They’re unavoidable.- Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.
- There’s a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.
- The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.
- Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
5 Things Leaders Understand About Problems
Time Management for Pastors
In the last few months, I’ve been trying to figure out how I can get better at time management without adding more “stuff” into my day, but rather more time to spend with others. Here are some tips that I have been using - I hope they help you as well:Seek God Daily
If you don’t spend time reading the Bible, praying, and listening to God’s direction for your day, the rest will fail. Even full-time pastors must give priority to this. God has been directing me daily for years on the big picture things. When I get those done, I know I’ve obeyed Him and honored Him. The rest is all extras.
Find Your Hotspot Times
What are the blocks of time during the day that you are most productive? I am best in the early AM and just before dinner, so I schedule my most important work then and let the rest fill in the gaps.
Reduce Your Email, Texting, and Phone Time
Limit yourself to specific times during the day to check email. This may require some communication with those that expect immediate replies, but in the end you will be much happier and more productive (see the next point for why this works).
Work In Blocks Of Time
Computers are great at multitasking, humans are terrible at it. No matter how good you think you are at doing multiple things at once, you aren’t as good as when you focus time on one thing. I work on one thing at a time, turning my phone off, closing my email client, and shut down Twitter and IM services. This provides me with the time needed to focus my mind, think about what I need to do, determine the best course of action, do it, and finalize the details so nothing is left for the task. Give yourself blocks of time to work.
Give Yourself Time To Think
The time just before New Year’s Day is often a time of reflection. But what about time each week to reflect on what you did (and didn’t do)? Give yourself time to think about daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly strategy. This means managing your time more effectively so that you can take the appropriate time off every day, week, month, quarter, and year.
I hope these tips help you have a more productive year for your ministry!
[from Agile Ministries referred by Pastor Milton Gordon]
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