Ten Things Healthy Leaders Do Daily
A few years ago, I had the opportunity of attending a pastors and wives retreat led by Dr. and Mrs. Steve Gaines. It was incredibly refreshing.
During one of our sessions, Dr. Gaines shared his “10-Step Growth Plan” that he tries to accomplish daily. It impacted and challenged me, and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you.
It’s not what you can do in A day, but EVERY day that matters. Plan your day and work your plan.
Here are ten things healthy leaders do daily:
1. Read the Bible
Use a Bible reading plan and read the Bible every day. The audio feature of the Bible app is especially helpful for Bible reading while you’re driving or exercising.
2. Pray
Talk with the Lord. Pray the Scriptures. Look at your church’s prayer list. Use a prayer journal. Do one or all of these.
3. Exercise
I recently started walking daily and it has really refreshed me both physically and mentally.
4. Eat Well
This isn’t easy. I struggle with it. Most of us have a hard time eating with wisdom. Make it a point of daily intentionality. Our bodies are the temple of God!
5. Pray with my wife, tell her I love her, and talk with her.
Last Sunday night, on Mother’s Day, Charity and I sat on our patio, and we had a pleasant conversation about the Lord and general theology together. I went to sleep thinking about how much I enjoyed us just laughing together and talking about the Lord. Sometimes, our conversations are deep and other times they are mundane. I just love talking with her.
6. Write an encouraging note
If you’re a frequent reader of my website, you know I’m huge on handwritten notes. They mean the world to people.
7. Do my work
Make a task list. Then, prioritize it. Then, execute it. Work heartily unto the Lord!
8. Read
In addition to your Bible reading, read at least 30 minutes a day. If you’re an audio learner, listen to a book for at least 30 minutes a day with the Audible app. I’m reading two books right now and they’re both encouraging me. I’m reading Criswell: His Life and Times by O. S. Hawkins and The Whole Counsel of God: Why and How to Preach the Entire Bible by Tim Patrick and Andrew Reid.
9. Give something to somebody every day.
There’s no better way to build a culture of generosity in your organization or family than to give every day. Give money, or prayer, or something every day. Be a giver!
10. Share my testimony or the Gospel with someone.
If God has called you to be a fisher of men, then go fishing every day. Have you ever been around someone who is really into fishing? They talked about it obsessively. They talk about their boat, lures, bait, etc.
Beg God for a passion for souls. Be a soul winner.
If you do these ten things every day, just think of the way your life and your family’s life will change in the long-term. I reiterate: Plan your work and work your plan. Now, you have a plan . . . work it!