Being Productive by Using Life Themes {Balanced Challenge Day 10}
I admit I sometimes have trouble saying “no.” How about you? Although, I’m getting much better at it. When I’m asked to do something, I purposely ask the person if I could have some time to think it over. That way I can determine if what they are asking me to do will fit in with my time, energy, and passion.
Sometimes we are asked to do “good” things. However, those “good” things may not be the “best” God has for us.
In Chapter 10 of Balanced, Tricia talks about determining our life themes. She says that by figuring out our life themes, we can be better prepared to know how and when to say, “yes” to the things that matter most.
The challenge for today was to come up with our own list of eight life themes. Tricia says, “A list of eight gives you enough space to express what’s inside you, but it’s not too much to scatter your intentions.”
Here is what I’ve come up with (in no particular order):
- Becoming the wife and mom God wants me to be
- Realizing my God given dreams through writing
- Living an organized and intentional life
- Mentoring (young moms, other writers/bloggers)
- Serving my community
- Being a life-long student
- Living a missions lifestyle that honors God
- Becoming a doer of God’s Word
Tricia points out in her blog post today that these may change depending on the season of life we are in at any given moment.
I typed out these themes and made two copies. One is on my bulletin board in my office where I can see it all the time. The other is placed in my editorial calendar notebook for my blog.
Having set these themes, I can now better weigh my options when someone asks me to do something. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, I was asked to serve on the leadership team of the Women’s Ministry at our church. While I was honored to be asked, the role they asked me to take on seemed to be divergent from the path I believe God has placed me on at this time in my life. So I chose to say no. And I feel no regret or guilt over it.
I challenge you to come up with your own life themes. I promise it will make decisions easier and will help you to focus your efforts and energies in the right way.
Comment below and share your life themes.
his post is part of the Balanced challenge with Tricia Goyer—and you can join, too!
Linked up with Tricia Goyer’s Balanced Challenge.
