I’ve noticed this principle so many times in my own leadership and in working with other leaders. The more prepared I am to face a situation the less stress I have in the situation.
Take a Sunday sermon, for example. On the weeks I’m able to spend my whole Wednesday and Thursday preparing I’m far less stress when I enter my weekend about the message I’ll be delivering. And, because of that, I discipline myself as much as possible to set these days aside for study.
Of course, that’s not possible every week. There are natural interruptions in life which I can’t and shouldn’t avoid. It’s understanding the principle which is important. Because when I realize the principle I am more likely to work towards seeing it become a reality.
I schedule most of my meetings on Monday and Tuesday. I delegate as much as I can on Wednesday and Thursday. And, perhaps most important, I place on my calendar when I will be studying.
And, this is just one example. It’s also why I use checklists to plan my week and my days. It’s why I am not afraid to say no or wait to non-emergency situations. It’s why I teach the Jethro and Acts 6 principles of leadership to our church. (Look them up for reference if you need a refresher.)
I’m intentional with my schedule and my life mostly because I’ve learned – the hard way – about this important principle.
Preparation decreases stress.
And, makes me a better leader.
Where do you need to increase your preparation so you can decrease your stress?
Pastor! I read the picture this way:
"The more you are consistent and regular in your preparation over a period of time, the lesser the quantum of stress you will have. "
Secondly. we need to understand that —
'In life, things take time.'
And 'there is no overnight success; everything requires credible effort from our end.'
Good application!
I don’t think us worship leaders understand this well enough. Lots of lessons for us in this picture.
cd
Ha! Honesty is great.
I love this!
Thanks Laurinda
Instructions for both work and play!
Good one Ron…
Thanks Melissa
Stress decreases over time as preparation increases
Yes!
From an outward leadership perspective, the same illustration holds true. By allowing your team the appropriate amount of time to digest and think through business challenges (preparation) – the less stress you create in the environment . Forcing immediate responses can be bad business.
Love it!
preparation means you start earlier, but it decreases stress over time.
yes sir!
As stress decreases, preparation increases? Ah, got it: The more preparation time you have the less stress you have.
Yep!
The more you prepare, the less stress you have in the long-term. From my perspective, a pastor that prepares and knows what he is going to preach on weeks in advance will not be staring at a blank page/screen on the Thursday before. Working ahead allows time to simmer and improve, while decreasing unnecessary stress.
Amen
The more time I give to preparation, the less stress I give my time.
A lesson I learn over and over again!
Still learning for me 🙂
I get it 🙂 Might have to use it myself!
Awesome!
I'm listening, but not sure I get it.
Ha! We'll see if it's only me.