Top on the list of things which rob people of their joy is…Overcommitment. This is especially important to consider during the holiday season. Personally, if I am not careful, I can slip into this trap very quickly. Perhaps you already have. Has the holiday season crept up on you before you were fully ready to embrace it? Has shopping, planning, parties, and cooking been added to your already active agenda? Do you find yourself exhausted trying to keep up with everything as you sense your ‘joy’ meter entering the red zone? This trend needs to be reversed if you intend to uncover purpose in your everyday life.
The bible says the joy of the lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). There are several practical things you can do in order to climb out of the pit of overcommitment. As I share these principles I encourage you to implement them into your daily routine. I trust as you do so, you will soon find yourself back on track, full of joy, and embracing each day to the fullest. Finding purpose in your everyday life does not happen by chance, you have to be intentional about uncovering it. If you are weak and tired this is going to be difficult to accomplish.
Principle #1: Grace Card
Give yourself an extra measure of Grace! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Even though you know better than to fill your plate to overflowing, the needs around you can appear greater than your need to rest. This is deceptive. Here is when you pull out the grace card! Simply accept the fact you are merely one piece of the puzzle called life, and God is ultimately in control. Seek God daily for what he would have you do, and leave all else in his hands (Isaiah 26:3).
Principle #2: Do not try to please everyone
Re-evaluate your commitments! As you look over your schedule of appointments…Prioritize. Separate those things which are legitimately your responsibility from those things you feel obligated to participate in. Be honest with yourself here. The obligation can be self imposed or it can actually be an expectation someone else is holding out for you. Obligatory task need to be re-evaluated for merit. You will never be able to please everyone all the time…so stop trying! Stay true to your personal convictions (Galatians 1:10).
Principle #3: Ask for help
Pride is a sneaky culprit to productivity. If you find it difficult to delegate tasks or simply ask for help you may want to consider your motivation for doing it all alone. Is is pride? Do you think it is a sign of weakness or incompetence to ask for help? Both are poor excuses which lead you down a path of being overworked and unproductive. Don’t rob someone else of their blessing by being too stubborn to ask for help. It is more blessed to give than to receive, so allow someone to give of their time or resources to help you and in return they too will be blessed (Philippians 2:4).
Principle #4: Progress not perfection
When you are tackling projects be sure to block off a certain amount of time to accomplish each task. Set allotted amounts of time to complete items such as calls, meetings, visits, shopping, planning etc. Be sure you are sticking to your predetermined schedule as not to spend unnecessary time in any one area. Be sure you are aiming at progress not perfection. It is easy to get caught up in being ‘perfect’ that you actually squander time which would better be used elsewhere. Time is a precious commodity, be sure not to waste it (Ephesians 5:15).
Principle #5: Live at peace with others
This principle is Key to successfully overcoming the addictive tendencies to overcommit. Living at peace with others affords you the freedom to live your life and stand by your convictions while allowing others to do the same. Though an opportunity may be a ‘good thing’ it may not be a ‘right choice’ for YOU! If you lack peace, spend more time in consideration (John 14:27).
Always seek the wisdom of God in all your decision making processes. God promises to lead, guide and direct your steps as you acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Remember you have an adversary who is out to steal your joy. Don’t allow that to happen. Use the Grace Card, don’t’ try to please everyone, ask for help, seek progress over perfection, and always choose peace. In doing so you will find your ‘joy’ meter filled to overflowing!
May your days be filled with love, joy and peace rather than an overcommitted schedule.
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
Which of these principles can you put to work on your behalf this week?
Be sure to “Join the Team” so we can stay connected!
Leave a Reply