8 Tips for Moving from Good to Great
“Good is the enemy of the great.” Jim Collins, Good To Great
My 10-year-old son loves the AT&T commercials about “Just okay is not okay…” He has memorized the commercial, and when someone in the family says, “I’m okay.” He quickly yells out, “JUST OKAY IS NOT OKAY!” and then continues rambling off the commercial.
What a great reminder.
God expects us to be fruitful in our lives, and He is speaking to our hearts, saying that “Just okay is not okay.” Let’s reflect on that for a moment. Think about the answer to these questions…
How are your key relationships? Just okay?
How is your ministry? Just okay?
How is your personal life? Just okay?
JUST OKAY IS NOT OKAY!
John 15:1-2 (NASB) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”
JUST OKAY IS NOT OKAY!
Here are eight tips for moving from good (okay) to Great in your life and ministry.
8 Tips for Moving from Good to Great
Fill Up Your Schedule. Stop wasting time.
As a life coach, I live by my google calendar, and I’ve learned to leverage it to be as effective as possible. I’m not perfect, and I have missed appt. from time to time. However, I have learned that I will more than likely follow-through if I have something on my schedule. I use my calendar to schedule meetings, personal time (like workouts or reading or devotional work), and time with key relationships. I have found that if I fill up my daily calendar and keep it visible, then I won’t waste time on other items that draw my attention.
Eat Problems for Breakfast
Alfred Montapert is credited with the concept of eating problems for breakfast. The idea is that first thing Monday morning; you attack your most daunting issues, first thing! Again, put it on the schedule and make that phone call you have been avoiding or reply to the email you have been putting off.
Keep On Learning and Growing
Part of the adulthood character structure is taking responsibility for your personal and professional growth. So, put yourself into a position to NEVER stop growing and learning. Go to a conference, continue your education, find an expert or life coach (I know a good one 😊), or…
Read
Whether it’s an e-book, physical book, or an audiobook, make a habit of reading—all kinds of books. I currently read a few chapters of the bible, a chapter of a marketing or business book, a chapter or two of a coaching book, and a chapter or two of a spiritual life growth book EACH DAY. I read books about my hobbies and books on being a good dad or husband. Where do you want to see an increase in your life? Find a book about it and start reading or listening.
Turn off the TV and Video Games
I can’t tell you how less stressful my life has been since I turned off the TV and stopped watching the nightly news. I wrote a blog post about cutting cable, and you can find it here. Also, video games are excellent for a season, and then it’s time to put them aside.
Get to Bed earlier and wake up earlier
If you want to eat problems for breakfast, go to bed earlier and get up early. There is a lot of recent science about the health benefits of a good night’s sleep.
Bring the Energy
You are ridiculously in charge of your life, and it’s your responsibility to bring energy every day to your ministry. However, to be able to bring the energy, you need to get re-charged regularly.
How is your ratio of output (responsibilities) to input (resources)? If your output ratio is larger than your input, you are headed for burnout (if you’re not there already). Let’s talk. I want to help you bring the energy in the ministry you lead – Your church needs it!
Never Give Up
I know ministry can be a meat grinder. I’ve been there. Don’t give up. If you’re down (emotionally) right now, sit in it, don’t deny it, and then learn from it and get up and keep plugging away. One. Positive. Step. Forward.
Let’s Talk
I want to help you reach your goals in ministry. Let’s start a coaching engagement. I offer group coaching or private sessions. What’s more, I guarantee that you will be satisfied!
Give me a call or email today. The first session is FREE!
231-499-9069 / [email protected]
Notes:
Collins, Jim (2001). Good to Great, Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t. Harper Business.
