One of the challenges of leadership is that there isn’t anyone to tell you how to pace yourself, or pace others. The tyranny of urgent needs can be overwhelming, and the reality of the matter is the buck stops with you. You can’t (or at least shouldn’t) push issues off onto others. Couple that issue with a western culture that idolizes the constantly busy, the person who sacrifices friends, family, health and balance for the sake of the office, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Earnest Shackleton (wiki) became famous for his expeditions to the South Pole and the leadership that he demonstrated in leading his men. Part of his practice was to have a measured daily progress report. Sun or snow, flurries or peaceful, his goal was the same: 13 miles toward the pole. By demonstrating resolve in the midst of difficulty, and showing restraint in the midst of easy circumstances, he was able to make steady progress to the Pole.
Don’t get me wrong. Shackleton wasn’t taking it easy, and the mental and physical tolls of his exploration were significant, but he didn’t allow himself or his men to burn out, crash OR become undisciplined and lax in their pursuit. He knew that full engagement was essential, but that over-extension would be detrimental in the long run. One of his tools to keep balanced was to have meetings with himself (what we’d call reflection) to make sure he was making the right call and keeping the morale of himself and his men strong.
The same is true for us – we need full engagement in our lives, to strive to maximize our time and gifts, but we also need to have the humility to know what our limits are, and live within them.
Take a moment and consider – where should you stive more intensely, or where do you need to step back the intensity level so you can maximize your long-term impact? Exhausted people make poor life choices, poor strategic choices, and damage their relationships. Strive for balance, health and joy so you can help those around you who need it the most.