Mark Cox 6/6/11 Mark Cox 6/6/11

Leaving A Legacy

The other day, I was watching John Piper interview Rick Warren about the Purpose Driven Life (which you should check out), and it took me back to the moment I first read the book. It was given to me by my youth pastor, Danny Anderson, during my youth ministry internship with him.

I was so intrigued by the interview that I decided to re-read through Purpose Driven Life. I went to my office to pick it up and I saw a notebook inside. I had completely forgotten that Danny had given the book to study and take notes on. As I thumbed through the pages, I remembered just how special this book was.

He had given me his copy with all his handwritten notes in the side.

This is one of the most special books on my bookshelf for that reason. Not only do I get to see where Rick’s words took him, as he wrote parallel Scriptures and notes, but it is a tangible reminder of the legacy Danny holds in my life.

What do I remember about him?

1. He always, always shared Scripture with me. Not just Scripture, though; Scripture he memorized. He showed me that it wasn’t enough just to read the Bible – you need to hide it in your heart.

2. He was ultra-focused on what matters most. What matters most? Jesus, and how we can introduce Him to everyone around us! And when I was too insider-focused, he pulled me aside to help me re-focus. I’ll never forget that.

3. He invested one-on-one time with me. He helped me understand the Bible. He taught me about ministry. He asked me the hard questions. He was available.

What do you want people to remember about you? If you were to ask people today, what would they say?

Mark Cox 6/3/11 Mark Cox 6/3/11

Multiply Your Influence

One of the greatest gifts someone can give you is to invest in you. Personally, I believe that I’ve been able to accomplish greater things for God because a few men decided to invest in me.

As a result of that investment, those men multiplied their influence.

You want to influence a generation for Christ? Invest in young leaders who will take the ball down the court. Teach them what you’ve learned. Warn them of the dangers of leadership. Help them filter their life through the lens of Scripture. Most of all, be available for them.

It might be counter-intuitive, but multiplying your influence requires you to develop other leaders. In other words, reaching your goal means that you need to help other people reach theirs.

And you can’t do this because you’ll get something out of it (though, it may seem that that’s what I’m saying. It’s not). You do it because the mind of Christ is humble. The mind of Christ screams, “Others first!

You want to influence a generation for Christ? Multiply your influence by developing other leaders. In tandem with your influence multiplying, your rewards will multiply as well.

Mark Cox 5/24/11 Mark Cox 5/24/11

How To Stay Focused When Criticism Comes

Lately, it seems like I’ve been receiving a lot of complaints and criticisms. And yes…even ugly, anonymous letters (another blog post for another day).

“You spend too much time with that student.”
“I feel disconnected in your student ministry. You suck.”
“You don’t care about some students more than others.”
“The other local youth pastors do it this way.”
“I don’t like the way you teach the Bible.”

I’m not sure what the critics say in your context, but in my youth ministry context, this is what I’m hearing lately.

If you’re not spiritually prepared to think Biblically about these comments and how to respond, you’ll end up in a very unhealthy place. It is easier than you think to dwell on the comments that are made about you. You have to remember what’s true about you and the God who created you.

In order to do that, you have to go to the source of truth.

“I am a member of the body of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27

“I am adopted as a child of God.” – Ephesians 1:3-8

“I am the temple of God.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

“I am God’s workmanship.” – Ephesians 2:10

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

“I am a new creation in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

“I am filled with the divine nature of Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:4

“I am a priest and a holy nation.” – 1 Peter 2:9-10

“Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.” – Romans 8:38-39

“I have been given spiritual gifts that have prepared me to serve others.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7

“I can resist the devil.” – 1 Peter 5:9

“God offers me true life through Jesus.” – John 10:10

“Satan is not all-powerful.” – Revelation 20:10

“Jesus has already won the war!” – Revelation 22:12-13

If God has made you promises in your life, you can count on that! Critics will come and go. Their words may stay a bit longer. But you can alwaystrust in the words of our Savior!

Mark Cox 5/19/11 Mark Cox 5/19/11

Don't Let The Enemy Win

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith…” – 1 Peter 5:8-9a

“…And do not give the devil a foothold.” – Ephesians 4:27

I realize I’ve taken some of these passages out of context, but I believe there is a singular, objective truth to be found in all three passages:Satan wants death for you.

Lately, it seems like I’ve been experiencing the enemy’s attacks a little stronger. Maybe it’s because I’m planning on preaching on the truth of his schemes to our church on June 1. Maybe it’s because he’s trying to distract me from my calling. Maybe he’s trying to sideline me for good.

Any of those options scare the crap out of me. And any one of them could be very true.

I’m so glad I have a godly wife, who is so discerning and wise. The last few conversations we have had about ministry struggles end up with her reminding me how much of it is the devil trying to pry his way in on what God wants for our student ministry.

What this all means: I’M WAGING WAR.

1. I’m pouring more of God’s word into my heart this week. That is absolutely essential.

2. I’m praying more over my family.

3. I’m not backing down from what God has put on my heart for a pretty major message on June 1. Rather, that joker is going to be packed with Scripture, and we are going to celebrate God’s victory!!!

Don’t let the enemy win in your life! God has already won the war! Don’t let Satan take you down in the battle!

Mark Cox 4/12/11 Mark Cox 4/12/11

Dear Student: Your Money

‘Dear Student’ is a series of posts that are directly aimed at today’s teenagers. I am a youth pastor and am able to speak into our students’ lives constantly. But these posts are different. This series of posts are intentional, directed pleas to the next generation, based on some specific convictions about the unknown dangers that lie ahead. My tone is meant to be strong. My intention is to invest in you.

Today, I pumped 6 gallons worth of gas and spent $22 doing it. As I got back in my car, the first thought that hit me was this: “I wonder how many budgets are being changed to accommodate for transportation?” Better yet, I wonder how many people had just enough money to cover their expenses; that is, until the gas prices spiked?

It’s normal for a young person to see older people making a lot of money.
It’s normal to think that you can borrow a lot of money now.
And pay it back later.

It’s also normal to have at least $8,000 in credit card debt (says Dave).

I speak as one who is learning my lesson the hard way. I have friends who are learning their lessons the hard way. The beautiful thing about your generation is that you are growing up to learn the lessons from us, the older generations. You are growing up in a time when money is as scarce as its ever been. As much as that sucks, I hope and pray you grow up thinking differently about money than I did.

And that’s what this post is all about. I’m BEGGING you. Look at every single dollar as a gift from God. Spend wisely. Don’t spend more than you make. Don’t fall into the “I’ll pay it back at the end of the month” trap. I don’t care if you’re rich or poor. At the end of the day, everything you have could be gone in an instant.

As I see it, you have two options.
A. Believe me and those like me, and actually apply what I’m saying.
B. Learn it the hard way. Buy stuff on credit. Go get a bunch of awesome clothes. Buy a car you can’t afford. Spend a ton of money on food and drinks – things that you won’t leave you with anything to show for your money (debt). Get yourself into trouble…and then…remember these words. Remember them and wish you’d applied them on the front end.

It’s your call.

Mark Cox 4/11/11 Mark Cox 4/11/11

Dear Student: Your Authenticity

Authenticity isn’t a word I hear out of your mouth very often, but I hear you talk about it all the time.

From what I’ve heard you say and what I’ve studied about your generation, you desperately want honesty.
Out of your friends.
Out of your parents.
Out of your teachers.
Out of your pastors.
Out of your president.

As your pastor, I see a huge value in doing life with you in complete authenticity.

There’s just one problem. You demand authenticity from everyone around you, but you put on a front.

I’m not going to blame you…yet. You’ve been taught by the generations above yours (including my own) to show people that you have it together; that you don’t need help. Facebook has taught you that you can create a status, yet live a completely different life from what you post. The American Dream has taught you to “get yours” so you don’t have to rely on those around you.

Before I move on, you should know this. I realize you might be mad. That’s OK. I just want you to wrestle with this.

Authenticity breeds trust. Trust builds greater relationships. Not to mention, covering up the real you is exhausting. I’ve tried. We haven’t even taken into account that Jesus invites you to come as you are (Matthew 4:19; Mark 2:14). And to do life with other believers, together pushing toward Christ.

The beautiful side to your generation is that you demand the realness. You don’t fall for people who don’t live what they believe. You want authenticity from your spiritual leaders?
Then, we need it from you.

Consider yourself challenged to live authentically.
As enticing as it is to lie…about whatever, you will look back on your life and see that it wasn’t your life at all. It was someone else’s. You were a slave.

Most likely, to people you don’t even like anyways.

Live freely.
Live with authenticity.

Mark Cox 4/10/11 Mark Cox 4/10/11

Dear Student: Your Potential

I’ve been involved in youth ministry for around 10 years now. I’ve talked with countless students and heard a ton of stories. I set out to do youth ministry because I wanted to help students through their middle and high school years; to help them see Jesus, to give them advice, and to help them make wise choices. I’ve seen a lot of students make very wise decisions. Sadly, though, for every student that makes a lifestyle out of wise decisions, countless others don’t.

Month in and month out, I see students trade what’s inexpressibly God for what’s mediocre. And with each trade-off, a life is changed for the worse.

But I believe with everything inside of me that there’s hope.

Dear Student:
You will never realize the potential you have in the Kingdom of God if you don’t take your eyes off your own circumstances and gaze at God regularly.

Your potential in the Kingdom of God is no less than the power that the apostles exhibited!

You are a Kingdom-shaker!
You are God’s creation!
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit!

But you can’t make a difference?

Your generation is being called the next great generation. Why? Because you can’t do it? No. Because you’re following up the preceding generations with a demand for more.

There’s more in you!
Stand on the shoulders of the generation over you!
Do greater things than we ever imagined!

For the love of everything holy, stop belittling yourself!
You’ve got Kingdom Greatness in you!

Mark Cox 4/4/11 Mark Cox 4/4/11

Mediocrity Is A Sin

So many people live their life without really making a difference.

That thought literally sends chills down my spine. There’s a fear that creeps up in me that I might be someone who doesn’t make a big impact on this world.

I wish I could back up what I’m about to say with Scripture (and I’m sure I could), but I’m going to be honest. I’m not writing this post because I read something in Scripture. I see so many people walking through life, without trying to create a better world. Sadly, a ton of those are in church leadership.

So many could articulate a better reality, but have no desire to jump in and make it happen.

“I want to be a doctor, but it requires so much school.”
“I know I need a job, but I’m not gonna work at a fast food restaurant!”
“I want to be debt-free, but this last purchase won’t make a big difference.”
“I want to be the best dad I can be, but I can’t beat the addiction.”

If you can’t make your goals and actions align, you’ll lead a mediocre life.
And mediocrity is NOT an option.

Mark Cox 3/29/11 Mark Cox 3/29/11

Saving Face Vs. Admitting That You're Wrong

It’s hard to work with someone who can’t admit that they’re wrong. It’s even more difficult to serve on a team with someone who lies constantly. Can I just say this?

We know you’re lying. We can see through it.

Not only can your co-workers see through the plastic mask that is your untruth. The next generation has the best crap-detectors I have ever seen in my life.

What does this mean for you, leader?

1. Not admitting that you’re wrong = Lack of trust with your team

2. Not being trustworthy takes away your credibility and diminishes your ability to lead. Don’t get me wrong: you may have a title, but you have no actual leadership with real people. You’ve lost that.

3. Why are you a leader in the first place? Because you’ve got skills? Because you want to be in front? John Maxwell put it this way: “There’s only one reason to be a leader, and that’s to help people.”

Character is everything. You don’t have to have character to lead. But youdo have to have character to be a leader who’s worth following.

Mark Cox 3/13/11 Mark Cox 3/13/11

Your Life Is Over

Fast-Forward with me to the end of your life.

Imagine that you know you’re about to die.
You’ve got 5 minutes left.
Just enough time to recount memories.

You might be lying in a hospital bed.
You might be spending time with family.

Now.

What do you regret?
What do you wish you did?
What’s the source of that deep pain in your gut?
Which times were the fulfilling ones?
Which moments were completely wasted?
Who do you wish you spent more time with?
Who should you have cut ties with long ago?
What do you wish you pursued?

What were you supposed to do?

Now, stop lying to yourself about your “investments” and “obligations.”
This life will be ended with a period, not a comma.
There are no second chances.

Any one thing that you do that doesn’t push toward that dream or a full life is a waste of time.

Don’t waste your life.

Recommended Reading:
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper

Mark Cox 2/15/11 Mark Cox 2/15/11

Dear Student: Your Generation

I said before that your generation is an amazing one. I’m proud of you. I’m excited about you. You’re not perfect, but no one is.

Your generation could change the face of this planet. You are so involved. You want to help. I’m just afraid that the only reason you want to do good is because it’s cool now.

Here’s an example: Everyone is wearing Tom’s Shoes. The beautiful thing is the “one-for-one” campaign that is associated with Toms. For every pair of shoes purchased, a child in need gets a pair.

Brilliant.

I’m gonna throw my generation under the bus for a moment. If you gave us that opportunity, we would have laughed at you. Because we don’t care about children who are dying of preventable diseases? Not really. Although, we didn’t really care about that either.

I don’t honestly think anyone from my generation would’ve worn a shoe like Toms as a “cause.” You would hear a lot of people saying “it’s just too weird.”

OK. Whatever. At least you’re honest, right? But seriously. If everyone wasn’t wearing them, would you? I’m not trying to be a jerk or anything. I just want you to wrestle with this concept. Are we doing good because we should? Or because doing good is “in”?

Have the courage to fight the flow! Want to know what “the flow” of your generation is?

Entitlement.

What does that mean? Basically, entitlement is believing that you are owed something.
A certain standard of living.
A job that pays you a certain amount.
A really nice car…as soon as you get your license.
A really nice house…as soon as you get your first job out of college.

There are all sorts of things we feel entitled to. And I’m not telling you not to chase those things. But please, please, don’t go around demanding them of everyone.

No one owes you JACK.

If your parents have a nice house, they spent time building up to it.
If they drive a nice car, they probably didn’t always have that kind of car.
If you live in America and you want to live up to the standard that you see exemplified, you’ll pull your hair out trying to keep up with it. It’s an endless pursuit of stuff that will probably leave you with that empty feeling in the pit of your stomach.

But don’t take my word for it. Take it from one of the wisest people to ever live.

“Vanity of vanities,” says the preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2

Read the rest of the book of Ecclesiastes to get the whole picture. Solomon chased everything he could. Food. Sex. Religion. Power. Stuff. And in the end, he called it all vain. Nothing. Empty.

Your generation has the power to change things. But you have to learn from those who’ve gone before you first. Don’t repeat our mistakes. Choose to be different.

Mark Cox 2/4/11 Mark Cox 2/4/11

Critics Will Always Criticize

Today, our local schools let out because of snow. I live in Arkansas. We don’t get snow very often, but when we do, the town goes nuts. Most don’t have any desire to get out in it, but some don’t mind. Regardless, when the decision gets made to cancel school, there are always those that criticize the decision; even if they may have been saved from a car accident.

When you’re in a position of leadership, your decisions will always be questioned and criticized. There will always be people who think you made a bad judgment call. And if you dwell in the criticism, you’ll eventually be so paralyzed by fear that you won’t be able to make good decisions in the future anyway.

Leadership isn’t leadership if it dwells in fear.
Leadership isn’t leadership if it’s people-pleasing.
Leadership is making the decisions that need to be made.

Andy Stanley says it this way:

“The leader who refuses to move until the fear is gone will never move. Consequently, he will never lead.”
Andy Stanley, “Next Generation Leader” p. 55

So, the next time you’re afraid to make a decision because you’re afraid of what people will think, remember this: They will criticize you no matter what. Critics criticize. That’s what they do. If you move, they’ll criticize. If you don’t move, they’ll criticize. What’s the worth in not doing what you know you need to do?

Be bold. Lead.

Mark Cox 1/31/11 Mark Cox 1/31/11

Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals

Most leaders that have any sense of direction-consciousness set goals.
Setting goals is great.

Until you set them too low.

We serve a universe-creating God.
We serve a grave-robbing God.
We worship a life-rescuing God.

And we set tiny goals?
What the heck is that all about?

My definition of a big, hairy, audacious goal is that it is too big for me to accomplish on my own. Bill Hybels, of Willow Creek Community Church, says that these are big goals – SCARY big. They are so big that “they require the supernatural activity of God.” (emphasis mine)

Do you want to set goals that you can accomplish or goals that God has to accomplish? Perry Noble said it this way: “If everything in your church is unexplainable, God didn’t do it.”

Steven Furtick says in Sun Stand Still that “if your problems are too big for you, then they are just the right size for God.”

Aren’t goals just problems we’re trying to solve?

So what goals have you set for your life? Family? Job? Ministry?
Are they scary big?
Do they literally intimidate you?
If not, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

Mark Cox 1/25/11 Mark Cox 1/25/11

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, you can still achieve your dreams.
Yesterday is concrete.
Yesterday is done.
Yesterday is in the books.
What was accomplished was accomplished.
What wasn’t, wasn’t.

Tomorrow is still up for grabs.
Tomorrow is anyone’s game.

But tomorrow will soon be yesterday

What are you dreaming about?

Mark Cox 1/20/11 Mark Cox 1/20/11

7 Prayers I'm Praying For Our Student Ministry

Last week, I scheduled the last half of Friday to just get off campus and pray for our student ministry. I turned the phone off and went to a coffee shop in Little Rock and just prayed. I wrote down some prayers as they became powerful in my mind. I began to feel like there was great purpose in them. So, I thought I’d share with you what I’m currently praying for our students this year.

You might notice that a couple of these prayers are almost asking for pain. I struggled to even write some of them down. But if I really believe, like James said, that we’re supposed to rejoice in trials because they help us grow, then I’m going to pray through that.

1. If it pleases You to see more people in central Arkansas saved, we beg to be a part of Your work. Please use us.

2. Disturb us, Father, to a place where we are broken by what breaks Your Heart.

3. Mold us, Father, so that we’re perfectly positioned to fit in Your Plan.

4. Humble us, God. We are not God. Only You are.

5. Please give us the faith to follow You more closely.

6. Please correct us if we misrepresent You.

7. If we’re unwilling to follow You with full abandon, please bring your purifying fire.

Mark Cox 1/5/11 Mark Cox 1/5/11

Priorities In Spiritual Leadership

Spiritual leadership is an overflow of your relationship with Christ. Being a pastor is never your primary reason for living; it is an overflow of your primary reason for living, which is your relationship with Christ!

If being a pastor trumps spiritual leadership of your family, you’re off.
If being a pastor trumps spiritual leadership over yourself, you’re off.
If being a pastor is a job for you, you’re off.
If spiritual leadership is something you can do outside of God’s influence, you’re off.

You might feel like spending a couple days to re-connect with Jesus is a mismanagement of time, but I would submit that leading outside of God’s power is idolatry – maybe even of yourself.

Get back to the basics.
1. While you were steeped in sin, Jesus reached down to rescue you (Romans 5:8).
2. Your goal in life should be to bring him glory with your life (1 Corinthians 6:20, Revelation 5:13).
3. You serve others because that is the example set before us (Philippians 2:3-8).

If the way you lead allows you to NOT listen to the voice of God, it’s time to invest some time in your relationship with your Creator!

Mark Cox 1/4/11 Mark Cox 1/4/11

The Best Gift A Senior Pastor Can Give Their Youth Pastor

Over Christmas break, I had a question I wanted answered. So I asked a bunch of youth pastors this question. I wanted to do this right, so I didn’t just ask people from my city. I talked with youth pastors from all over the country.

53 Youth Pastors.
1 Question.

What are the 3 greatest gifts that you wish your Senior Pastor would give you this year?

Now I’m not asking about iPads or a brand new Lexus with a big red bow on it (But how sweet would that be?!). What I’m asking has more to do with the work relationship you have with your pastor. What elements of leadership could he focus on, that would allow you to be a greater leader this year?

Here are the responses (based on number of mentions):
Trust – 23
Freedom – 20
Support – 17
Loyalty – 14
Mentorship/Coaching/Development – 12
Leadership – 12
Affirmation (Public & Private) – 11
Friendship – 10
Clear Communication – 9
Encouragement – 8
Budget – 7
Vision – 4
Time/Accessability – 4
Respect – 3
Stage Presence – 2

Other responses included: accountability, genuine interest in students, prayer, being real, time off, having a plan, wisdom, grace (in the midst of screw-ups), pay raise, and pastoring the youth pastors family.

I don’t think I need to draw any conclusions for you. The numbers speak for themselves. One conclusion I was able to draw through my conversations is that most of these responses are present because the gift is not. Youth Pastors all over the country are going without these gifts. Only one person I talked with specifically mentioned that he was getting “these gifts” from his pastor. Most were struggling.

I hope senior pastors are reading this. Send this to your senior pastor friends. Your youth pastor might be going without a crucial element to his/her development.

The top 3 responses tell a compelling story. Youth pastors are going without trust, freedom and support.

2011 can be different. Senior pastors, pursue your staff!

Mark Cox 1/1/11 Mark Cox 1/1/11

Old Testament Bible Reading Plan

Last year, I made this schedule for those who might be interested in trying to read through the Old Testament in a year. Reading through the Bible is a humongous task (reading through the OT in a year is almost equally huge). However, a few asked for this schedule throughout the year, so I thought I’d re-post it. Happy New Years!

Mark Cox 12/21/10 Mark Cox 12/21/10

Creating A Culture Of Discipline

This post was inspired by Jim Collins’ “Good To Great,” and includes excerpts from the book. Please don’t confuse his content with mine. I don’t want to claim rights to this excellent material.

I was going through Good To Great the other day when I hit this section. It popped out at me, so I thought I would share the clip and a couple other points. Collins talks about the tension between having a group of self-starting leaders who can make things happen and the lower-capacity leaders who are used to bureaucracy and limiting systems (which slow the self-starters down). How do you manage this tension? He cites an example from George Rathhmann of Amgen.

“The professional managers finally rein in the mess. they create order out of chaos, but they also kill the entrepreneurial spirit. Members of the founding team begin to grumble. ‘I used to be able to just get things done…’
The exciting start-up transforms into just another company, with nothing special to recommend it. The cancer of mediocrity begins to grow in earnest.
George Rathmann avoided this entrepreneurial death spiral. He understood that purpose of bureaucracyis to compensate for incompetence and lack of discipline–a problem that largely goes away if you have the right people in the first place. Most companies build their bureaucratic rules to manage the small percentage of wrong people on the bus, which in turn drives away the right people on the bus, which then increases the percentage of wrong people on the bus, which increases the need for more bureaucracy to compensate for incompetence and lack of discipline, which further drives the right people away, and so forth.”

Dang. If that’s not slightly scary to you, maybe you need to read it again. One wrong hire can bring a need for over-management, which drives your true leaders away. This next line drops the hammer.

“Rathmann also understood an alternative exists: Avoid bureaucracy and hierarchy and instead create a culture of discipline. When you put these two complementary forces together–a culture of discipline with an ethic of entrepreneurship–you get a magical alchemy of superior performance and sustained results.”

1. If you haven’t read “Good To Great,” what the heck are you doing on my blog? Go get it.

2. Who you surround yourself with is so much more important than what you decide to do. If you surround yourself with people who need to be tightly managed, you won’t make a great impact.

3. Do you over-manage your leaders? You’re not allowed to answer that until you ask them. They may hold back until you give them the opportunity for healthy debate.

Mark Cox 12/15/10 Mark Cox 12/15/10

Spinning Too Many Plates

This post is about my own personal struggle.

I gravitate towards complexity. In other words, I involuntarily spin too many plates.

It doesn’t happen on a moment’s notice; rather, over time.

I can work purposefully for long stretches of time. But eventually, projects pile up, non-essential opportunities are met with open hands, and time-wasting energies are spent to no avail.

I don’t think I’m the only one out there with this problem.

Maybe this blog post is a plate you don’t need to be spinning. Maybe all the content you consume is a plate you shouldn’t be wasting energy on. Maybe that next meeting is a plate. Maybe the extra project you took on.

We all spin plates. There’s nothing wrong with spinning plates – I just don’t you to spin too many. Because if you’re spinning too many, they’ll all eventually fall and break into pieces.

Stop.
Re-evaluate where you’re spending your energy.
Prioritize what matters most.
Kill non-essential projects.

It’s been said that one of the elements that makes a Level 5 Leader is the fact that they keep a comprehensive “Stop-Doing” List, rather than just a “To Do” List. Focus isn’t something that just happens. It is a discipline.

Fight for focus.