The Pace of a Leader

Leadership requires constant energy and attention. There are endless amounts of tasks, inner-personal struggles, and the next strategies that need to be created. The work of a leader is never done.

Not only are there endless tasks, there is pressure to reach goals, perform at a certain level, and meet the expectations of partners, peers, or a governing board. Being a leader can be a hazardous occupation. The temptation is to continue to push harder and work all the time in order to keep up with all the demands.

Since the emails and projects never end, leaders are often prone to lose track of time and work extremely long hours–often working well after their families have gone off to bed. This causes the leader to lose valuable sleep.

The problem with this non-stop work is that, without even realizing it, we end up living at an unsustainable pace. We stop taking care of our bodies. Physically, our diet and exercise begin to be neglected, and our sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice. Spiritually, we stop paying attention and stop monitoring our relationship and time with God. Many leaders find themselves burned out.

Burnout can manifest in many different ways including:

• A moral failure of some degree
• Addictions manifested
• Inner-personal problems with other team members causing division in the organization
• Physical problems (fatigue, headaches, ulcers, nausea, chronic pain)
• Emotional problems (fear, anxiety, depression, panic attacks)

The good news is—it doesn’t have to be this way! We can be strong leaders without ending up in burnout. I believe the answer is to create a sustainable pace through the right rhythms.

Here are 4 rhythms that I have implemented in my life to avoid burnout and stay healthy:

1. A Daily Rhythm

This is daily time dedicated to growing yourself–spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I personally begin with reading scriptures each morning and journaling a few thoughts about what I read. I spend time in quiet reflection and praying. This daily rhythm ensures that my soul is being fed and filled up because I believe you cannot give what you don’t have. I also have a scheduled time of daily exercise. Being physically fit will ensure that you have the energy that leadership demands.

2. A Weekly Rhythm

Every one of us needs a 24-hour period each week that we are not working. Biblically, it’s referred to as a sabbath meaning an entire day we are not doing work or producing any type of work product. For me, this day is every Friday. I don’t do any work, and I spend time doing things that help me connect with God and fill my soul. I spend time doing things that bring me joy; for instance, I hang out with my wife, sometimes I meet up with friends, and I also take a big nap. During this weekly rhythm, time is also spent reflecting on Who God is and what He’s done in my life. This will cultivate my love for Him.

3. A Quarterly Rhythm

This rhythm would be a two- or three-day break. This is an extended time you would spend reflecting and evaluating on what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Part of this time is spent doing a self-check in to see if you’re on track and feeling good. During this break, I try to ask myself questions. Am I focusing on the right things? Am I spending time with the right people? Am I allocating my time correctly? One of my favorite ways to do this is to visit a monastery and spend time in silence and solitude. Be sure wherever you go that you take your journals and calendar with you, look at your quarter, and make any adjustments necessary. You can spend time reading books that are sharpening and replenishing you, and you may even schedule time to talk to a coach or a spiritual advisor during this quarterly rhythm.

4. A Yearly Rhythm.

During your yearly rhythm, you should take a full week (or two if you can afford it) away from any type of production. You could call this a vacation. This is a time that you are calling a time out from producing any work product. During this yearly rhythm, I make a point not to engage on my email, problem solve, strategize, or work on any projects. During this time, it’s vital (for your health and the health of your teams) to step away from the management of the organization you lead and allow others to step in and lead for that one- or two-week period.

These four rhythms, if implemented consistently over the lifetime of your leadership, will sustain you physically, spiritually, and emotionally so that you can lead well for a long time. The first person you must lead well is you—not your organization or your team. It’s your responsibility, and no one will do it for you. If you are stressed out, burned out, and tired, you’re not going to be able to lead the organization to realize its highest potential.