Loads to Manage

Our generation, the jet age has mandated us to have a proper understanding of what and how to manage. Think about it. We have time management, financial management, relational management, weight management, career management, and many, many more.

The fact is though, that we don’t manage any of those things. What we do manage is ourselves, as they relate to those things. We don’t manage time. Time clicks by, second by second, whether we do anything or not. What we do is manage ourselves, and our activities, as the time passes. We make choices as to what we will do and be involved in. The problem as well as the solution lies not with time, but with us.

We don’t manage money. A pile of money will sit there forever if left alone. It won’t grow or shrink. What we manage is ourselves and the decisions we make in regard to how we will spend the money.
So as we live our lives and pursue success, one of the keys to grab on to is the idea that the most important thing we can manage isn’t a thing at all – it is our self!

Know your priorities and schedule your priorities into your schedule or budget or whatever structure governs that area of your life. Remember, one of the greatest gifts God gave us is the ability to choose. And we can choose to manage ourselves appropriately and according to our priorities. As we do, we will find ourselves feeling less and less of the personal pain and frustration that we feel when we are out of control.

Prioritize and lead well.

Decision At The Speed of Light

Several nations come to a standstill during the World Cup soccer tournament, as people pause from their daily routine to tune into the football action. Part of the excitement comes from the fact that games are often decided by a single goal. One well-timed kick can make all the difference.

With such a small margin separating victory and defeat, the decisions made by referees play a significant role in determining the outcome of a match. This is particularly true when two players collide within the penalty box, and officials must determine whether or not a foul has been committed. If so, a penalty shot is awarded and one team gains a golden opportunity to score a goal.

With tens of thousands of spectators in the stadium, and millions of fans watching on television, referees are under immense pressure to make the right call. Whatever decision they make will be subject to endless scrutiny and fierce criticism.

Like soccer refs, leaders eventually face situations that require making a tough call. Each tough call has the following in common:
- It demands a risk.
- It will be second-guessed and criticized.
- It is costly.
- If made correctly, a tough call will lead to a breakthrough that lifts your leadership to a higher level.

You’re not making smart decisions if you’re always giving the go-ahead or thumbs-up. By saying “yes” to everyone; you’re not being helpful and empowering. Instead, you’re irresponsibly robbing resources from what matters most.