Have you ever gotten to the end of a busy day—one in which you rushed breathlessly from task to task—and asked yourself, “Where did the time go today?” It’s not that the things you did weren’t important, but you wonder if they were the most important? Sure, that’s a tension every ministry leader feels from time to time. That’s why today on the Think Orange Podcast, we’re talking all about how to maximize the time we have.
First we’ll hear from Will Hutcherson on what it looks like to juggle multiple ministry responsibilities and why it’s important to focus on what’s most essential in our lives. Then Frank Bealer joins us for a practical conversation on how to switch from a to-do list to a calendar-oriented system. Frank challenges us to take control of the time we have, so we can eliminate chaos from our lives and invest more fully in our ministries and families.
Welcome to Episode 39 of the Think Orange Podcast.
Topic Timeline:
Will Hutcherson talks about mastering the art of juggling multiple ministries (7:22)
We look at our time through the lens of our responsibilities (10:57)
If our only method of time management is reprioritizing, the eventual outcome will be that we drop everything (14:20)
Start by asking the question, “How can I multiply my time?” (16:25)
Explanation of the ideal workweek (17:30)
The concept of “essentialization” (19:45)
You and only you are responsible for the care and health of your soul (21:25)
Interview with Frank Bealer (23:12)
Being realistic and not lying to yourself and your family about what your schedule actually looks like (25:02)
Using a calendar as opposed to a to-do list (27:50)
You don’t need to color-code your calendar because you only have one life (31:45)
Scheduling family time (34:09)
Understanding where the time went today can increase productivity tomorrow (38:11)
How conscientious time management benefits your family (43:02)
Don’t hesitate to ask the question, “When do you need this by?” (44:30)
Clarify the timeline in which you need things from others (47:21)
How to schedule your time, but still be spontaneous (48:35)
Having your calendar under control is a gift to those who work with and for you (49:44)
Showing restraint with when you check your calendar, social media, and email (52:44)
How to utilize “dead times” like your commute or travel (54:28)
Making the transition from work to home (57:30)
As you adjust your calendar, sometimes you’ll get it wrong because it takes time to find your rhythm (1:01:02)
Explanation of Myth of Balance Workshop that begins January 16 (1:01:51)
Dave and Kevin’s final thoughts (1:03:48)
Final challenge: Ask yourself why you feel tension between your family and other priorities on your to-do list (1:08:16)
