Life has a way of rearranging your schedule without your permission.
First, allow me to apologize to my blog family for not posting in a while. I’ve been extremely busy setting up our community development corporation, pastoring, meetings, shuttling my children to their events, being a husband…you get the picture. So, I thought I’d start Monday’s post with a question everyone has thought about:
Currently, I serve as the Senior Pastor of the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago. Contrary to what many believe, pastoring Mars Hill is more than preaching, counseling, and praying. Aside from my pastoral duties, it can be compared to running a small business.
Yesterday, I received a phone call regarding my productivity habits & tools, thoughts on computer hardware, life hacking, and advice for young pastors, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The questions are as follows:
Currently, I carry a Tumi Laptop Briefcase. It’s the Alpha Expandable Leather Organizer Model. I know this bag is rather expensive, but, after carrying cheaper bags, it’s worth the investment. Tumi bags are always sleek, modern, stylish, and durable. The Alpha model is not exception, with its bold, black, streamlined look. It excelled at each challenge I set for it. Trust me, you’ll enjoy this bag for decades.
I have such a crowded life and crowded schedule. When people send me a link with a gadget, I’ll look at it and buy it if it looks interesting, but I don’t have time to check out everything I’d like to. Currently, I use the following:
Currently, I use Apple Mail, but, lately I’ve grown fond of Gmail. It has an excellent spam filter and I can access it from any computer anywhere in the world.
My browser of choice is currently Firefox. I do not use Windows Explorer (WE) and may switch to Google Chrome (Mac Version). WE has too many security issues for me and I don’t like its current interface. If they improve WE with Windows 7, I may look at it again.
Who you’ll be in five years depends on:
So WHAT are you doing today?
First, I want to thank my web/blog designers Chris and Erin for designing an incredible site. Thank you Chris for masterfully handling the coding and hacking. Also, thanks Erin for the design work – especially the color selection. My web designers, Chris and Erin of Arcane Palette Creative Design, spent the last two weeks porting my blog from TypePad (my previous blogging platform) to WordPress. This has been a big project-much bigger than I expected. Oh, I only wished I had started with WordPress when I began blogging two years ago. You’ll notice several changes:
IT'S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP…
So far you've learned:
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
TODAY:
3. NEVER MAKE AN IMPORTANT DECISION AFTER 3PM
Make meaningful decisions in the morning to early afternoon. Numerous studies have shown the mind to be most alert during the first few hours of the day. As the workday wears on, you will be tired, sluggish, and tend to rush through decisions because you are not thinking clearly. So try to avoid making important decisions after 3pm. Consider this time the end of your day. If you have the option, always ask to sleep on big decisions. This gives you time to consider all factors and make an informed decision in the morning.
4. BE STRATEGIC
Having a strategy is synonymous with developing a plan of action. A strategy serves as a guiding force when you are faced with decisions that have many factors. Therefore, developing a strategy for attacking multifaceted decisions is absolutely necessary. In fact, don’t allow yourself to make a single decision until you have a plan. First figure out how you will make your selections and then begin to make your choices based on the criteria you’ve established.
So, how are you doing?
Recent scientific studies indicate that emotions play a HUGE role in decision-making. Furthermore, decision-making is an involved process and one that is critically important to master if a person wants to be successful.
They find that making good decisions leads to enjoyment and self-confidence. Successful people enjoy the decision-making process itself and consider it be an excellent and challenging way to constantly resharpen their minds and skills.
This week I will share two principles each day that will help you make wiser decisions. Again, if you will dedicate one week to
both principles, in 5-6 weeks you'll be a different & successful
person.
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
When working toward your goals, you may easily get derailed when a tempting situation presents itself. Though it is difficult to refrain from doing something you want in the moment, it is important to exhibit discipline. Some examples include postponing dining out, weekend getaways, and shopping sprees when you're trying to save for a home. Continued commitment to your long-term goals is necessary if you desire to be successful.
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
It is impossible to know for certain how a particular decision will turn out. It is, however, possible to predict what might happen. Predicting outcomes is a valuable tool when deciding between several options. For example, if you are deciding to pursue an advanced degree, consider the outcome of your options. Law school is an expensive investment ($150,000 for 3 years) but can help increase your earning potential later in life. Determine how much time you have before making the decision. Use 90% of that time thinking & considering the outcome – THEN DECIDE!
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I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if you have any specific requirements or changes you'd like to make.
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