Why does it seem like some people are always having a good day while your day seems not to be going so well?

Is there some secret to always – or at least usually – having a good day? Is it the luck of the draw? Is it in your personality make up? You can use any one of those as a reason for why you may not be having a good day. The reality is that some things can be done at the start of your day to help you have a good day.

I want to suggest five things you can do that just might help you have a good day.

Self-care is a challenge that most people – especially leaders – continue to face. For some, self-neglect is worn almost as a badge of honor. You do not feel you can talk about yourself unless you can talk about how tired and hardworking you are, and how little time you have for yourself. Who talks about life being calm, rested and focused?

Here are some signs of self-neglect:

Living at a Manageable Pace

Last week we asked the question, “Is Busy the New Normal?” Together we looked at some signs to indicate you are too busy. This week we will explore how you can regain control of your life and begin to live life at a more manageable pace.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. Therefore the issue is not having enough time but having too many things to do in the time you have. How can you best use your time and avoid becoming too busy? Consider the following.

In today’s busy world it is common to think that unless you are crazy busy you are somehow not being effective or normal. Unfortunately, we have bought into the myth that busy is normal.

I recall a time in my life as a leader when I bought into that myth. I was on call 24/7 and felt I was needed; that gave me a sense of value. In the process I neglected my family, my health, my spiritual and psychological well-being.

What are some signs that you may be doing too much?

In John 17:16, Jesus said those who follow Him are not of the world as he is not of the world. Although we are in the world as His followers, we are not of this world in terms of the values and standards that stand in contrast or opposition to the kingdom of God.

As a follower of Jesus living in the world, you should focus on living out and displaying the qualities of the One you are following, Jesus Christ.

We often are concerned, disappointed or discouraged when we see people in the church who are speaking and acting in ways that do not reflect what we know the Church as the Body of Christ is to be: Christ-centered, loving God and others.

In the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus tells him to go and sell everything, give the money to the poor, and follow Him. The young man left very sad because his riches meant more to him than following Jesus.

Jesus also said to follow Him we must be willing to hate/give up the most important relationships in our lives. By Jesus’ own clear instructions, we are told we should not allow anything (riches) or anyone (parents, spouse, siblings, etc.) to stand between us and our relationship with Him.

Jesus wants our undivided, uncompromising focus and attention.

Does this mean Jesus wants to be a kill-joy in our lives? The answer is, No! Rather, Jesus declares that if we make our relationship with Him our priority, we will discover how to best enjoy the good things and the many relationships of this life.

During the past two weeks, we have being exploring the question, “Do Others Know the Real You?” If you missed the last two blogs, I suggest you read them because they explored the importance of first knowing yourself, and then fully accepting and embracing who you are. This week we will consider how to you let others know the real you.

Last week we ask, “Do others know the real you?” We talked about some signs of a person who is not showing others who they really are. We also laid out the first step in the process of letting others know who you are really, which is to know thy self.

Today we will explore the second step in the process, embracing the real you.

It is one thing to know thy self; it is quite another to embrace what you know about yourself. You really cannot effectively make yourself known to others if you have not embraced who you are.

The struggle to embrace the real you may have come from a number of different places.

Do others really know you? By that I mean, do they really know what you want; your likes and dislikes; your dreams, desires, wants, values, preferences and personal goals?

I have a feeling that for many, the truest of true self stays hidden from those closest to them.

Marriage and the workplace are the two most common areas where others tend not to know who you really are. In marriage you may be tempted to say you want the best for your spouse. The way you do that is to not let your spouse know who you really are, but only focus on your spouse’s needs. You tell yourself that if your spouse really gets to know you, it will make them sad or indifferent because some of your wants, desires and goals may differ from theirs.