attention, as well. It’s not fool-proof, but it is a great tool to help us do our work with excellence!

Love to hear your comments as you implement this idea.

Closing the gap between faith and work,

David

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

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The Simple Sounds of Silence

Posted in Balance, Faith and Work, Family, God, Mind, Peace, Thoughts on March 21, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Lately I have been trying to do without things in my life that I have become accustomed to having and which have been part of my busy life for decades.  As I get older however something seems to be happening that I was not expecting….imagine that!

I have always been a person that enjoys having stuff on….my radio, TV, stereo, laptop, iPhone.  Often all at the same time if possible.  Not sure why, but a couple of months ago, I started turning stuff off…not everything all at once, but here and there and from time to time.  Somehow I have found that I don’t miss it all as much as I thought I would.  As it turns out, turning off the noise has been a blessing and has allowed me to simplify my life.

I wondered about what was happening to me.  I still enjoyed my music, my sports talk radio, my Food Network shows, etc, but found that all that noise  kind of deadened me to other things going on around me calling for my attention and thoughts.

I have found that turning stuff off has been a blessing in many ways that I was not expecting.  Most of all, I have felt that I have been able to hear and discern that still small voice of my Creator which most often is heard in stillness and silence.

Most of you probably are way ahead of me on this.  But I also know many who like me, the noise has become so much apart of our lives, that we don’t even realize how much it has drowned out many other important sounds that can only be heard when we turn it all off.

Take a few days and just try it…what you may hear instead might amaze you!

Our 2013 Chick-fil-A Leadercast is about learning how to simplify your life in order to strengthen your leadership. Hope to see all of you there!

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Five Realities of a New Job

Posted in Balance, Calling, Faith and Work, God, Job Search, Marriage, Relationships, Stress, tagged , , , , , on February 20, 2013 | 2 Comments »

How long has it been since you started a new job? Before you make that big move to the next thing you feel “called to”, let’s consider a few simple truths.

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I was reminded of this when a young professional friend who I co-lead a Leadership@Work Nehemiah Study with, started a new job on Tuesday. Josh Richardson moved from a global corporation serving Wal-Mart, to a super cool, high growth small company, also serving Wal-Mart. Talk about a 180. Here was his tweet yesterday: Day 1 at the new job was amazing – better than I could have ever imagined. Praise God for his sovereign timing, purpose, and design!

Josh’s experience reminded me of the sometimes bitter sweet experience of changing jobs. Here are a few simple ideas to consider:

  1. Commit to a six month increase in work life focus – before you say yes to the new gig that you are so excited about, make sure you deal with this reality. Your work life WILL need more focus and time. This is especially critical if you are married and/or have children.
  2. Finish strong where you are – in both execution and relationships.
  3. Enjoy powerful growth with God - because He makes things  ”brand new” (Isaiah 48:7) in a new job, fear and anxiety can be very real. It’s a perfect season to sit daily in His lap.
  4. Be hyper focused – focus with intensity to build new relationships, learn the business,  and find small opportunities to add value to the business.
  5. Enjoy the new adventure - it will be stressful, but it will also be an exciting adventure of personal, spiritual and relational growth!

Have fun,

David

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Changing Your Work/Life Balance

Posted in Balance, Faith and Work, Family, Work, tagged , , , , , , , on August 9, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Ready for change? Ready for some help, for some inspiration in this ongoing, frustrating battle that leaders have with work/life balance?

Before posting this blog, I sent this same content as an email to a large number of workplace leaders that I know and love. After writing it, I knew that you should have it as well.

I’ve struggled with work/life balance issues most of my life. Since moving back to Arkansas 12 years ago, I’ve been blessed to manage my “problem” better – although leading a grueling, fast-paced non-profit with minimal resources has tested me. Without asking, I know that each of you have had seasons of fighting to balance your work and your life.

 This updated story of Urban Meyer’s work/life balance is powerful, exposing the real ongoing battle that leaders face. Wanting to do your work with excellence and win! But also wanting to love your spouse and your children.

Read this story in your quiet time early in the morning when you have time to absorb and reflect. Ask yourself some hard questions. Am I really being honest with myself? How many hours am I really working everyday? When I am home, am I really home? Am I scheduling specific events with my spouse (like date night) and kids every week? Ask your spouse and kids how you’re doing. Be willing to listen to what they have to say. Then listen to what God tells you to do.

And act.

There is a book mentioned in the article Lead… For God’s Sake. It is a powerful, provocative sports fiction book about the real purpose of your work and life. Urban Meyer ended up writing the forward after reading it.

God has given you incredible influence at home and at work. I hope you will use these resources to help you live your life at work with greater purpose and meaning.

We are passionate about helping you live out your life and your work in God-pleasing ways. I hope this is one of them.

David

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Vacation – 7 Ways to Live, Love and Learn

Posted in Balance, Faith and Work, Family, Friendship, Marriage, Parenting, Prayer, Purpose, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , on July 16, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

This morning is day one following an incredible beach vacation with my my wife, Theresa and our two sons Dylan (18) and Tyler (13). Beach vacations are just different, aren’t they? So much more relaxing and introspective than other trips you may go on that are full of activity. I’m wired more for the later, but I realized this past week, that regardless of where you go, we must use this time purposefully. The busyness of life, the pressures of work demand this time to regenerate!

There is no secret formula for a purpose driven vacation (sounds like work already, doesn’t it!). But here are a few suggestions for you to consider:

  1. Marriage – if you are married, find ways to spend time together. A walk on the beach. A bike ride. Help with the grocery store haul.
  2. Children – regardless of age, what a special time to laugh, to play, to explore, to challenge, to talk.
  3. Read – pick two good books to read. I read two fantastic books that I highly recommend. The first, Lead…For God’s Sake, I listened to on the long drive to Florida when my family was sleeping or otherwise “plugged in”. The second, Love Works, I read early in the morning or on the beach.
  4. God – what an incredible time to get up early and pray and read the Bible. It is an especially good time to just listen. What are you hearing about your marriage, your children, your friends, your work?
  5. Body – this may be counterintuitive for some, but I love exercising on vacation. Maybe it’s a long run, or a hike, or a bike ride. It’s a time that your mind is more open and free to listen and think and smile.
  6. Ideas – I find that when I am mixing in all of the above, God seems to open my mind to fresh ideas and perspectives.
  7. Rest – doing all of these things can’t create busyness and stress. Just the opposite is true. Relax. Take a deep breath. Feel the joy of creation and the blessings of your life!
We lead active, fast paced lives. May God bless you richly with some time to rest and connect with family, friends, and the one that created us.

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Too Many Priorities?

Posted in Balance, Faith and Work, Leadership, Planning, Prayer, Purpose, Workplace Prayer on April 2, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Many times we rush into a new week after a super hectic weekend with way more on our plate than what we might have remembered being there on Friday.  Most of the time, all that work stuff that we thought we would get done early Saturday morning or maybe Sunday evening gets taken over by all the other priorities of the weekend.  Well, I guess that is often how I feel entering Monday morning.  Is it just me?

As I enter this new week, I find that I have many competing priorities and most of them feel like they need to get done immediately.  There are times when it seems that it all needs to get done, but often times I get lost in trying to make the decision of what to do first.  (Guess I need to read Steven Covey’s “First Things First” again…).   Yes, I know that I need to focus on the most important things and not necessarily just what seems most urgent.  I sometimes however,  need help knowing which is which because that often changes from week to week.

Our Lord is once again waiting and wondering why I don’t just ask Him about it.   He sees the big picture as opposed to our perspective of not even seeing the next step and will most willingly be our guide if we would just submit to his leadership.   Our plans should be His plans, therefore, we are most likely out of step with His will if we don’t seek Him in regards to our priorities.

Hopefully you will take some time today at the beginning of another super busy work week and step back to ask for His direction and for His clarity.  As the day/week progresses this constant seeking of guidance will make a huge difference in how you get it all done this week.  You will most likely look back at the end of the week and see that somehow you accomplished much more than you thought you would AND you will realize where your help came from.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.  Luke 12:31

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Your Road Warrior Co-Workers

Posted in Adversity, Balance, Decisions, Integrity, Prayer, Relationships, Travel on March 19, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

My wife works at the airport here in Northwest Arkansas (XNA).  She said yesterday was probably one of the worst days she has ever had and she has worked there for almost four years.  It was a combination of things that made it difficult, but the hardest was having to tell people who had bought their tickets sometimes months ago that there were no more seats available.   Anyway, I spent a large chunk of the afternoon waiting around for her and my daughter to fly out for a quick spring break trip.  As I waited, it was interesting to observe the people, especially the business travelers looking not at all thrilled to be flying with all these families, kids, etc.  I know that  many of you can totally relate.

As I observed many of these people trying to get out of here yesterday, it made me think about the challenges that go with jobs requiring constant business travel.  I know this may be fun or exciting for some, especially at the beginning, but most report this wears off quickly and they would love to be able to stay home.  The constant travel hassles, hotel life and being away from friends and family really take their toll over time.  Often times we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations with constant temptation to let down our guard when traveling.  I have talked to several over the years that gave in to those temptations and ended up terribly regretting what it cost them.

Most of you probably know someone who headed out on the road yesterday or this morning.  Pray for these co-workers and for the situations they may encounter this week.  It would probably be a tremendous encouragement to them if you texted or emailed them a note letting them know that they are in your prayers today.  Most likely they never got a message like that and it may be just what they need to get through another business trip this week.

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A New Vision for Work/Life Balance

Posted in Balance, Culture, Seven Pillars of Faith and Work, Vision, tagged , , , , , on March 15, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

We are an activity-based culture in the United States today. We are busy. Some of us complain about our busyness…some of us wear it as a badge of honor. Regardless, we need help. We need solutions. Try this on…I think it will give you a new vision (literally) for living your life with purpose, not busyness.

Do you know how this woman keeps her balance? She maintains her balance by looking not at her feet, but at the other end of the line!

When I first started driving, I would exhaust myself trying to stay in my lane. I was constantly adjusting the car in relation to the center line. But then my Dad told me to not look at the center line, but far down the road and trust myself to make the adjustments needed. I can still remember the revelation that was to my daughter when she was learning to drive.

It’s the same for us in keeping balance in our lives:  when we have our eyes on the end — where we want to arrive — then we begin to automatically make small adjustments all day long to keep on track.  Sure, the occasional squirrel will dart into the road and we’ll have to make some sudden course adjustments, but we know where we want to return.

Balance can be a tricky business, but when we’re sure of our center of gravity, and our end goal, then adjustments start to become automatic.

WorkMatters is the original brainchild of Tom Frase. He is a 20 year veteran of the advertising industry, and an ordained Methodist Pastor. He’s been there done that…he gets it.

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How is Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed Working for You?

Posted in Attitude, Balance, Prayer, Rest on March 12, 2012 | 2 Comments »

Overwhelmed.  I hear this word or something like it so often these days.  The feeling that there is just so much to do that we constantly feel under great pressure accompanied by anxiety and feelings of failure because we just can’t get it all done.  This seems to be especially true in the working world.  How many times have you heard people express something of that sort.  Probably more than you even realize as it seems to be said so often that you don’t really even “hear” it.

I have experienced this feeling so many times in my life and work that I think I have allowed myself to be deceived into almost thinking that if  I am NOT feeling this way, then I must not be DOING enough.  What a crock!  Jesus does not want us to live perpetually in this state which is entirely inconsistent with the teachings of the Prince of PEACE.

The only way I have found my way out of this state is giving up the illusion that I am in control of hardly anything.  Only through prayer am I able to mysteriously let go of the worry and anxiety that so often accompanies these times of feeling overwhelmed.  I don’t really understand how it works, I just KNOW that it does.

If you are feeling overwhelmed at work today, stop for a moment and give it to Jesus.  Lay it in His hands and he will gladly accept it and you will not only experience a sense of relief, but often times you will experience insight and new directions that, if you will be honest, you know could only have come from the Lord.

I love how Philippians 4:6-7 is stated in The Message.  It says, “Don’t fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray…….Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good will come and settle you down.  It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry as the center of your life.

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1 + 1 = 2

Posted in Balance, Bible, Faith and Work, Family, Marriage, Prayer on March 16, 2011 | 4 Comments »

We get so strung out with the incredible pace of our lives. I am living through that right now. I just got off the phone with a business leader expressing the same anxieties and frustrations.

Our work is demanding and full of pressures. We strive to be the best husbands and wives possible. Many of us have children who we deeply desire to spend time with. Some of us serve, but so often that gets back-burnered. Some make church a priority, others fit it in if possible (try having a child involved in competitive sports). And the list goes on.

Do you need help?

Last month we had a powerful message on Legacy at our Eight to Five marketplace ministry. Mark Saviers, partner in Sage Partners, took us back to the basics. It was so refreshing. (Listen to Mark’s message)

1 + 1 = 2 … it is a simple, predictable equation.

If we wake up, work out (or not), eat breakfast, and run out the door … we will have a fairly predictable outcome.

What if we added one element to that equation… a few minutes of time alone with our Father … again, I believe we will have a fairly predictable outcome.

One will yield a day spent grinding. The other a day spent grounded.

After Mark’s message, he handed me a simple booklet (50 pages) that is a powerful tool for helping us get back to the basics of a quiet time with God. It is appropriately titled, Quiet Time, by Bill Smith. You can call 501-224-3238 to order a copy (only $5).

I need 1 + 1 = 2 in my life. I need to be grounded so that I have a fighting chance to reflect Christ in my life, especially at work.

Do you?

Pick up the book…see if some quiet time spent each day reading the Bible and praying and listening will help you find 1 + 1 = 2.

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