If there’s one things I believe I’ve learned through the years it’s wisdom in pacing myself; moving at a challenging but not insane pace. I don’t want to burn out or rust out but live out.
“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.”
~ Romans 12:11 The Message
Dan Rockwell shares some excellent ideas on steady leadership that is paced well!
Originally published by Dan Rockwell
“Steady-on.” That’s what my friend Dave says when you ask, “How ya doin’?” Dave works at farmer-pace. He wouldn’t win any sprints. I’ve done a couple things with Dave, and I can testify that he’s steady. If you’re in a hurry, relax.
Usain Bolt, is the fastest human alive. Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathoner in the world. Usain would leave Eliud in the dust, if the race was short. If the race lasted two hours, Usain wouldn’t finish unless he slowed down.
If you want to finish a long race, slow down. Athletes can’t perform at 100% capacity 100% of the time, and you can’t either. For the record, saying you’re giving 110% is hyperbole. In reality, it’s impossible to give 101%.
Dave is steady-on because he goes to work before breakfast. Some days he works till after dinner. We visited once when some cows got out. We helped get them back in as the sun was going down.
Steady-on leadership:
#1. Get real about pace.
Life is hard when you’re tired.
Fatigue lowers performance, even when you give it everything you’ve got. People who over-work get less done than people who understand pace.
Exhausted runners get left in the dust at the end of a race. They’re giving it everything they’ve got, but 100% effort isn’t much after fatigue sets in.
A two-hour task takes three hours when you’re tired.
#2. Schedule priorities.
What’s the most important thing for you today? If you don’t know your priorities, you’re wasting time and squandering talent.
Get to it. Don’t piddle around before doing important work.
#3. Fuel the machine.
Replenish energy before you run out of gas. Eat healthy snacks. Take breaks. Go home before you’re exhausted.
What comes to mind when you think about steady-on leadership?
Recent Comments