Have you ever seen those leaders who just seem to always be “on”. They seem to have an endless amount of energy, inspiration and drive. There may be some people who can live that way however they usually have a trail of broken relationships behind them.
Like anyone leaders life journey has seasons of highs and lows. There are times, I beat my head against the wall because I just can locate my leadership mojo. My creativity is gone, my energy is low and I just don’t want to “people”. However, I can’t just tell the people I lead that I’m taking a break from leading…you have to find a way to lead through the dry seasons.
Here are a few ways that help me…
READ – Leaders are readers. I always have 2 books in my bag or by my bed. I will always try to learn more about faith, theology or inspiration. I also keep a book on leadership or a biography or a history. For example, I just finished a Biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer (which could count as a theology book OR Biography) and CS Lewis’ book Miracles. Now I am working on a biography of Alexander Hamilton and the book Encounters with Jesus by Timothy Keller. Obviously I also encourage you to have a Bible reading plan. Either reading through the bible in a year or pick a book of the bible to study. It is a vital part of your life of a christian and a leader.
REST – There are some leaders who can function on 4 hours of sleep and when you hear of those leaders you may feel the pressure to do the same. The fact is that different people can function on different amounts of sleep. My wife can function highly on 4-5 hours of sleep. I will rip your face off for no reason if I don’t get at least 6-8 hours. However, knowing that I work hard at controlling my schedule to allow me to get rest.
WRITE – I know journalling is so 1990’s and I don’t journal daily but when I get into a dry season I will simply write…write about nothing…just put pen to paper or type it out…as you write, your thoughts will open up and may reveal some things that are hidden under the stresses of the norm.
WORSHIP – A few weeks ago, I picked up my guitar and my old song book from my early youth ministry days and just worshipped my heart out…so maybe find a song that resonates with you and just blast it loud and worship the Lord, you’d be amazed how worship, prayer and study will dislodge the funk you are in.
The most important thing to know if you are in a dry season is to know that seasons change and to know that the rains of creativity and blessings are around the corner. So, read, rest, write and worship and know that leadership is not a position it is a calling.
Those are my tips, what do you do to get through the dry seasons?
Sean Rheaume 