3 Stages to Redeeming Your Time: Solve problems, Make Decisions, Plan Effectively.

Work consists of three primary activities: problem solving, decision making, and planning. In his book 30 Days to Confident Leadership Bob Biehl shares a method of time management built around these three aspects of work. I use Biehls' method when I teach my PhD students how to more effectively manage their time. Today I'm sharing with you the important steps to take and questions to ask to ensure that you are making the most of your time at all three stages.

1. Problem solving. This is past oriented. What went wrong? A problem is something that went contrary to expectations. It is often manifested in what I like to call "the law of unintended consequences." Dr. Phil often puts it this way, "how's that working for you?" Point: it's not.

When Solving Problems:

• Learn to ask questions.
• Ask, in one sentence, "what is the problem?"
• What are the facts related to this problem?
• Why does the problem exist?
• Who can help me solve this problem?
• What resources can I bring to bear on this problem?
• Of all the potential solutions, which has the greatest potential to be right?
• What policy would keep this problem from recurring?

2. Decision making. This is oriented toward the present. It determines what we do right now. I think of this in terms of forms. Moral decisions are between right and wrong. Wisdom decisions are between wise and foolish actions or words. Priority decisions are choices between that which is good, better, or best. Of course decisions are all predicated on what you want to be, accomplish, or avoid.

When Making Decisions:

• Pray for wisdom.
• Gather your facts.
• Ask, "what are my alternative decisions?"
• Ask, "what are the consequences of each decision?"
• Ask, "who will be affected?"
• Ask objective third parties for feedback.
• Ask, "am I setting a precedent?" or "am I following a precedent?"
• Ask the "what, why, who, where, when and how much" questions.
• Ask, "what if no decision is made?"

3. Planning. This is future oriented. It determines what you want to accomplish. It is a predetermined course of action directed toward a desired result. It manifests itself in goals. We see this often in "to do" lists.

When Planning:

• Pray and ask God, "What do you want me to accomplish?
•  Write out what you would like to see accomplished.
• Be specific.
• Write the goal so that results can be measured.
• Seek appropriate help.
• Ask, "am I willing to pay the price?"
• Ask yourself, "why do I want to reach these goals?"
• Ask, "what will happen if I do not achieve these goals?" What is at stake?

Which aspect of time management is the most challenging for you? Do you ever skip one of these steps? 

5 Insights On Writing from “Bird By Bird”

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Anyone who knows me knows that I am a student of writing. I have four published books and numerous articles to my credit. Yet, I still feel very much like a novice as I continue to learn. Several weeks ago I was given a copy of Anne Lamott's book, Bird By Bird, which is the distilled essence of her writer's workshop. In this blog I would like to wrap up my thoughts on her book as I examine some of her insights concerning the discipline of writing.

1. She sees writing as a frontline force in the politically incorrect arena of the culture wars. Lamott writes, "The society to which we belong seems to be dying or is already dead. I don't mean to sound dramatic, but clearly the dark side is rising" (234). Then, she counters by stating, "And who knows? Maybe what you have written will help others, will be a small part of the solution" (235). She previously had commented that, "writing is about learning to pay attention and to communicate what is going on" (97). As we pay attention and realize what is unfolding, perhaps we writers can be part of the solution to bring light to the darkness.

2. She also addresses the self-held convictions of the writer. She explains, "But you have to believe in your position, or nothing will be driving your work. If you don't believe in what you are saying, there is no point in your saying it...this belief will keep you going as you struggle to get your work done" (106-7). Lamott continues this thought sequence by observing, "to be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal but you have to care...But a writer always tries, I think, to be part of the solution, to understand a little about life and pass this on" (107). Understanding, caring, and passing on insights and convictions--that is a sound insight about the nature and value of writing.

3. Lamott also gives attention to what she identifies as the "moral position." She explains, "So a moral position is not a message. A moral position is a passionate caring inside of you...and there is no point in gathering an audience and demanding its attention unless you have something to say that is important and constructive" (108). So, what is it inside of you that is important? And what can you write that is constructive?

4. Lamott also speaks to those who have succumbed to the intimidation of public opinion and self-doubt. She gives this advice: "so you have gotten into the habit of doubting the voice that was telling you quite clearly what was really going on. It is essential that you get it back!" She explains, "you get your confidence and your intuition back by trusting yourself, by being militantly on your own side" (111-112). From a Christian perspective this infers being prayed up and biblically sound, then boldly taking a righteous stand. It is not enough to be sincere because many people are sincere, but sincerely wrong.

5. She gives encouragement to do your best...all the time. Quoting Annie Dillard, she writes, "day by day you have to give the work before you all the best stuff you have, not saving up for later projects. If you give freely, there will always be more" (p.202). 

From my perspective, these are great insights from an experienced and seasoned writer. She is one more person from whom I can learn! What authors have you read lately that have provided you with great insight? 

4 Tips on the Discipline of Writing

In my last blog, I introduced Anne Lamott's autobiographical book Bird by Bird. The book records her insights about life and in turn writing. After the self-revelations related to her motives for writing, Lamott's book can be broken down into three categories: The Significance of Writing, Some Suggestions about Writing, and Some Insights Concerning Writing.

The first section deals with the significance of writing. She stridently explains that "good writing is about telling the truth" (3). Concerning the author's motivation she relates, "you hold an imaginary gun to your head and make yourself stay at the desk" (7). Obviously, this makes it quite significant, at least from the writer's perspective. Explaining the value of the end product, she notes that books "show us what community and friendship means; they show us how to live and die"(15).

The next category of thought addresses a litany of helpful suggestions about the practical disciplines of writing. 

1. Write incrementally. From the perspective of a coach she gives this advice: "write short assignments" (16). Any large product can be broken down into multiple shorter pieces. Refuse to be overwhelmed by the ultimate length of the finished product.

2. Just get it down. Lamott acknowledges that "no one is reading your first drafts" (71). So, just get it down! Of primary consideration is for the writer to "be afraid of not getting your writing done" (226). All writers, especially good ones, write lousy (she actually used a different adjective) first drafts (21). Lamott explains that "almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts" (25). What is of critical importance is that the writer capture thoughts on paper. 

3. Let someone else read your work. Another suggestion, one about which she is adamant is, "by all means let someone else take a look at your work" (57). An extra set of eyes reviewing your work can be incredibly helpful. She explains that the nature of good writing is such that "you find out things as you go along. Then you go back and rewrite." (71). But as you write and then rewrite ("edit" if you please), then by all means have someone review your work. Every great writer with few exceptions takes this approach.

4. Write a letter. "When you don't know what else to do, when you're really stuck and filled with despair and self-loathing and boredom, but you can't just leave your work alone for a while and wait, you might try telling your history-- part of a character's history-- in the form of a letter" (172). This seems to be an interesting tactic to break through the traditional writer's block.

I’ll conclude my thoughts on Bird by Bird next time with my favorite insights on writing that I learned. Have you read a book on improving your skill or passion? Leave one bit of advice that stuck with you in the comments. 

3 Lessons from Anna Lamott's "Bird by Bird"

Most of my adult life has been given to the discipline of communication in one form or another. The form varies from public speaking to writing and all points in between. I recently read an interesting volume by Anne Lamott  about the latter. I'd like to spend the next few posts highlighting some of Lamott's great advice. 

Lamott 's book, Bird By Bird, is the intersection between autobiography and "how to" when it comes to writing. She draws much from her own life experience as she coaches young writers. In fact, the title of this book was the advice that her father gave to her brother (age 10), when he had procrastinated on a writing assignment. In describing birds, simply write"bird by bird." Tell one story, relate one incident, explain the uniqueness of each subject one at a time. Good advice.

Relating that her father was a writer, she shared this lesson, "writing taught my father to pay attention; my father in turn taught other people to pay attention then write down their thoughts and observations.” This is good advice for anyone desiring to communicate.

About her own journey, she explained, "all I ever wanted was to belong, to wear the hat of belonging.” She found that hat by being a writer and following in her father's footsteps, both as a writer and a teacher of writers.

Two further lessons she learned from her dad were: "make a commitment to finish things" and be an encourager. This she learned through his example. She notes, "I did not give up, largely because of my father's faith in me.”

She wraps up her introduction by noting, "What follows in this book is what I've learned along the way, what I pass along to each new batch of students.” 

I am intrigued by the fact that what she received she is now passing on to others. She relates her gratitude for what she has learned and expresses it by repeating the process. What a great life lesson. Next time, I'll delve into some of her insights concerning the discipline of writing.

4 Guidelines to Achieving Excellence

A mysterious combination of human effort and divine grace (enablement) exists in every human accomplishment. High impact people, as a rule, insist on excellence. In the sports arena, the church, the arts, the worlds of academics, business, and politics, we discover a common theme. Accomplishment comes from human effort executed with excellence. In humility, we understand, as well, that it is God who gives us all abilities. After all, who do we think we are?

So, an appropriate question might well be, "in my work how can I perform with excellence?" Consider these suggested guidelines.

First, plan your work. Ask yourself, "what am I trying to accomplish?" Be specific. Put in writing what you want to accomplish. What does the end product look like? By putting your aspirations in writing, you are forcing yourself to be more specific, more exact, and less confused. As you carefully formulate what it is that you desire to accomplish, you will begin both to value and appreciate your project.

Second, organize your work into bite-size components. Big projects break down into a series of smaller projects. Whenever I have written a book, for example, I have always outlined the book first and then written one chapter at a time. Most books are simply a collection of essays connected by a sequential series of commonalities and similar themes.

As you organize your work, make sure to assemble any necessary tools. The right tool, albeit a book, a resource, whatever, can save an immense amount of time. The final organizational task is to allocate the time. It is true that work expands to fill the time allotted. It is also true that any worthwhile project will take time. So, schedule it! Work off of a deadline. When do you anticipate completion?

A third guideline (and this may surprise you) is to ask for help when and where it is appropriate. The old biblical insight, "you have not because you ask not,"  is true on multiple levels. Who can coach you? Advise you? Guide you? Assist you? I am always amazed at how great tasks attract people who want to have a part.

A fourth guideline (is this Tom Peters' "blinding flash of the obvious?") is that you must be diligent in your work. This means sustained effort without distractions. The Bible word, "patience," means to "bear up under the load." That is what I am writing about. Refuse to quit until the work is complete. Make it a sustained priority. And when the project is complete, then review, edit, and polish. Make sure there is nothing missing. When you are sick and tired of reviewing, do it again. Every great writer knows that when the first draft of a manuscript is finished, it is still less than half complete.

Finally, when the work is really done, celebrate and reward yourself! What gets rewarded gets done. So look forward to the accomplishment. Enjoy the fruit of your labor! And do not settle for anything less than a standard of excellence!

Do you have more tips to achieve excellence? Please share in the comments. 

Principles of Effective Communication

Over the next few weeks I’m going to share some aspects of what I have taught in preaching classes and included in the textbook I wrote called A Primer On Biblical Preaching. If you are a Liberty Theological Seminary student, you may recognize it as the Homiletics textbook. These principles are beneficial to anyone who has to speak for a living. Of course this applies to ministers but should also prove beneficial to teachers, business leaders, and anyone else who has to stand up in front of a crowd and say something constructive.

One principle I stress repeatedly is the necessity of preparation. I do not believe anyone can be over-prepared before they speak. Besides being the antidote to fear (in speaking, the less prepared you are the greater your stress and fear), preparation is also the pathway to excellence. (I wrote some more thoughts on preparation here.) Why anyone would settle for mediocrity when they can strive for excellence escapes me.

Preparation for a preacher or public speaker comes in two packages, the macro and the micro. The macro package is how we plan for the year. I encourage my students to plan their preaching a year at a time. When I was a senior pastor, I would plan my January sermons in September or October so we knew ahead of time where we were going. Then, I would take a week some time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to plan out the rest of the upcoming year's messages. In preparation for that planning week, I would keep a file folder of interesting articles or notes that I accumulated over the year. If it was interesting, I would save it in my file. Sometimes I would shoot or scan something of interest on my smartphone. Do not be afraid to tear out articles from magazines or newspapers. Evernote is a fantastic tool for this. I would also keep a notebook of observations and insights that I would consult. In my planning week, I would take my calendar, determine how many weeks I would have for a series, then schedule a new sermon series beginning on major breaks.

In my planning week, I would mark resources that I knew I would need in next year's preparation. For example, all New Testament sermons would have a photocopy of the Greek text, AT Robertson's Word Studies for that text, and Reinecker's commentary on the Greek text. Coupled with that were a few select commentaries and any articles I considered helpful.

I would create a file folder for each sermon I intended to preach in the upcoming year. Each would be labeled with the date, series title, sermon title, and the text. By the first of the year, I would have a complete set of files for the entire calendar year. By doing this, I would work smarter, not harder. By taking this approach, I would have better series, better sermons, and better services.

Please be reminded that it is easier to deviate from a plan than to have no plan. Even with a plan, you can be flexible when necessary.

This is a snapshot of my macro approach to preaching. If you will incorporate a model like this, you can save time and preach more effective sermons. Next week, I will address the micro package. What can you do on a week by week basis to be more effective?

Who Will You Imitate?

Historically, and especially in the ancient world of the Greeks and Romans, one principal method of learning was to imitate someone who was considered a master of their craft. "Watch what we do and emulate it" was a standard method of teaching. This might find its expression in the exercise of a trade, a skill in the world of art, public speaking, or writing.

I recently read an interesting book penned by William Cane, Write like the Masters. In this volume, Cane writes a brief essay on each of twenty-one different writers suggesting that one way to learn to write better is to imitate what these "master writers" do. He points out unique traits of Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, and George Orwell for example. Then, he suggests that the burgeoning writer emulate some of the writers' distinct techniques. Hemingway was known for being heavy on nouns and verbs while avoiding adjectives and adverbs. He used few commas and frequently strung his sentences together with simple conjunctions. If one paragraph was long, the one to follow was, as a rule, brief. All the other writers, too, had their unique trademark styles. Interestingly, some great writers were known for imitating the styles of masters whom they respected.

Now, I use this "imitating" pedagogy in writing to bridge to a biblical principle found in 1 Corinthians 11:1. Paul writing to the very troubled congregation in ancient Corinth wrote, "Follow my example, as I also follow Christ." The word "follow" may be translated "imitate." It comes from the root word from which we get the word "mimic." Here, Paul is instructing believers in a less than ideal context to act, think, and talk like he does himself. In short, he says, "watch me and repeat what you observe." Of course, the qualifier is "as I follow Christ." His point? "As long as I follow Christ, imitate me!"

Here is the lesson: when you want to learn from someone, make  sure they not only say the right things; check their track record. Are they a doer? A practitioner? The Apostle James wrote that it is of critical importance for us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Hearing and talking are not enough. It is imperative that we be doers. So, when you want to learn from someone,  choose someone who actually does what you want to do. If not, you might be sorely disappointed.