Don’t you feel like every blog you read has at least a few posts that start with that sentence? Life gets busy! It’s tough sometimes to not let the immediate needs overtake the desired goals in your life. For instance, one of my desired goals is to make ChurchTechStuff.com an awesome resource that spills over with resources, great info, and conversation that helps all us church media people do what we do better. BUT, the immediate is overtaking me.

I do feel like I have some pretty good excuses. My wife and I are expecting our 1st child in October, and while I’m PUMPED about being a dad, the amount of classes, work in the to-be nursery, and other items that relates to the baby has been tough on the calendar. In addition, work has become incredibly busy. In September, we’re moving to a concurrent worship service format, which means a complete rewire of our video system, an overhaul of the video control room, and lots of other organizational changes to make that successful. It’s an exciting time no doubt, but stressful as well. I have a pretty high tolerance for this stuff, but sometimes it just seems to paralyze you! If you are feeling or have ever felt this way, read on!

I thought this was an excellent reason to begin a conversation surrounding how we stay successful with our tasks even when things get busy. Here are a few that I’ve learned along the way:

Plan: Know What’s Down The Road

Nothing is worse than finding out the week of that you are slammed – that ten things need to get done and you only have time for five of them. This seems simple, but it is a constant struggle for many. Keep an accurate calendar and task list. Intentionally be having conversations about events and plans that are weeks and months into the future. Sometimes the discussions can lead to a more stressful mindset since it seems more is happening now than actually is, but in the long run, you are further ahead and have a better buffer for the unknown.

Delegate: You Can’t Do It All

I’ve tried this – it’s not possible. The extent of what gets accomplished has a hard ceiling of what you’re capable of when you go it alone. More than that – don’t just delegate the easy stuff. Look to empower others to LEAD in areas. Yes, that means letting go a bit. In the long run, your team will be so much more effective when you aren’t the one and only, creating a bottleneck for everything. PLUS, when you begin to get overwhelmed, it happens slower and less things are affected by your personal overload.

Trust: You Weren’t Made To Be Self-Sufficient

Above all, tell God that you’re stressed. Ask Him to provide the peace that only He can provide. Rely on Him to lead your steps and to provide you strength. The American macho-man mentality that we have to internalize everything and be self-sufficient is not a Biblical principle. We’re called to be meek and humble, trusting in God’s strength above our own.

What do you think? How do you handle stressful times? What works and what doesn’t?

So, its been a long time since the last time this blog was updated…

Don’t you feel like every blog you read has at least a few posts that start with that sentence? Life gets busy! It’s tough sometimes to not let the immediate needs overtake the desired goals in your life. For instance, one of my desired goals is to make ChurchTechStuff.com an awesome resource that spills over with resources, great info, and conversation that helps all us church media people do what we do better. BUT, the immediate is overtaking me.

I do feel like I have some pretty good excuses. My wife and I are expecting our 1st child in October, and while I’m PUMPED about being a dad, the amount of classes, work in the to-be nursery, and other items that relates to the baby has been tough on the calendar. In addition, work has become incredibly busy. In September, we’re moving to a concurrent worship service format, which means a complete rewire of our video system, an overhaul of the video control room, and lots of other organizational changes to make that successful. It’s an exciting time no doubt, but stressful as well. I have a pretty high tolerance for this stuff, but sometimes it just seems to paralyze you! If you are feeling or have ever felt this way, read on!

I thought this was an excellent reason to begin a conversation surrounding how we stay successful with our tasks even when things get busy. Here are a few that I’ve learned along the way:

Plan: Know What’s Down The Road

Nothing is worse than finding out the week of that you are slammed – that ten things need to get done and you only have time for five of them. This seems simple, but it is a constant struggle for many. Keep an accurate calendar and task list. Intentionally be having conversations about events and plans that are weeks and months into the future. Sometimes the discussions can lead to a more stressful mindset since it seems more is happening now than actually is, but in the long run, you are further ahead and have a better buffer for the unknown.

Delegate: You Can’t Do It All

I’ve tried this – it’s not possible. The extent of what gets accomplished has a hard ceiling of what you’re capable of when you go it alone. More than that – don’t just delegate the easy stuff. Look to empower others to LEAD in areas. Yes, that means letting go a bit. In the long run, your team will be so much more effective when you aren’t the one and only, creating a bottleneck for everything. PLUS, when you begin to get overwhelmed, it happens slower and less things are affected by your personal overload.

Trust: You Weren’t Made To Be Self-Sufficient

Above all, tell God that you’re stressed. Ask Him to provide the peace that only He can provide. Rely on Him to lead your steps and to provide you strength. The American macho-man mentality that we have to internalize everything and be self-sufficient is not a Biblical principle. We’re called to be meek and humble, trusting in God’s strength above our own.

What do you think? How do you handle stressful times? What works and what doesn’t?