How To Be Less Productive
Last week I blogged about how busyness has a way of sucking the life out of me. I suggested that being less productive can actually lead to more enjoyment out of life. But how do you take a step back when you have so many demands on your time? Here’s what I do:
1. Downtime During Work Hours
Yes, I admit it takes discipline. But for me it works. Home life is just as busy as life at church. So, when I feel overwhelmed, I take some time off during the day and go read a book, take a walk, pray or listen to a podcast. I have to remind myself that the work at church NEVER gets done. There is always something else around the corner. Can’t get away during the day? Talk to your executive pastor and request the freedom to do it when needed. It will keep you healthy in the long run.
2. Work Remotely
As often as possible, I get office stuff done offsite. Less distractions, better focus and a relaxed atmosphere are a few of the benefits. My favorite places are the beach or a coffee shop. Everybody wants to chat with you or complain about something when around the office. So, work out an arrangement where you can work offsite (get a laptop) one day or half a day a week. Makes a big difference!
3. Find Your Rythym
We all have different tolerance levels for productivity. What’s yours? Know it and when you feel off balance, make adjustments right away.
4. Days Off
I worked 10 plus years six days a week and putting in an average of 50-60 hours a week and out doing church programs 2-3 nights a week. Unfortunately, that is the norm these days and a recipe for disaster. I almost cost me my marriage and family. These days I have 2 days off a week, work an average of 40 hours/week and only out one night a week. I feel a sense of balance. But when I took the position I was clear upfront of these two things being #1 priority. Had I been at my prior church, I would have requested to make a change in schedule as a matter of survival. I believe a lack of attention to a 40 hour work week, two days off and minimum nights a week is the #1 reason most people burn out within 5 years. If you want to have staying power in ministry, find a pace that works for you and fight for two days off a week. It’s so worth it!
5. Take a Sabattical
I read a book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, which suggested every full time pastor or staff member at a church should take a sabattical every 5-7 years. I completely agree! The problem is that most churches, except some main line denominations, don’t offer this. I recommend taking it anyway. I took a year and a half off of full-time ministry. In that time period, I worked a 9-5 job in the business world requiring no nights nor weekends. I learned so much about myself, family, church, God…everything. The longer you are on staff at a church full-time, the longer you lose touch with reality. My identity was so much wrapped up in my job as a pastor. I was burnt out for years without realizing it. It was nice to be a normal human being that no one expected anything of. I could just exist. Sound good? Figure out a way to get out of full-time ministry for an extended period of time every 5-7 years. If you don’t, you’ll either burn out or miss out on the benefits of taking a step back.
6. Slow Down
If you’re always working at a super fast speed, then slow down. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You might be doing too much or you might have perfection issues (been there, done that). Keep it slow, take long lunches, sense God’s presence around you, have lunch with your spouse during the day and enjoy the journey.
I could write a book on this subject. But that’s enough for now. A lot of other tips have been talked about and written about in the Christian world. So, odds are you’ve heard it and maybe even taught it. Good idea to follow the advice of: taking a sabbath, learn the art of saying NO, etc. I just wanted to share with you some things you maybe haven’t considered. Hope it was helpful.