Recently I have observed many Mavericks navigate, what can feel like, the incessant demands of their professional and personal lives. With summer here, an extra level of frustration can occur; that feeling of so wanting to take some time off but not being able to. The pressure seems to be coming in from all sides, demanding to stay the course and not stop. See if these points resonate for you.
- Not enough business
- Too much business
- Health/wellness out of balance
- Finances out of balance for work and/or personal
- Trying to find good people
- Trying to keep good people
- Relational turmoil from years of unresolved conflict…
- And more…
With consistent pressures it can feel like you are steadily “red lining”. Your emotional/mental RPM’s are always high – feeling like there is no “off button” from the moment you rise until your head hits the pillow that night.
I suggest that no one was busier than Jesus. No one had more on the proverbial plate than He. Jesus has called us to follow His example – that includes how to rest; to intentionally bring the RPM’s down. Although there is much mystery for me in how this actually worked for Jesus, I do believe that I am called (you are called) to do the same.
Read these words from Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG) S. L.. O… W…. L …. Y!
As you do, intentionally slow your breathing down. Listen to it – in and out, in and out, in and out.
Here are 5 tips you can use to help keep your RPM’s healthy when you are feeling the pressure.
- Know the signs indicating emotional/mental RPM’s rising. What do those signs look like in your mind and in your body? Are you tense, impatient, fidgety, quick to anger, can’t be still… Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
- Choose to be still! Again and again! Enjoy knowing that your God is your God. Psalm 46:10 NLT
- Take 5 minutes each hour to pause, slow down. Remember Who is in charge. Bring the RPM’s down and then reengage.
- Recalibrate with solitude daily. Whether it is early morning, driving time, later in the evening – decide to care for your soul and re-engage with the One who made you. Mark 1:35 NLT
- Keep the Sabbath!! Many call Sunday the Sabbath, and yet would declare loudly that it is anything but restful. Decide to make it restful. Disengage from the pace and clamoring demands of all that is happening around you. Train yourself to rest. Train those around you that you are “resting”. Isaiah 56:2 NLT
If you don’t learn to rest, no-one will do it for you.
A Maverick Application:
- How are your emotional/mental RPM’s? Are they reflecting a healthy engagement with yourself, those around you, your work?
- Which of the 5 tips resonated for you? What are you sensing God asking of you as you learn to operate more and more like Jesus?
- When will you start practicing this tip?
- Who can help you?
