The Leadership Time Trap: How to Multiply Results Without Adding Hours

Well, think about your week, right? What Well, think about your week, right? What are you doing that doesn't require much are you doing that doesn't require much are you doing that doesn't require much from you, but also doesn't produce much from you, but also doesn't produce much from you, but also doesn't produce much for the kingdom? Now, you can spend I for the kingdom? Now, you can spend I for the kingdom? Now, you can spend I say it doesn't require much, but you can say it doesn't require much, but you can say it doesn't require much, but you can spend honestly 10, 15 hours a week just spend honestly 10, 15 hours a week just spend honestly 10, 15 hours a week just spinning your wheels doing administr spinning your wheels doing administr spinning your wheels doing administr that doesn't go anywhere. So, you know, that doesn't go anywhere. So, you know, that doesn't go anywhere. So, you know, maybe it's social media disguised as maybe it's social media disguised as maybe it's social media disguised as staying connected, but you check your staying connected, but you check your staying connected, but you check your screen time and it's like, woo, that was screen time and it's like, woo, that was screen time and it's like, woo, that was a lot. Okay? or lunch meetings with a lot. Okay? or lunch meetings with a lot. Okay? or lunch meetings with people who want to pick your brain but people who want to pick your brain but people who want to pick your brain but never apply anything and it never never apply anything and it never never apply anything and it never accomplishes anything or programs you accomplishes anything or programs you accomplishes anything or programs you keep running at your church because keep running at your church because keep running at your church because we've always done it even though we've always done it even though we've always done it even though nobody's life is changing. See, all of nobody's life is changing. See, all of nobody's life is changing. See, all of that is energy that could be invested that is energy that could be invested that is energy that could be invested elsewhere. Same with admin tasks you do elsewhere. Same with admin tasks you do elsewhere. Same with admin tasks you do yourself cuz it's easier than training yourself cuz it's easier than training yourself cuz it's easier than training somebody else. Welcome to the Carrie New somebody else. Welcome to the Carrie New somebody else. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff leadership podcast. Carrie here. I Hoff leadership podcast. Carrie here. I Hoff leadership podcast. Carrie here. I am so glad you joined us and a welcome am so glad you joined us and a welcome am so glad you joined us and a welcome to all of the new leaders that are to all of the new leaders that are to all of the new leaders that are joining us today. We're going to talk joining us today. We're going to talk joining us today. We're going to talk about your time. We're going to talk about your time. We're going to talk about your time. We're going to talk about uh the leadership time trap. It's about uh the leadership time trap. It's about uh the leadership time trap. It's something I've been caught in. It's something I've been caught in. It's something I've been caught in. It's something I counsel a lot of leaders. I something I counsel a lot of leaders. I something I counsel a lot of leaders. I [music] see them trapped in it. And it's [music] see them trapped in it. And it's [music] see them trapped in it. And it's basically how to multiply results basically how to multiply results basically how to multiply results without adding hours. So, if you're without adding hours. So, if you're without adding hours. So, if you're interested in that, I think you're going interested in that, I think you're going interested in that, I think you're going to appreciate [music] today's episode.

to appreciate [music] today's episode. to appreciate [music] today's episode. Um it's all about the time trap that so Um it's all about the time trap that so Um it's all about the time trap that so many of us find ourselves in. And I many of us find ourselves in. And I many of us find ourselves in. And I think technology has made this more think technology has made this more think technology has made this more complicated, not easier. So if you want complicated, not easier. So if you want complicated, not easier. So if you want to multiply results without adding to multiply results without adding to multiply results without adding hours, stay tuned. The framework I share hours, stay tuned. The framework I share hours, stay tuned. The framework I share with you is something that I'm calling with you is something that I'm calling with you is something that I'm calling the investment reward matrix. And it's the investment reward matrix. And it's the investment reward matrix. And it's built on two simple axes. The investment built on two simple axes. The investment built on two simple axes. The investment of time that something requires and the of time that something requires and the of time that something requires and the reward it produces. This is something reward it produces. This is something reward it produces. This is something that you can actually apply to all of that you can actually apply to all of that you can actually apply to all of your tasks. So a lot of pastors I talk your tasks. So a lot of pastors I talk your tasks. So a lot of pastors I talk to are exhausted. Doesn't matter whether to are exhausted. Doesn't matter whether to are exhausted. Doesn't matter whether you're leading a church of 50 or 5,000. you're leading a church of 50 or 5,000. you're leading a church of 50 or 5,000. It's tiring. And when I ask them what It's tiring. And when I ask them what It's tiring. And when I ask them what they accomplished this week, you know they accomplished this week, you know they accomplished this week, you know what? Sometimes they have difficulty what? Sometimes they have difficulty what? Sometimes they have difficulty articulating it. Yeah, maybe you got articulating it. Yeah, maybe you got articulating it. Yeah, maybe you got your sermon done, but like what else did your sermon done, but like what else did your sermon done, but like what else did you do with the other 45, 50 hours a you do with the other 45, 50 hours a you do with the other 45, 50 hours a week, more than that, that you poured week, more than that, that you poured week, more than that, that you poured in. So sometimes when you really audit in. So sometimes when you really audit in. So sometimes when you really audit people's time, here's what church people's time, here's what church people's time, here's what church leaders do. Maybe you counseledled some leaders do. Maybe you counseledled some leaders do. Maybe you counseledled some people. You attended a bunch of people. You attended a bunch of people. You attended a bunch of meetings. You prepared your message. you meetings. You prepared your message. you meetings. You prepared your message. you responded to emails, maybe you put out a responded to emails, maybe you put out a responded to emails, maybe you put out a fire, but you're not actually sure if fire, but you're not actually sure if fire, but you're not actually sure if any of it moved the mission forward.

any of it moved the mission forward. any of it moved the mission forward. Plus, so many leaders I talked to have Plus, so many leaders I talked to have Plus, so many leaders I talked to have worked way too many hours. They still worked way too many hours. They still worked way too many hours. They still haven't got their message done. It's haven't got their message done. It's haven't got their message done. It's crammed into Thursday night, Friday, crammed into Thursday night, Friday, crammed into Thursday night, Friday, Saturday. So, I did write about a lot of Saturday. So, I did write about a lot of Saturday. So, I did write about a lot of this and how to fix it in my last book, this and how to fix it in my last book, this and how to fix it in my last book, At Your Best. It's all about getting At Your Best. It's all about getting At Your Best. It's all about getting time, energy, and priorities working in time, energy, and priorities working in time, energy, and priorities working in your favor. But, I'm always looking to your favor. But, I'm always looking to your favor. But, I'm always looking to optimize. So, I got the nub of this idea optimize. So, I got the nub of this idea optimize. So, I got the nub of this idea that I'm sharing with you very recently. that I'm sharing with you very recently. that I'm sharing with you very recently. It was a casual mention from a church It was a casual mention from a church It was a casual mention from a church planter in New York City. Shout out to planter in New York City. Shout out to planter in New York City. Shout out to Aaron Chung from Exilic Church in Aaron Chung from Exilic Church in Aaron Chung from Exilic Church in Manhattan. And he talked about high Manhattan. And he talked about high Manhattan. And he talked about high energy, low return tasks and low energy, energy, low return tasks and low energy, energy, low return tasks and low energy, high return tasks. And I've been high return tasks. And I've been high return tasks. And I've been thinking about that for months now since thinking about that for months now since thinking about that for months now since I heard that from Aaron. And I've taken I heard that from Aaron. And I've taken I heard that from Aaron. And I've taken that idea and turned it into a matrix that idea and turned it into a matrix that idea and turned it into a matrix that helped me think through my time. that helped me think through my time. that helped me think through my time. So, this can help you decide whether So, this can help you decide whether So, this can help you decide whether you're going to agree to spend a lot of you're going to agree to spend a lot of you're going to agree to spend a lot of your time on something or whether it's a your time on something or whether it's a your time on something or whether it's a really poor investment, whether it's really poor investment, whether it's really poor investment, whether it's going to produce a lot or a little. going to produce a lot or a little. going to produce a lot or a little. Hopefully, this can help you figure out Hopefully, this can help you figure out Hopefully, this can help you figure out whole new categories of things that you whole new categories of things that you whole new categories of things that you can say no to. I am convinced that that can say no to. I am convinced that that can say no to. I am convinced that that is a hack. You talk to worldclass is a hack. You talk to worldclass is a hack. You talk to worldclass leaders, what do they say? The leaders, what do they say? The leaders, what do they say? The difference between a good leader and a difference between a good leader and a difference between a good leader and a great leader is often a great leader great leader is often a great leader great leader is often a great leader will say no to just about everything.

will say no to just about everything. will say no to just about everything. So, if you're listening to this podcast, So, if you're listening to this podcast, So, if you're listening to this podcast, let me paint this for you. If you're let me paint this for you. If you're let me paint this for you. If you're watching on YouTube or Spotify, I'll watching on YouTube or Spotify, I'll watching on YouTube or Spotify, I'll have the matrix on screen for you. So, have the matrix on screen for you. So, have the matrix on screen for you. So, if you're listening, which many of you if you're listening, which many of you if you're listening, which many of you are, use your imagination. So, I'm going are, use your imagination. So, I'm going are, use your imagination. So, I'm going to walk you through the matrix. Picture to walk you through the matrix. Picture to walk you through the matrix. Picture two axes crossing each other. So, the two axes crossing each other. So, the two axes crossing each other. So, the vertical axis is investment and it runs vertical axis is investment and it runs vertical axis is investment and it runs from low to high. The horizontal axis is from low to high. The horizontal axis is from low to high. The horizontal axis is reward and it goes from low to high. And reward and it goes from low to high. And reward and it goes from low to high. And so, basically, it's a 2x2 matrix. It so, basically, it's a 2x2 matrix. It so, basically, it's a 2x2 matrix. It creates four zones. And pretty much creates four zones. And pretty much creates four zones. And pretty much every single task that you do in your every single task that you do in your every single task that you do in your ministry, honestly, in your life, falls ministry, honestly, in your life, falls ministry, honestly, in your life, falls into one of these four categories. So, into one of these four categories. So, into one of these four categories. So, I'm going to call it the first one, the I'm going to call it the first one, the I'm going to call it the first one, the clutter zone. That's low investment, low clutter zone. That's low investment, low clutter zone. That's low investment, low reward. Didn't put a lot of time into reward. Didn't put a lot of time into reward. Didn't put a lot of time into it, you don't get anything out of it. it, you don't get anything out of it. it, you don't get anything out of it. That's the clutter zone. And a lot of That's the clutter zone. And a lot of That's the clutter zone. And a lot of leaders have their lives cluttered up by leaders have their lives cluttered up by leaders have their lives cluttered up by these dumb tasks that really don't move these dumb tasks that really don't move these dumb tasks that really don't move the needle. Now, on the other side, and the needle. Now, on the other side, and the needle. Now, on the other side, and this one's positive, the dream zone. this one's positive, the dream zone. this one's positive, the dream zone. It's low investment but high reward. So It's low investment but high reward. So It's low investment but high reward. So you didn't have to do a lot but wow did you didn't have to do a lot but wow did you didn't have to do a lot but wow did it ever move the needle. That's the it ever move the needle. That's the it ever move the needle. That's the dream zone. So we got the clutter zone, dream zone. So we got the clutter zone, dream zone. So we got the clutter zone, the dream zone. Then there's the burnout the dream zone. Then there's the burnout the dream zone. Then there's the burnout zone. This is where a lot of leaders get zone. This is where a lot of leaders get zone. This is where a lot of leaders get trapped. The burnout zone is high trapped. The burnout zone is high trapped. The burnout zone is high investment, low reward. You poured your investment, low reward. You poured your investment, low reward. You poured your heart into it. It took hours. Didn't heart into it. It took hours. Didn't heart into it. It took hours. Didn't produce anything. Maybe just produce anything. Maybe just produce anything. Maybe just frustration, right? But then the sweet frustration, right? But then the sweet frustration, right? But then the sweet spot, I think, is the multiplication spot, I think, is the multiplication spot, I think, is the multiplication zone. And this is high investment, high zone. And this is high investment, high zone. And this is high investment, high reward. You put a lot of time into it, reward. You put a lot of time into it, reward. You put a lot of time into it, but it really moved the needle. So,

but it really moved the needle. So, but it really moved the needle. So, let's start with the first zone, the let's start with the first zone, the let's start with the first zone, the clutter zone. Low investment, low clutter zone. Low investment, low clutter zone. Low investment, low reward. This is the stuff that isn't reward. This is the stuff that isn't reward. This is the stuff that isn't killing you, okay? It's just sort of the killing you, okay? It's just sort of the killing you, okay? It's just sort of the TDM, the background noise of every day. TDM, the background noise of every day. TDM, the background noise of every day. It's not killing you, but it's really It's not killing you, but it's really It's not killing you, but it's really not helping you. So, it's kind of like not helping you. So, it's kind of like not helping you. So, it's kind of like easy street, but it's a trap. And this easy street, but it's a trap. And this easy street, but it's a trap. And this is what you should eliminate. These are is what you should eliminate. These are is what you should eliminate. These are the activities that have often become the activities that have often become the activities that have often become habits but don't really serve the habits but don't really serve the habits but don't really serve the mission anymore. Uh the report you mission anymore. Uh the report you mission anymore. Uh the report you produce for example that nobody reads. produce for example that nobody reads. produce for example that nobody reads. Maybe it took you 30 minutes but it had Maybe it took you 30 minutes but it had Maybe it took you 30 minutes but it had zero impact because nobody reads that zero impact because nobody reads that zero impact because nobody reads that report. Or maybe it's the meeting you report. Or maybe it's the meeting you report. Or maybe it's the meeting you attend out of obligation but nothing attend out of obligation but nothing attend out of obligation but nothing ever happens out of that meeting. It's ever happens out of that meeting. It's ever happens out of that meeting. It's just like yeah we just do it. I don't just like yeah we just do it. I don't just like yeah we just do it. I don't know. We meet every Tuesday at 1:00. know. We meet every Tuesday at 1:00. know. We meet every Tuesday at 1:00. That kind of thing. Or the meeting That kind of thing. Or the meeting That kind of thing. Or the meeting should have been 30 minutes but it should have been 30 minutes but it should have been 30 minutes but it always runs 60. Another example, and always runs 60. Another example, and always runs 60. Another example, and this is where a lot of us drown these this is where a lot of us drown these this is where a lot of us drown these days, is all the emails and all the days, is all the emails and all the days, is all the emails and all the texts you respond to immediately, even texts you respond to immediately, even texts you respond to immediately, even though they're not urgent or important. though they're not urgent or important. though they're not urgent or important. Maybe you're in your inbox seven times a Maybe you're in your inbox seven times a Maybe you're in your inbox seven times a day or 17 times a day. So, here's a day or 17 times a day. So, here's a day or 17 times a day. So, here's a practical example from my life for practical example from my life for practical example from my life for years. And this is much bigger than just years. And this is much bigger than just years. And this is much bigger than just handling emails. I was part of a handling emails. I was part of a handling emails. I was part of a denomination and I was on a denomination and I was on a denomination and I was on a denominational committee that met denominational committee that met denominational committee that met quarterly. Not a huge time investment, quarterly. Not a huge time investment, quarterly. Not a huge time investment, just a few hours every few months.

just a few hours every few months. just a few hours every few months. But honestly, after years of doing this, But honestly, after years of doing this, But honestly, after years of doing this, I couldn't point to a single significant I couldn't point to a single significant I couldn't point to a single significant outcome from all of those meetings. So, outcome from all of those meetings. So, outcome from all of those meetings. So, it was denominational. It was a it was denominational. It was a it was denominational. It was a committee meeting. It was low committee meeting. It was low committee meeting. It was low investment, but it was also really low investment, but it was also really low investment, but it was also really low reward. And when I resigned from that reward. And when I resigned from that reward. And when I resigned from that committee, nobody seemed to notice. So, committee, nobody seemed to notice. So, committee, nobody seemed to notice. So, think about your week, right? What are think about your week, right? What are think about your week, right? What are you doing that doesn't require much from you doing that doesn't require much from you doing that doesn't require much from you, but also doesn't produce much for you, but also doesn't produce much for you, but also doesn't produce much for the kingdom? Now you can spend I say it the kingdom? Now you can spend I say it the kingdom? Now you can spend I say it doesn't require much but you can spend doesn't require much but you can spend doesn't require much but you can spend honestly 10 15 hours a week just honestly 10 15 hours a week just honestly 10 15 hours a week just spinning your wheels doing administr spinning your wheels doing administr spinning your wheels doing administr that doesn't go anywhere. So you know that doesn't go anywhere. So you know that doesn't go anywhere. So you know maybe it's social media disguised as maybe it's social media disguised as maybe it's social media disguised as staying connected but you check your staying connected but you check your staying connected but you check your screen time and it's like woo that was a screen time and it's like woo that was a screen time and it's like woo that was a lot. Okay. Or lunch meetings with people lot. Okay. Or lunch meetings with people lot. Okay. Or lunch meetings with people who want to pick your brain but never who want to pick your brain but never who want to pick your brain but never apply anything and it never accomplishes apply anything and it never accomplishes apply anything and it never accomplishes anything. or programs you keep running anything. or programs you keep running anything. or programs you keep running at your church because we've always done at your church because we've always done at your church because we've always done it even though nobody's life is it even though nobody's life is it even though nobody's life is changing. See, all of that is energy changing. See, all of that is energy changing. See, all of that is energy that could be invested elsewhere. Same that could be invested elsewhere. Same that could be invested elsewhere. Same with admin tasks you do yourself because with admin tasks you do yourself because with admin tasks you do yourself because it's easier than training somebody else.

it's easier than training somebody else. it's easier than training somebody else. So, here's what's so insidious about the So, here's what's so insidious about the So, here's what's so insidious about the clutter zone. These activities multiply clutter zone. These activities multiply clutter zone. These activities multiply when you're not paying attention, right? when you're not paying attention, right? when you're not paying attention, right? They're the ministry equivalent of junk They're the ministry equivalent of junk They're the ministry equivalent of junk collecting in your garage. None of it, collecting in your garage. None of it, collecting in your garage. None of it, you know, you don't really notice it. you know, you don't really notice it. you know, you don't really notice it. It's a box here. It's, you know, some It's a box here. It's, you know, some It's a box here. It's, you know, some sports gear here. But collectively, it's sports gear here. But collectively, it's sports gear here. But collectively, it's just weighing you down and cluttering just weighing you down and cluttering just weighing you down and cluttering your calendar. And soon, you can't park your calendar. And soon, you can't park your calendar. And soon, you can't park your car in the garage anymore. Right? your car in the garage anymore. Right? your car in the garage anymore. Right? Danger of this zone is because the Danger of this zone is because the Danger of this zone is because the investment is low, you never feel a investment is low, you never feel a investment is low, you never feel a sense of urgency about eliminating it. sense of urgency about eliminating it. sense of urgency about eliminating it. It's kind of like, oh yeah, that's what It's kind of like, oh yeah, that's what It's kind of like, oh yeah, that's what I do. I do a lot of email, right? I do a I do. I do a lot of email, right? I do a I do. I do a lot of email, right? I do a lot of text messages. I do a lot of lot of text messages. I do a lot of lot of text messages. I do a lot of social media. But going back to the car social media. But going back to the car social media. But going back to the car analogy, it's like a slow leak in your analogy, it's like a slow leak in your analogy, it's like a slow leak in your tire. Each one isn't a big deal, but tire. Each one isn't a big deal, but tire. Each one isn't a big deal, but collectively soon you're not moving at collectively soon you're not moving at collectively soon you're not moving at full speed. Maybe you're not even full speed. Maybe you're not even full speed. Maybe you're not even driving. So that's the clutter zone. The driving. So that's the clutter zone. The driving. So that's the clutter zone. The next zone is the dream zone. Now, this next zone is the dream zone. Now, this next zone is the dream zone. Now, this one's good. Okay, it's low investment, one's good. Okay, it's low investment, one's good. Okay, it's low investment, but it's high reward. So on the low but it's high reward. So on the low but it's high reward. So on the low investment side, right, you also have investment side, right, you also have investment side, right, you also have the opposite. Low investment, low low the opposite. Low investment, low low the opposite. Low investment, low low reward, but a low investment, high reward, but a low investment, high reward, but a low investment, high reward. Now, I call this the dream zone reward. Now, I call this the dream zone reward. Now, I call this the dream zone because not everything fits into this, because not everything fits into this, because not everything fits into this, but when it does, it's kind of magic.

but when it does, it's kind of magic. but when it does, it's kind of magic. and you want to spend a lot of time in and you want to spend a lot of time in and you want to spend a lot of time in this zone. This could be for example, so this zone. This could be for example, so this zone. This could be for example, so what is a low investment but a high what is a low investment but a high what is a low investment but a high reward? Well, maybe it's your social reward? Well, maybe it's your social reward? Well, maybe it's your social media team going back into your archive media team going back into your archive media team going back into your archive and finding sermons that really and finding sermons that really and finding sermons that really resonated at the time. They're not resonated at the time. They're not resonated at the time. They're not timestamp. Maybe they're still timestamp. Maybe they're still timestamp. Maybe they're still evergreen, but you preached it two years evergreen, but you preached it two years evergreen, but you preached it two years ago and you post it to social media or ago and you post it to social media or ago and you post it to social media or maybe you sent it out via email and all maybe you sent it out via email and all maybe you sent it out via email and all of a sudden it goes viral. Okay, that's of a sudden it goes viral. Okay, that's of a sudden it goes viral. Okay, that's like low investment, high return. Maybe like low investment, high return. Maybe like low investment, high return. Maybe you reach a whole bunch of new people you reach a whole bunch of new people you reach a whole bunch of new people that way on social media. Some of them that way on social media. Some of them that way on social media. Some of them get baptized, some of them get get baptized, some of them get get baptized, some of them get introduced to Christ, right? Like I introduced to Christ, right? Like I introduced to Christ, right? Like I said, there there isn't a ton of said, there there isn't a ton of said, there there isn't a ton of activity in this zone, but it's a pretty activity in this zone, but it's a pretty activity in this zone, but it's a pretty sweet spot if you could find it. It sweet spot if you could find it. It sweet spot if you could find it. It might also include activities like might also include activities like might also include activities like checking in for, let's say, 15 minutes, checking in for, let's say, 15 minutes, checking in for, let's say, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, quick phone call, quick 30 minutes, quick phone call, quick 30 minutes, quick phone call, quick text, quick coffee with key leaders text, quick coffee with key leaders text, quick coffee with key leaders you've already developed who now you've already developed who now you've already developed who now multiply the ministry without requiring multiply the ministry without requiring multiply the ministry without requiring your constant attention. This is a your constant attention. This is a your constant attention. This is a problem a lot of leaders have. What do problem a lot of leaders have. What do problem a lot of leaders have. What do we do? We spend a lot of our time with we do? We spend a lot of our time with we do? We spend a lot of our time with our lowest performers. Hey, you really our lowest performers. Hey, you really our lowest performers. Hey, you really got to shape up. You really got to do got to shape up. You really got to do got to shape up. You really got to do this. Who do we ignore? Our top this. Who do we ignore? Our top this. Who do we ignore? Our top performers, our best volunteers, our performers, our best volunteers, our performers, our best volunteers, our best donors, our best elders. And hey, best donors, our best elders. And hey, best donors, our best elders. And hey, why don't you spend 15 to 30 minutes why don't you spend 15 to 30 minutes why don't you spend 15 to 30 minutes just for a quick phone call with your just for a quick phone call with your just for a quick phone call with your best volunteer or your best donors and best volunteer or your best donors and best volunteer or your best donors and just say, "Man, we just want to say just say, "Man, we just want to say just say, "Man, we just want to say thank you. Really appreciate it." Now, thank you. Really appreciate it." Now, thank you. Really appreciate it." Now, that is huge leverage because most of us that is huge leverage because most of us that is huge leverage because most of us are out fighting fires. When they get a are out fighting fires. When they get a are out fighting fires. When they get a call like that goes a long way. So quick call like that goes a long way. So quick call like that goes a long way. So quick encouragement texts, even 30 seconds can

encouragement texts, even 30 seconds can encouragement texts, even 30 seconds can be like, "Hey, thinking of you today. be like, "Hey, thinking of you today. be like, "Hey, thinking of you today. How can I pray for you? Really How can I pray for you? Really How can I pray for you? Really appreciate you. So grateful for you and appreciate you. So grateful for you and appreciate you. So grateful for you and your family." Right? That's 30 seconds your family." Right? That's 30 seconds your family." Right? That's 30 seconds of your life can have a lifechanging of your life can have a lifechanging of your life can have a lifechanging impact. Here's another example, right? impact. Here's another example, right? impact. Here's another example, right? Low investment, high reward. Develop Low investment, high reward. Develop Low investment, high reward. Develop leaders running meetings you used to leaders running meetings you used to leaders running meetings you used to lead. Right? So you used to do this lead. Right? So you used to do this lead. Right? So you used to do this meeting, but you're like, you know, meeting, but you're like, you know, meeting, but you're like, you know, she's pretty good. She could really run she's pretty good. She could really run she's pretty good. She could really run this. You let her run it. low this. You let her run it. low this. You let her run it. low investment, high reward or automated investment, high reward or automated investment, high reward or automated giving platforms you've optimized that giving platforms you've optimized that giving platforms you've optimized that have automated follow-up. So, if you get have automated follow-up. So, if you get have automated follow-up. So, if you get more of your church to move toward more of your church to move toward more of your church to move toward online automated giving, guess what? online automated giving, guess what? online automated giving, guess what? That solves a problem. It can be just a That solves a problem. It can be just a That solves a problem. It can be just a couple of minutes. It could be an email couple of minutes. It could be an email couple of minutes. It could be an email or whatever, but woo, all of a sudden, or whatever, but woo, all of a sudden, or whatever, but woo, all of a sudden, you got impact. So, uh another example, you got impact. So, uh another example, you got impact. So, uh another example, using systems you built years ago that using systems you built years ago that using systems you built years ago that now run smoothly with minimal input from now run smoothly with minimal input from now run smoothly with minimal input from you. So, could be high investment to you. So, could be high investment to you. So, could be high investment to build the system, but once you built it, build the system, but once you built it, build the system, but once you built it, it's just tweaking it and using it. So, it's just tweaking it and using it. So, it's just tweaking it and using it. So, here's the key. You can't really start here's the key. You can't really start here's the key. You can't really start here. Like I said, I've given you a lot here. Like I said, I've given you a lot here. Like I said, I've given you a lot of examples. You can't really start of examples. You can't really start of examples. You can't really start here. Okay? These are often dividends here. Okay? These are often dividends here. Okay? These are often dividends you collect on investments you made you collect on investments you made you collect on investments you made earlier. The question is, what earlier. The question is, what earlier. The question is, what investments are you making today that investments are you making today that investments are you making today that will move activities into this zone will move activities into this zone will move activities into this zone tomorrow? So, so not a lot of activities tomorrow? So, so not a lot of activities tomorrow? So, so not a lot of activities fit in this zone, but when they do, it's fit in this zone, but when they do, it's fit in this zone, but when they do, it's kind of like magic. Now, we're going to kind of like magic. Now, we're going to kind of like magic. Now, we're going to go to the lowreward, high investment go to the lowreward, high investment go to the lowreward, high investment side. Okay, the burnout zone. This is side. Okay, the burnout zone. This is side. Okay, the burnout zone. This is where it gets painful. You want to avoid where it gets painful. You want to avoid where it gets painful. You want to avoid this zone at all costs. But as leaders,

this zone at all costs. But as leaders, this zone at all costs. But as leaders, it's so easy to get stuck here. And this it's so easy to get stuck here. And this it's so easy to get stuck here. And this is the problem. These are activities is the problem. These are activities is the problem. These are activities that require a high investment, but get that require a high investment, but get that require a high investment, but get a very low reward. This is where burnout a very low reward. This is where burnout a very low reward. This is where burnout lives. So, I want to give you a personal lives. So, I want to give you a personal lives. So, I want to give you a personal example that might be a bit example that might be a bit example that might be a bit controversial. As our church grew, I had controversial. As our church grew, I had controversial. As our church grew, I had to rethink how I did weddings and to rethink how I did weddings and to rethink how I did weddings and funerals. When our church was really funerals. When our church was really funerals. When our church was really small, a handful of people, pretty easy small, a handful of people, pretty easy small, a handful of people, pretty easy to do. There weren't a lot and I didn't to do. There weren't a lot and I didn't to do. There weren't a lot and I didn't have a lot to do. So, it's like, "Yeah, have a lot to do. So, it's like, "Yeah, have a lot to do. So, it's like, "Yeah, I'll do your wedding. Yeah, I'll do your I'll do your wedding. Yeah, I'll do your I'll do your wedding. Yeah, I'll do your funeral." Uh, I'm not saying that funeral." Uh, I'm not saying that funeral." Uh, I'm not saying that weddings and funerals are not important, weddings and funerals are not important, weddings and funerals are not important, but our church grew into hundreds and but our church grew into hundreds and but our church grew into hundreds and then thousands. You know, it just then thousands. You know, it just then thousands. You know, it just doesn't scale. So, for me, they quickly doesn't scale. So, for me, they quickly doesn't scale. So, for me, they quickly became high investment and low reward became high investment and low reward became high investment and low reward for the broader mission of the church. for the broader mission of the church. for the broader mission of the church. Now, it meant a lot to the family in Now, it meant a lot to the family in Now, it meant a lot to the family in question. whether it was a wedding or a question. whether it was a wedding or a question. whether it was a wedding or a funeral. But here's what I began to funeral. But here's what I began to funeral. But here's what I began to realize. I was spending enormous realize. I was spending enormous realize. I was spending enormous emotional time and investment preparing emotional time and investment preparing emotional time and investment preparing for and conducting weddings and funerals for and conducting weddings and funerals for and conducting weddings and funerals for people who often had minimum for people who often had minimum for people who often had minimum connection to our church. Meanwhile, connection to our church. Meanwhile, connection to our church. Meanwhile, activities that would multiply the activities that would multiply the activities that would multiply the ministry like developing leaders, great ministry like developing leaders, great ministry like developing leaders, great preaching, crystal clear vision were preaching, crystal clear vision were preaching, crystal clear vision were getting my leftover energy. So, I made a getting my leftover energy. So, I made a getting my leftover energy. So, I made a hard call. I'm not saying you have to do hard call. I'm not saying you have to do hard call. I'm not saying you have to do this. I'm just giving you an example this. I'm just giving you an example this. I'm just giving you an example from my life. I stopped doing almost all from my life. I stopped doing almost all from my life. I stopped doing almost all weddings and funerals. I trained other weddings and funerals. I trained other weddings and funerals. I trained other people to do them. I referred people out people to do them. I referred people out people to do them. I referred people out and I focused my high investment on and I focused my high investment on and I focused my high investment on higher reward activities like sermon higher reward activities like sermon higher reward activities like sermon prep and vision casting. And you know prep and vision casting. And you know prep and vision casting. And you know what? The church didn't suffer. In fact, what? The church didn't suffer. In fact, what? The church didn't suffer. In fact, it thrived because I was investing in

it thrived because I was investing in it thrived because I was investing in things that multiplied. So, here are things that multiplied. So, here are things that multiplied. So, here are some other highinvestment, lowreward some other highinvestment, lowreward some other highinvestment, lowreward activities I see pastors stuck in all activities I see pastors stuck in all activities I see pastors stuck in all the time. Here's one. Counseling the time. Here's one. Counseling the time. Here's one. Counseling everybody. Some pastors spend 20 hours a everybody. Some pastors spend 20 hours a everybody. Some pastors spend 20 hours a week counseling. That's a high week counseling. That's a high week counseling. That's a high investment. Now, that may be your investment. Now, that may be your investment. Now, that may be your calling. I don't want to interfere with calling. I don't want to interfere with calling. I don't want to interfere with that. For me, it's not my calling. And that. For me, it's not my calling. And that. For me, it's not my calling. And sometimes you can get into a rut where sometimes you can get into a rut where sometimes you can get into a rut where you're counseling the same people year you're counseling the same people year you're counseling the same people year after year with no progress. And so, after year with no progress. And so, after year with no progress. And so, that's a very low reward, but it's a that's a very low reward, but it's a that's a very low reward, but it's a very high investment. You know what a very high investment. You know what a very high investment. You know what a better investment is? Build a care better investment is? Build a care better investment is? Build a care system, train lay counselors, refer system, train lay counselors, refer system, train lay counselors, refer people to professional help, and save people to professional help, and save people to professional help, and save your time for people who are actually your time for people who are actually your time for people who are actually ready to change. Okay, another example ready to change. Okay, another example ready to change. Okay, another example of high investment, lowreward, the of high investment, lowreward, the of high investment, lowreward, the burnout zone, meetings that accomplish burnout zone, meetings that accomplish burnout zone, meetings that accomplish nothing. We've hinted at that already, nothing. We've hinted at that already, nothing. We've hinted at that already, but there are some meetings that you are but there are some meetings that you are but there are some meetings that you are pouring a night a month into or 3 hours pouring a night a month into or 3 hours pouring a night a month into or 3 hours a week into. Honestly, when you look at a week into. Honestly, when you look at a week into. Honestly, when you look at it, high investment, they're it, high investment, they're it, high investment, they're accomplishing nothing. Um, some of you accomplishing nothing. Um, some of you accomplishing nothing. Um, some of you abolished committees years ago, but abolished committees years ago, but abolished committees years ago, but you're still in 20 hours of staff you're still in 20 hours of staff you're still in 20 hours of staff meetings a week for no particular meetings a week for no particular meetings a week for no particular reason. Some are too long. You meet reason. Some are too long. You meet reason. Some are too long. You meet every week when you could meet every every week when you could meet every every week when you could meet every other week or once a month. Or honestly, other week or once a month. Or honestly, other week or once a month. Or honestly, there are some meetings that could have there are some meetings that could have there are some meetings that could have been a Slack message, right? High been a Slack message, right? High been a Slack message, right? High investment, low reward. Here's another investment, low reward. Here's another investment, low reward. Here's another example. Hopefully, you haven't done example. Hopefully, you haven't done example. Hopefully, you haven't done this, but a lot of people do this.

this, but a lot of people do this. this, but a lot of people do this. Arguing with trolls on the internet. You Arguing with trolls on the internet. You Arguing with trolls on the internet. You see a comment that just bothers you and see a comment that just bothers you and see a comment that just bothers you and then you spend 30 minutes crafting the then you spend 30 minutes crafting the then you spend 30 minutes crafting the perfect response. They fire back. You perfect response. They fire back. You perfect response. They fire back. You respond again and hours later like a respond again and hours later like a respond again and hours later like a whole afternoon's gone by. Nobody's mind whole afternoon's gone by. Nobody's mind whole afternoon's gone by. Nobody's mind has changed and you're frustrated and has changed and you're frustrated and has changed and you're frustrated and you've given your best energy to someone you've given your best energy to someone you've given your best energy to someone who was never open to dialogue in the who was never open to dialogue in the who was never open to dialogue in the first place. Here's another example. first place. Here's another example. first place. Here's another example. Responding to long emails with long Responding to long emails with long Responding to long emails with long answers. Listen, I get a lot of long answers. Listen, I get a lot of long answers. Listen, I get a lot of long emails as well. Sometimes they go on for emails as well. Sometimes they go on for emails as well. Sometimes they go on for pages with no break, right? It's like, pages with no break, right? It's like, pages with no break, right? It's like, woo, that's a lot. You know what the key woo, that's a lot. You know what the key woo, that's a lot. You know what the key is? Skim it, read it, say a prayer, send is? Skim it, read it, say a prayer, send is? Skim it, read it, say a prayer, send a short message back. Um, that would be a short message back. Um, that would be a short message back. Um, that would be the best thing. Responding to long the best thing. Responding to long the best thing. Responding to long emails with long answers is a big emails with long answers is a big emails with long answers is a big problem. This episode is brought to you problem. This episode is brought to you problem. This episode is brought to you by one accord. Well, as pastors and by one accord. Well, as pastors and by one accord. Well, as pastors and church leaders, your heartfelt desire is church leaders, your heartfelt desire is church leaders, your heartfelt desire is to see every single member of your to see every single member of your to see every single member of your church grow in their relationship with church grow in their relationship with church grow in their relationship with Jesus through the teaching of God's Jesus through the teaching of God's Jesus through the teaching of God's word, right? But for some members, it's word, right? But for some members, it's word, right? But for some members, it's a language barrier. It can be a real a language barrier. It can be a real a language barrier. It can be a real hindrance. It can affect both their hindrance. It can affect both their hindrance. It can affect both their understanding of the message and even understanding of the message and even understanding of the message and even their sense of belonging to your church their sense of belonging to your church their sense of belonging to your church community. And that's where One Accord community. And that's where One Accord community. And that's where One Accord comes in. One Accord is an AI based comes in. One Accord is an AI based comes in. One Accord is an AI based translation platform designed translation platform designed translation platform designed exclusively for the local church by exclusively for the local church by exclusively for the local church by believers actively serving in the local believers actively serving in the local believers actively serving in the local church. With over 50 languages church. With over 50 languages church. With over 50 languages available, One Accord would love to available, One Accord would love to available, One Accord would love to partner with your church to bridge the partner with your church to bridge the partner with your church to bridge the language gap. The subscription plans language gap. The subscription plans language gap. The subscription plans start at just $150 a month. So contact

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mission. It's hard, but it's necessary. mission. It's hard, but it's necessary. So, if it's high investment, low reward, So, if it's high investment, low reward, So, if it's high investment, low reward, you've got to cut or minimize to every you've got to cut or minimize to every you've got to cut or minimize to every extent possible. Now, we get to my extent possible. Now, we get to my extent possible. Now, we get to my favorite zone, the multiplication zone. favorite zone, the multiplication zone. favorite zone, the multiplication zone. Okay, the dream zone's great because you Okay, the dream zone's great because you Okay, the dream zone's great because you don't have to do much, but you get a don't have to do much, but you get a don't have to do much, but you get a high reward. This is a bit different. high reward. This is a bit different. high reward. This is a bit different. This is high investment, high reward. This is high investment, high reward. This is high investment, high reward. So, let's talk about where real So, let's talk about where real So, let's talk about where real multiplication happens. Um, this is multiplication happens. Um, this is multiplication happens. Um, this is where you build something that where you build something that where you build something that multiplies. Some of you might wonder, multiplies. Some of you might wonder, multiplies. Some of you might wonder, why is this my favorite zone, not the why is this my favorite zone, not the why is this my favorite zone, not the dream zone with low investment and high dream zone with low investment and high dream zone with low investment and high reward? Well, if everything was easy, reward? Well, if everything was easy, reward? Well, if everything was easy, just a little bit of investment, big just a little bit of investment, big just a little bit of investment, big payoff, everybody would be doing it. payoff, everybody would be doing it. payoff, everybody would be doing it. We'd live in a very different world. We'd live in a very different world. We'd live in a very different world. But, as you know, no pain, no gain. The But, as you know, no pain, no gain. The But, as you know, no pain, no gain. The things most worth doing are often the things most worth doing are often the things most worth doing are often the hardest. So, a few years ago, I started hardest. So, a few years ago, I started hardest. So, a few years ago, I started working out with weights. Hard, but working out with weights. Hard, but working out with weights. Hard, but worth it. I've been married for 35 worth it. I've been married for 35 worth it. I've been married for 35 years. There's a lot of investment from years. There's a lot of investment from years. There's a lot of investment from both my wife and I. A lot of hard work, both my wife and I. A lot of hard work, both my wife and I. A lot of hard work, some pain. Totally worth it. And some pain. Totally worth it. And some pain. Totally worth it. And parents, you know this, right? Kids, parents, you know this, right? Kids, parents, you know this, right? Kids, high investment, high reward. So, how high investment, high reward. So, how high investment, high reward. So, how does it translate into leadership? Well, does it translate into leadership? Well, does it translate into leadership? Well, for me, preaching well is squarely in for me, preaching well is squarely in for me, preaching well is squarely in this zone, communicating well. But it's this zone, communicating well. But it's this zone, communicating well. But it's not just prepping for Sunday. It's the not just prepping for Sunday. It's the not just prepping for Sunday. It's the art of becoming an excellent art of becoming an excellent art of becoming an excellent communicator. So, what you want to do, communicator. So, what you want to do, communicator. So, what you want to do, don't just get ready for Sunday. Study don't just get ready for Sunday. Study don't just get ready for Sunday. Study excellent preaching. Improve your excellent preaching. Improve your excellent preaching. Improve your delivery. Take some courses. Attend a delivery. Take some courses. Attend a delivery. Take some courses. Attend a conference. Get your reps in because conference. Get your reps in because conference. Get your reps in because that investment compounds over time. And

that investment compounds over time. And that investment compounds over time. And it might take an enormous investment it might take an enormous investment it might take an enormous investment from you. Study, prayer, preparation, from you. Study, prayer, preparation, from you. Study, prayer, preparation, and delivery. But the reward over time and delivery. But the reward over time and delivery. But the reward over time can be massive. One well-crafted message can be massive. One well-crafted message can be massive. One well-crafted message that can change hundreds of lives can that can change hundreds of lives can that can change hundreds of lives can set the direction of the church and set the direction of the church and set the direction of the church and multiply your leadership. or down the multiply your leadership. or down the multiply your leadership. or down the road it could change thousands of lives. road it could change thousands of lives. road it could change thousands of lives. Elder and team alignment is another high Elder and team alignment is another high Elder and team alignment is another high investment, highreward activity. Getting investment, highreward activity. Getting investment, highreward activity. Getting your elders, your board on the same your elders, your board on the same your elders, your board on the same page, developing your staff, having page, developing your staff, having page, developing your staff, having those crucial conversations about vision those crucial conversations about vision those crucial conversations about vision and values. Yeah, it can be exhausting, and values. Yeah, it can be exhausting, and values. Yeah, it can be exhausting, but when you get it right, everything but when you get it right, everything but when you get it right, everything else becomes so much easier. An aligned else becomes so much easier. An aligned else becomes so much easier. An aligned leadership team multiplies your leadership team multiplies your leadership team multiplies your effectiveness exponentially. So effectiveness exponentially. So effectiveness exponentially. So developing leaders is going to take your developing leaders is going to take your developing leaders is going to take your time, but if you've cut out the time, but if you've cut out the time, but if you've cut out the necessary meetings, you're now free to necessary meetings, you're now free to necessary meetings, you're now free to invest here. If you're not arguing with invest here. If you're not arguing with invest here. If you're not arguing with trolls on the internet, you're pouring trolls on the internet, you're pouring trolls on the internet, you're pouring into people who need coaching, who into people who need coaching, who into people who need coaching, who require your attention, but also have require your attention, but also have require your attention, but also have high potential. So that's what you can high potential. So that's what you can high potential. So that's what you can do. Now, building systems is do. Now, building systems is do. Now, building systems is multiplication at work. You're not just multiplication at work. You're not just multiplication at work. You're not just solving today's problems. You know, I solving today's problems. You know, I solving today's problems. You know, I had a leader who told me years ago, he had a leader who told me years ago, he had a leader who told me years ago, he says, "Almost everything, if it shows up says, "Almost everything, if it shows up says, "Almost everything, if it shows up more than once, is a systems issue." And more than once, is a systems issue." And more than once, is a systems issue." And he's right. So, if you've got a problem he's right. So, if you've got a problem he's right. So, if you've got a problem that keeps showing up, you have a that keeps showing up, you have a that keeps showing up, you have a systems issue. You might take a lot of systems issue. You might take a lot of systems issue. You might take a lot of time and energy to think through your time and energy to think through your time and energy to think through your system to fix it, but when you do it, system to fix it, but when you do it, system to fix it, but when you do it, guess what? Your system improves and

guess what? Your system improves and guess what? Your system improves and everything gets better. So, here's what everything gets better. So, here's what everything gets better. So, here's what I've learned. You can't spend all of I've learned. You can't spend all of I've learned. You can't spend all of your time in this zone. But if you want your time in this zone. But if you want your time in this zone. But if you want to grow, you got to spend as much time to grow, you got to spend as much time to grow, you got to spend as much time as possible in the multiplication zone. as possible in the multiplication zone. as possible in the multiplication zone. Yes, it's hard, but it can work well. Yes, it's hard, but it can work well. Yes, it's hard, but it can work well. And eventually some of those activities And eventually some of those activities And eventually some of those activities when they get automated can slide into when they get automated can slide into when they get automated can slide into the dream zone, right? Lower investment, the dream zone, right? Lower investment, the dream zone, right? Lower investment, maximum impact. So that's true of the maximum impact. So that's true of the maximum impact. So that's true of the leader you develop because now they're leader you develop because now they're leader you develop because now they're somebody who is really making a somebody who is really making a somebody who is really making a contribution with just a little bit of contribution with just a little bit of contribution with just a little bit of maintenance from you. The key is being maintenance from you. The key is being maintenance from you. The key is being strategic about your time in this zone. strategic about your time in this zone. strategic about your time in this zone. You got to ask because you want to spend You got to ask because you want to spend You got to ask because you want to spend a lot of time here. Is this a high a lot of time here. Is this a high a lot of time here. Is this a high investment activity that's going to investment activity that's going to investment activity that's going to multiply? Is it building something that multiply? Is it building something that multiply? Is it building something that will eventually require less investment will eventually require less investment will eventually require less investment from me or am I working hard just for from me or am I working hard just for from me or am I working hard just for the sake of working hard? For me, here the sake of working hard? For me, here the sake of working hard? For me, here are the five areas that are consistently are the five areas that are consistently are the five areas that are consistently in my multiplication zone. Okay. So, my in my multiplication zone. Okay. So, my in my multiplication zone. Okay. So, my five that I consistently consider in the five that I consistently consider in the five that I consistently consider in the multiplication zone and a great use of multiplication zone and a great use of multiplication zone and a great use of that time, writing, sermons, books, that time, writing, sermons, books, that time, writing, sermons, books, content creation. This multiplies way content creation. This multiplies way content creation. This multiplies way beyond the time invested. For example, I beyond the time invested. For example, I beyond the time invested. For example, I posted videos a few years ago that are posted videos a few years ago that are posted videos a few years ago that are still getting hundreds, thousands of still getting hundreds, thousands of still getting hundreds, thousands of views years later. You can write a book views years later. You can write a book views years later. You can write a book that gets read a decade later. You can that gets read a decade later. You can that gets read a decade later. You can have a sermon series that continues to have a sermon series that continues to have a sermon series that continues to go well on YouTube, right? Keeps getting go well on YouTube, right? Keeps getting go well on YouTube, right? Keeps getting views, keeps getting new people into views, keeps getting new people into views, keeps getting new people into your church. So writing or content your church. So writing or content your church. So writing or content creation for me is huge. Second is creation for me is huge. Second is creation for me is huge. Second is vision. You want your vision to be vision. You want your vision to be vision. You want your vision to be crystal clear. If people don't know

crystal clear. If people don't know crystal clear. If people don't know where you're going, nothing else where you're going, nothing else where you're going, nothing else matters. Third, we've already hinted at matters. Third, we've already hinted at matters. Third, we've already hinted at this, team alignment. Are we all aligned this, team alignment. Are we all aligned this, team alignment. Are we all aligned around the mission and vision? A around the mission and vision? A around the mission and vision? A misaligned team is just a cancer in an misaligned team is just a cancer in an misaligned team is just a cancer in an organization. So I want to focus on team organization. So I want to focus on team organization. So I want to focus on team alignment. Are we all good? Are we all alignment. Are we all good? Are we all alignment. Are we all good? Are we all moving in the same direction? Fourth moving in the same direction? Fourth moving in the same direction? Fourth thing that I invest a lot of time in is thing that I invest a lot of time in is thing that I invest a lot of time in is a healthy culture. So your culture a healthy culture. So your culture a healthy culture. So your culture multiplies through everything you do. multiplies through everything you do. multiplies through everything you do. You can make it healthy. If you let it You can make it healthy. If you let it You can make it healthy. If you let it drift, it's going to get unhealthy. So I drift, it's going to get unhealthy. So I drift, it's going to get unhealthy. So I work on that. And then finally, work on that. And then finally, work on that. And then finally, resources. Do you have the money you resources. Do you have the money you resources. Do you have the money you need to move the mission forward? A need to move the mission forward? A need to move the mission forward? A church that's slowly bleeding cash is church that's slowly bleeding cash is church that's slowly bleeding cash is not going to have much of a future. All not going to have much of a future. All not going to have much of a future. All right? So you've got to invest some time right? So you've got to invest some time right? So you've got to invest some time in that. Those are my big five. So what in that. Those are my big five. So what in that. Those are my big five. So what you want to do is you want to figure out you want to do is you want to figure out you want to do is you want to figure out your three to five high investment, your three to five high investment, your three to five high investment, highreward activities and then spend highreward activities and then spend highreward activities and then spend some time there. This is where the some time there. This is where the some time there. This is where the multiplication really happens. All multiplication really happens. All multiplication really happens. All right. So, how do you use this in real right. So, how do you use this in real right. So, how do you use this in real life? Now you understand the four zones. life? Now you understand the four zones. life? Now you understand the four zones. What do you need to do? Let me give you What do you need to do? Let me give you What do you need to do? Let me give you a few practical steps. Step one, audit a few practical steps. Step one, audit a few practical steps. Step one, audit your ministry. Maybe look at last week your ministry. Maybe look at last week your ministry. Maybe look at last week cuz it's pretty much in your memory.

cuz it's pretty much in your memory. cuz it's pretty much in your memory. It's in your calendar. Seriously, like It's in your calendar. Seriously, like It's in your calendar. Seriously, like pull it up right now. Pull up your pull it up right now. Pull up your pull it up right now. Pull up your calendar and maybe you want to stop the calendar and maybe you want to stop the calendar and maybe you want to stop the car or stop your run. Take a look at it. car or stop your run. Take a look at it. car or stop your run. Take a look at it. Look at every meeting, every activity, Look at every meeting, every activity, Look at every meeting, every activity, every conversation that consumed your every conversation that consumed your every conversation that consumed your time and be honest. Which zone did it time and be honest. Which zone did it time and be honest. Which zone did it fall into? Because if it's in the fall into? Because if it's in the fall into? Because if it's in the clutter or the burnout zone, if you're clutter or the burnout zone, if you're clutter or the burnout zone, if you're in a place where it's really not going in a place where it's really not going in a place where it's really not going well, um, yeah, you want to eliminate well, um, yeah, you want to eliminate well, um, yeah, you want to eliminate that stuff. So, don't skip this step that stuff. So, don't skip this step that stuff. So, don't skip this step because I think the ability to look very because I think the ability to look very because I think the ability to look very honestly at your life and say, am I honestly at your life and say, am I honestly at your life and say, am I really spinning my wheels? Am I really really spinning my wheels? Am I really really spinning my wheels? Am I really making high investments with low reward making high investments with low reward making high investments with low reward or I'm just, you know, the clutter zone? or I'm just, you know, the clutter zone? or I'm just, you know, the clutter zone? Low investment, low reward. I guarantee Low investment, low reward. I guarantee Low investment, low reward. I guarantee you when you map it out, you're going to you when you map it out, you're going to you when you map it out, you're going to be shocked at how much time you're be shocked at how much time you're be shocked at how much time you're probably spending in the wrong zones. I probably spending in the wrong zones. I probably spending in the wrong zones. I have to assess this myself. Step two is have to assess this myself. Step two is have to assess this myself. Step two is you want to maximize the dream zone and you want to maximize the dream zone and you want to maximize the dream zone and the multiplication zone. Ask yourself, the multiplication zone. Ask yourself, the multiplication zone. Ask yourself, what investments can I make today that what investments can I make today that what investments can I make today that will move activities into the dream zone will move activities into the dream zone will move activities into the dream zone in the future? Where can I invest 5, 10, in the future? Where can I invest 5, 10, in the future? Where can I invest 5, 10, 15, 20 hours of this week that are going 15, 20 hours of this week that are going 15, 20 hours of this week that are going to produce results down the road? Hint, to produce results down the road? Hint, to produce results down the road? Hint, your content. hint your team alignment.

your content. hint your team alignment. your content. hint your team alignment. Okay, I've already talked about it. I'm Okay, I've already talked about it. I'm Okay, I've already talked about it. I'm not going to go, but those are like not going to go, but those are like not going to go, but those are like obvious answers. And then step three, obvious answers. And then step three, obvious answers. And then step three, ruthlessly eliminate the burnout zone. ruthlessly eliminate the burnout zone. ruthlessly eliminate the burnout zone. This is where you got to really get This is where you got to really get This is where you got to really get tough with yourself. What are you doing? tough with yourself. What are you doing? tough with yourself. What are you doing? You're like, but I love people. Yeah, You're like, but I love people. Yeah, You're like, but I love people. Yeah, but are you investing in the right but are you investing in the right but are you investing in the right people? Okay. Yeah, but I really felt people? Okay. Yeah, but I really felt people? Okay. Yeah, but I really felt like I had to answer that long, long like I had to answer that long, long like I had to answer that long, long email from a troll. It's like, really? email from a troll. It's like, really? email from a troll. It's like, really? Did you? Did you have to spend five Did you? Did you have to spend five Did you? Did you have to spend five hours on it? And then, as we said, you hours on it? And then, as we said, you hours on it? And then, as we said, you want to minimize the clutter zone. You want to minimize the clutter zone. You want to minimize the clutter zone. You want to set aside an hour this week, do want to set aside an hour this week, do want to set aside an hour this week, do a purge, maybe resign from some a purge, maybe resign from some a purge, maybe resign from some committees or or meetings that don't committees or or meetings that don't committees or or meetings that don't matter, cancel programs that nobody is matter, cancel programs that nobody is matter, cancel programs that nobody is actually interested in, and uh think of actually interested in, and uh think of actually interested in, and uh think of it as spring cleaning for your ministry. it as spring cleaning for your ministry. it as spring cleaning for your ministry. And then what you're going to do is And then what you're going to do is And then what you're going to do is you're going to get your time back. So, you're going to get your time back. So, you're going to get your time back. So, here's what I want to bring home. This here's what I want to bring home. This here's what I want to bring home. This investment reward matrix isn't just investment reward matrix isn't just investment reward matrix isn't just about productivity. It's about about productivity. It's about about productivity. It's about stewardship. Right? You have limited stewardship. Right? You have limited stewardship. Right? You have limited time, limited energy. You can't time, limited energy. You can't time, limited energy. You can't manufacture more hours in the day or manufacture more hours in the day or manufacture more hours in the day or more emotional capacity in your soul.

more emotional capacity in your soul. more emotional capacity in your soul. You have what you have time-wise. So the You have what you have time-wise. So the You have what you have time-wise. So the question is how are you investing it? question is how are you investing it? question is how are you investing it? Are you spending it in your highest Are you spending it in your highest Are you spending it in your highest return activities or kind of squandering return activities or kind of squandering return activities or kind of squandering it because this is the stuff that came it because this is the stuff that came it because this is the stuff that came in. If this framework hit home for you in. If this framework hit home for you in. If this framework hit home for you and if you're realizing, okay, I got and if you're realizing, okay, I got and if you're realizing, okay, I got some work to do, that's exactly why I some work to do, that's exactly why I some work to do, that's exactly why I created the art of leadership academy. created the art of leadership academy. created the art of leadership academy. Inside the academy, we help you do what Inside the academy, we help you do what Inside the academy, we help you do what this episode is all about, multiplying this episode is all about, multiplying this episode is all about, multiplying your leadership without multiplying your your leadership without multiplying your your leadership without multiplying your hours. You're going to find in-depth hours. You're going to find in-depth hours. You're going to find in-depth master classes, step-by-step frameworks, master classes, step-by-step frameworks, master classes, step-by-step frameworks, and live coaching from me that will help and live coaching from me that will help and live coaching from me that will help you and your team move from exhaustion you and your team move from exhaustion you and your team move from exhaustion to effectiveness. We've got over 13,000 to effectiveness. We've got over 13,000 to effectiveness. We've got over 13,000 leaders in the academy now. And imagine leaders in the academy now. And imagine leaders in the academy now. And imagine having the time and clarity to live in having the time and clarity to live in having the time and clarity to live in your multiplication zone. That's where your multiplication zone. That's where your multiplication zone. That's where your investment creates exponential your investment creates exponential your investment creates exponential results. And that's what the leaders results. And that's what the leaders results. And that's what the leaders inside the academy are learning to do inside the academy are learning to do inside the academy are learning to do every day. So, if you're ready to stop every day. So, if you're ready to stop every day. So, if you're ready to stop guessing and start leading with focus, guessing and start leading with focus, guessing and start leading with focus, click the link in the description click the link in the description click the link in the description wherever you're listening or head to the wherever you're listening or head to the wherever you're listening or head to the arttoofleershipacademy.com arttoofleershipacademy.com arttoofleershipacademy.com and you'll get instant access today.

and you'll get instant access today. and you'll get instant access today. You'll not only get access to the You'll not only get access to the You'll not only get access to the resources, you'll also get access to a resources, you'll also get access to a resources, you'll also get access to a community of over 13,000 church leaders community of over 13,000 church leaders community of over 13,000 church leaders who've decided to invest their best who've decided to invest their best who've decided to invest their best energy with other leaders where it energy with other leaders where it energy with other leaders where it produces the biggest return. So, I'd produces the biggest return. So, I'd produces the biggest return. So, I'd love to see you in the community. Make love to see you in the community. Make love to see you in the community. Make sure you click the link. One final thing sure you click the link. One final thing sure you click the link. One final thing to wrap this up. The pastors who thrive to wrap this up. The pastors who thrive to wrap this up. The pastors who thrive aren't the ones who work the hardest. aren't the ones who work the hardest. aren't the ones who work the hardest. They're the ones who figure out where to They're the ones who figure out where to They're the ones who figure out where to invest their hours. They're strategic invest their hours. They're strategic invest their hours. They're strategic because they know if they invest in because they know if they invest in because they know if they invest in certain areas, they're going to see certain areas, they're going to see certain areas, they're going to see exponential results. And if they exponential results. And if they exponential results. And if they minimize, if they learn to say no to the minimize, if they learn to say no to the minimize, if they learn to say no to the things that distract, well, they're just things that distract, well, they're just things that distract, well, they're just going to get better as leaders. Okay. I going to get better as leaders. Okay. I going to get better as leaders. Okay. I really hope this teaching was helpful. really hope this teaching was helpful. really hope this teaching was helpful. If this framework helped you, share it If this framework helped you, share it If this framework helped you, share it with another pastor who needs to hear with another pastor who needs to hear with another pastor who needs to hear it. And I'll see you next time. Coming it. And I'll see you next time. Coming it. And I'll see you next time. Coming up, we've got Dr. Caroline Leaf on how up, we've got Dr. Caroline Leaf on how up, we've got Dr. Caroline Leaf on how AI is damaging your mind. We are talking AI is damaging your mind. We are talking AI is damaging your mind. We are talking also about how the brain works and a also about how the brain works and a also about how the brain works and a whole lot more. JD Greer, NT, Wright, my whole lot more. JD Greer, NT, Wright, my whole lot more. JD Greer, NT, Wright, my church trends is coming up. So, if you church trends is coming up. So, if you church trends is coming up. So, if you haven't subscribed yet, please do so.

haven't subscribed yet, please do so. haven't subscribed yet, please do so. Thank you so much for listening. You can Thank you so much for listening. You can Thank you so much for listening. You can access this in the Art of Leadership access this in the Art of Leadership access this in the Art of Leadership Academy. That's where you're going to Academy. That's where you're going to Academy. That's where you're going to find the show notes. Um, and you'll also find the show notes. Um, and you'll also find the show notes. Um, and you'll also find the visuals for everything we find the visuals for everything we find the visuals for everything we talked about as well. So, if you haven't talked about as well. So, if you haven't talked about as well. So, if you haven't joined the academy yet, please do so. joined the academy yet, please do so. joined the academy yet, please do so. Thank you so much for listening, and I Thank you so much for listening, and I Thank you so much for listening, and I hope our time together today helped you hope our time together today helped you hope our time together today helped you identify and break a growth barrier identify and break a growth barrier identify and break a growth barrier you're facing.