Recharging Your Batteries

If you are like me it is often difficult to find time for personal reflection and growth. The demands of schedule and multiple priorities often get in the way of learning new things or simply relaxing from the pressures of work. This past Friday was an exception to my usually packed calendar as I attended a full-day leadership conference called Maximum Impact presented by Dr. John Maxwell’s organization. Our firm was Lead Sponsor for the Simulcast event held in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania so that made the day even more special.

Nearly 150 business, professional, and faith leaders attended to hear eight exceptional leaders and speakers share their insights and challenge the audience to practice principles and habits that will advance our lives – personally and professionally. The attendees were not disappointed as each presenter offered wisdom, experience, and practical advice about how to recharge our lives.

Where have you settled for less than the best in your life and career? What is keeping you from achieving the future you had hoped to create? Have you given up on your dreams and stopped growing? These are questions that can only be answered when we take time to recharge our leadership batteries.

The electronic world we live in would grind to a halt if we neglected to recharge the batteries that keep those devices up and running. This past week I found that out when I realized my PDA was dangerously close to losing data due to a bad connection when it was being recharged the previous night. Imagine my disappointment if a key piece of data or an important email had been lost because of my failure to check the power source.

You and I can’t be effective as leaders if we never take time to recharge – to pause for refreshment of our minds and souls through reading, praying, and attending educational conferences. The stamina required to function at a high level can’t be sustained without “down time”. Next week I will be spending about ten days on vacation, something that is a necessary routine so I can remain fresh and inspiring in my own leadership role.

Our ability to work hard, to achieve our goals, and to persevere in today’s challenging business environment requires that we maintain balance in our lives. Failure to take time for oneself will eventually catch up with any leader. Spending time with family, pursuing a favorite hobby, or sitting under the teaching of inspirational leaders are key ingredients to keeping our batteries charged.

So play a round of golf on a sunny Friday afternoon or catch up on some reading in your office. Refresh your mind, body, and spirit without feeling guilty. Your effectiveness as a leader depends on your willingness to recharge!