Ok, I admit it. I tend to be a workaholic. As such, I often have a difficult time finding balance in my life. However, over the past six months, my wife and I have made a conscious and deliberate effort to inject some other important elements into our lives. For example, we have been exercising more faithfully, spending more talk time together, and taking more time for reflection and prayer. Of course, all of this takes a sizable chunk out of our day.
Interestingly, we have found that taking this time actually helps us to make our work time more effective. We are able to focus more fully, and to make better and quicker decisions. In addition, stepping away from our work helps us to more clearly see the big picture, and to spend our work time more strategically on those things that really matter.
I find that these same principles apply to the way that time is spent in business. Most organizations involved in housing and community development work are understaffed and overworked. It is easy to get caught up in the urgency of those things that are in front of us. However, taking a little time for introspection can be a useful way to think about the efficiency of how we conduct business, to differentiate between the important and the urgent, and to become more effective in the use of our time and resources. It is my hope that the articles we share with you in each edition of “Perspectives” can be thought provoking, and that something within each edition can be taken as a tidbit to help you improve what you do. Give yourself a little space from your work this week, and see for yourself a clearer perspective.
