Preparing for Impact, Not Just Busyness
Think about how you gear up for a significant event, a packed workday, or a crucial meeting. Do you meticulously plan, gather your resources, and mentally prepare? Or do you find yourself rushing in, hoping to keep your head above water?
Far too often, I hear from leaders who are caught in a relentless cycle of back-to-back commitments. They recount a whirlwind of meetings and events, a testament to their activity. Yet, I can't help but wonder: in that constant motion, were they truly present? Were they operating from a place of strategic intention, or simply reacting to the demands of the moment?
The truth is, a packed calendar isn't necessarily a sign of effectiveness. In fact, it can be a recipe for burnout and diminished impact. Your schedule needs whitespace – those intentional blank spaces that allow for reflection, preparation, and yes, even rest. Give yourself permission to step back, breathe, and recharge.
The importance of this principle isn't a modern invention. We see it echoed throughout scripture:
Mark 6:30-32: After the intense experience of their first missionary journeys, Jesus didn't immediately send the twelve disciples back out. Instead, He urged them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." Even in the midst of crucial ministry, Jesus recognized the necessity of separation and rest for His team.
Luke 6:12-13: Before making the pivotal decision of choosing His twelve apostles, Jesus didn't rush into it. Luke tells us, "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God." He prioritized solitude and communion with the Father before making a decision that would shape the course of history.
Luke 22:39-44: In the agonizing hours leading up to his arrest, Jesus didn't frantically try to accomplish more tasks. Instead, He sought solitude and prayer on the Mount of Olives. Even in the face of immense emotional turmoil, He understood the power of connecting with God and preparing His spirit for what lay ahead.
These biblical examples highlight a profound truth: preparation often involves stepping away, not just pressing forward. It's in the pauses that we gain clarity, renew our strength, and align our actions with intention.
So, how can you apply this to your leadership and your daily life?
Audit your calendar: Identify areas where you can create more whitespace. Are there meetings that can be shorter, less frequent, or even eliminated?
Schedule "preparation blocks": Intentionally block out time before important meetings or events to review materials, strategize, and center yourself.
Prioritize rest: Treat rest as a non-negotiable part of your schedule, not a luxury to be squeezed in if time allows.
Embrace solitude: Find moments for quiet reflection and connection, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply a few moments of stillness.
Leading with presence and impact requires more than just showing up. It demands intentional preparation, which often begins with the power of the pause. Give yourself the gift of whitespace, and you'll find yourself leading with greater clarity, energy, and effectiveness.
How do you intentionally create space in your schedule for preparation and rest?