Do you remember watching the ‘Jetsons’, the cartoon about the future? Meet George Jetson…Jane, his wife… his son Elroy…daughter Judy. And the most famous of them all the dog named Astro. I have not seen the cartoon since I was a kid, but I will never forget the scene during the credits where Astro pulls George while he is on the treadmill. George ends up going around and around the belt because he cannot keep up. Remember that?
Figuratively, we all get caught up in the treadmill of life. We may jump on it thinking WE have control of the pace, but eventually it gets going so fast that we simply can’t keep up. We can do it for a while but eventually, we wear out.
The breakdown in our lives begins to show in how we respond to others. It shows in our decision-making. It shows in our words, our actions, and even our health.
We must choose to change, to readjust, to intentionally go in a different direction.
Leaders choose to control their schedules. They choose to say no to some things in order to say yes to others. They choose to schedule themselves on THEIR calendar knowing that if they don’t take care of themselves they can’t take care of others. Leaders choose to ensure they have time for those in every area of their lives not just their teams and family.
What speed are you at? Are you keeping up the pace or is your foot beginning to slip? Are you afraid to slow down, enjoy the day God has given you and take care of yourself?
Only YOU can take that ownership…no one else will do it for you. Quite the contrary, if you are willing to do things, others will ask and let you….and the pace just keeps on picking up. Learn to say “No”, learn to delegate, and learn to ask for help.
Be intentional to evaluate your schedule weekly and even daily. Learn not to over commit. Learn to take care of YOU.
When we are our best selves, we are better at caring for others in our lives, we are better leaders, managers, and problem solvers. We are not too tired or burned out to invest and influence another.
Everyday leaders control the speed of their lives. They know that when they do, they are more equipped to make a difference in the life of those around them and those they lead!.
Filed under: leadership Tagged: Astro, Cathy Berggren, George Jetson, influence, intentional, no, schedule, speed, tired
