5 Ways You Can Pace for Performance and Peace

What an honor to be invited to write for the Global Leadership Network! Here’s a brief excerpt from my blog post. Click here to read the full article.

The surprising key to navigating in this very complex world is PACE.

What if in slowing down, pacing ourselves and honoring the pace of others, we actually find energy for creativity, for productivity and for peace?

What if a global slowdown is an invitation to rest?

In his three years of public work, Jesus fully accomplished his mission on earth. In a sea of endless needs and demands, he frequently made space for rest and retreat. And he did this not just for himself. He did it for his people.

When the disciples returned from a long work assignment on the road (preaching and healing and doing all the disciple stuff), they came to Jesus to report what they’d seen and done. So many people are coming and going that they haven’t even had a chance to eat. Rather than looking at all those people with all their needs and putting the disciples right back to work, Jesus says these amazing words: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31, NIV)

Pace allows us to be present to our purpose and to people.

What an honor to be invited to write for the Global Leadership Network! Here’s a brief excerpt from my blog post. Click here to read the full article.

As leaders, it’s imperative that we craft a way of life for ourselves that is responsive to body and soul.

Jesus observed this rhythm, withdrawing often to lonely places after productive ministry seasons (Mark 6:31). Sustainability was more important than their stories of success.

What does practicing moments of stillness look like in your organization?

Perhaps you could take time in meetings, at the beginning and at key junctures, for prayer. Or you could establish a norm for you and your staff to take a day of solitude each month. Or consider scheduling regular periods for personal silence during your work week. Or perhaps you could make it normative to take all vacation time and completely unplug.

During strategic planning days and retreats, it is a regular practice for our Roots&Branches team to begin with an extended time of quiet. We each pray silently and listen for the ideas, thoughts and priorities that rise in our minds and hearts. When we come back together, each person shares what they’ve sensed in this time.

Without fail, we begin to see themes arise. Clarity comes. And we have a unified sense of direction.