I live and lead by the idea that who we are is more important than what we do. Since this is the case, I try to see everyone through the lens of being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). Because of this, my pipeline looks a little different. One of the ways I develop a pipeline is to see how my team leads themselves before I invite them to lead others.

I want to create a culture of healthy self-leadership encompassing self-awareness, holistic health, meaningful collaboration, and intentionality in and with God’s mission. This culture can be created in an office, a church, or in your home. The culture is intentionally coached and modeled for the person. If the person is growing in the Lord, humbly becoming like Christ, can articulate self-awareness at the level of discovery, and can communicate authentically, then I begin equipping them in decision-making. That’s right! Decision-making. Leaders make healthy, hard, and holistic decisions. This means I have to get through my stuff: What if they are a better leader than me? What if this overshadows my accomplishments? What if I am replaced? What if I lose control? What if…

These are good questions to work through. I am not belittling these questions or ideas. These questions are a reality and something Six2 Ministries would be honored to work with you on for your leadership development.

Equipping a teammate does not begin immediately. I typically practice with a trusted team member by letting them share in the decision-making process. I mention to them that I am responsible for the outcome.

Then, I watch for these 5 areas of growth (below) to release them to lead and ultimately scale leadership impact through team numerical growth and personal development. Each of these areas takes time, coaching, and attention. Don’t rush these. They are part of personal development and vital leadership lessons for the journey ahead.

Make a decision

Eventually, I entrust and empower the person to make a decision. At this point, I still own the outcome, even if they fail. I want to see how the person decides and if it is a good decision.

Do the decision

If the person makes several good decisions, next I want to assess follow-through. It is one thing to make a decision. It is another to follow up, follow through, and enact the decision. Tenacity is a key trait of a leader. So is grit.

Own the decision

This is the turning point. Eventually, I want the person to own the decision. This means that they now take ownership of the decision rather than me. This is a huge deal! This means they value their decision and trust themselves to make the decision, even if it leads to failure.

Learn from the decision

Success and failure are good teachers. Regarding success as self-worth can lead to pride. Regarding failure as personal will stop a leader from leading effectively and in healthy ways.

My hope is that a future leader will learn from their successes and failures in decision-making to continue to grow, mature, and become like Christ. There is always something to learn.

Develop others in decision-making

Finally, I hope to see the leader begin developing other leaders. Creating a culture of healthy decision-making throughout the team, organization, or home. Ultimately, creating a culture of who we are is more important than what we do.

As you can see, this is a process. It is slow, small, and messy. It takes time and intentionality. It focuses on the person and leadership development. Ultimately, this can look like disciple-making, passing the baton, and sharing the load (Galatians 6:2).

There is a pipeline to lead leaders of leaders. There is also a pipeline of personal development and growth into leadership. What step are you on? What step are you inviting others to?

For instance, if you are training for a race, more than likely you are focused on the event for which you are training. If you are asked to speak at an event but are afraid, you will more than likely focus on fear. If you reminisce about past accomplishments, you can inhibit future growth and opportunities. If you focus on the Lord and His mission, there is an opportunity to look more and more like Jesus.

Focus is critical to who you want to become and what you want to accomplish. The challenge is knowing what to focus on.

Charity, my Beautiful, bought me a telescope a couple of years ago. I enjoy stargazing–especially looking at a full moon. The challenge is finding the moon when the telescope is set for a strong focus. Once the moon is found, one can focus on the moon to view craters, shadows, and dimensions. She would say that I need more practice. She would be right!

Here’s the catch, we all focus on something. The hope is that we are intentional with our focus and pursue clarity.

As we begin a New Year, I would like to encourage 4 critical areas of focus for any leader. You may be a leader in ministry, at work, in your community, or at home. Consider these areas as you lean into this year. Then, look back at this year to see how far you have come.

Holistic Self Awareness

How aware of yourself are you in these areas:

• Spiritually
• Emotionally
• Physically
• Mentally
• Relationally
• Maritally
• Vocationally
• Personality
• Financially

This is important! It is difficult, if not improbable, to have a clear focus on the next three areas without distinct self-awareness. It is important to create a dashboard of sorts. Write down areas of growth and responsibility. The list above can be a start. Then create a weekly or monthly review of these areas. Which ones are thriving? Which areas are struggling? What are next steps?

Meaningful Collaborative Journey

Walking alone can be the most difficult journey for most. Have you ever felt alone? I have. It is a difficult slog. You’re not alone. Loneliness is a common theme among leaders. The hope is to focus on finding a small group of mentors, coaches, friends, and future leaders for the journey.

As a Christian, begin restoring your relationship with the Lord Jesus. Invite Him into your plans, mission, goals, and focal areas.

The journey is meaningful. The journey is collaborative. The journey is intentional. The journey is relational.

Preparing for Tomorrow Today

I have been a student of productivity for over 10 years. I have learned a lot about what productivity is and what it is not. I begin with God’s mission in the middle. I want to bring glory to God by making more and better followers of Jesus through the power of His Spirit. I want to love others and myself as He loves. I want to help hurting people find hope and healing.

This will not happen by accident. Productivity is not simply getting a lot of stuff done. Productivity is getting the right stuff done at the right time to join God on His mission for His glory alone.

This takes intentionality, planning, purpose, coaching, and collaboration. This also requires a devout journey with God, with other Christians in a local church, and a clear idea of His presence, power, and plans.

Purposeful Impact

The first three areas of focus lead to this last area. Purposeful impact is for you and others. One can sense the intentionality, creativity, and beauty of God working in us, for us, and with us to create this kind of impact. But, if you are aware, collaborative and intentional, the results will impact you and others for a purpose greater than the one you can create.

What next?

Charity and I would be honored to walk with you on this journey! Six2 Ministries is a non-profit dedicated to your journey in these areas of focus. We want you to see the majesty of being created in the image of God, swim deeply into personal awareness, become more like Christ in the way He created you to be, develop healthy boundaries, and focus on making a purposeful impact for the glory of God alone.

When I (Mike) was a teenager, I enjoyed singing with the youth choir. During a Christmas season, I was asked to sing a song entitled, “He Came.” The lyrics of the song were part of a larger musical reminding us that “at the right time and at the best time, He came.”

Every year around this time, I have a reminder notification that reminds me of this special moment in my life when I was asked to sing, “He Came.” It was more than a song to a young Christian. The title was a message of hope, security, faith, and commissioning.

When I am excited, He came.

When I am sad, He came.

When I am hurting, He came.

When I am reflective, He came.

When I am disappointed, He came.

When I am joyful, He came.

When I am lonely, He came.

Jesus stepped into a world filled with sin, despair, wounds, pain, oppression, frustration, fear, and sadness. He came and brought healing, freedom, hope, love, joy, peace, and kindness. His methods were different, His ways were awkward, His strategy was counter-cultural…and He was exactly what we needed.

He came. Take it in. Take a breath. The Wonderful Counselor is knocking on the door of your heart. In the middle of a small town, born in the hurry of life, and glorified to a group of outcasts.

“Mike, would you like to sing, “He Came” at this year’s Christmas musical?”

Obviously, this moment became more than a song. This moment became an anthem of my life in Jesus.

Where are you in life right now? Need hope? Need faith? Need security? Need purpose?

He came.

God in flesh, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, came.

My prayer for you is simple. That you would find rest in the simplest and most profound of statements, “He came.”

God with us. God with you.

Do you know of someone else who needs to hear these words? How will you encourage others through a lifestyle of “He came”?

Let’s pause and pray.

Almighty God, in Jesus Name, through the power of your Holy Spirit, thank you. Thank you for remembering the forgotten, hurrying to the hurting, saving the sinners, providing a path of peace to the stressed, and hastening hope to the desperate. You came. You saved. You redeemed. You secured. You healed. Now, send us into a world who needs to know You came for them, too. Thank you, Jesus, for Your Presence and in Your Name we pray, Amen.

Thinking is not the issue. Overthinking is.

Maybe you have been there, ruminating on something that is bothering you, or a great idea. Maybe it is thinking through your day or your upcoming week’s schedule. Perhaps you are thinking about an organizational strategy or a business concept.

Whatever it is, thinking can become overthinking. Here are some challenges.

1. Overthinking can cause analysis paralysis. Overthinking can take too many things into consideration and you fail to do anything about your thoughts.

2. Overthinking can mess with mental health. You may find yourself in your head too much and it is actually impacting your confidence, relationships, mojo, or positivity.

3. Overthinking can thwart spirtual formation. While God is trying to get your attention, you find yourself hyper-focused on whatever topic captures your attention.

Obviously, something has to change, but how? How can I keep from sinking in my thoughts?

1. Tell someone. Another way to think about overthinking is to consider how often you find yourself “stuck”. Sometimes to get unstuck, tell a trusted friend, mentor, coach, or pastoral counselor. Folks outside of your thoughts can provide great insight to rescue you from the rising tide in your brain.

2. Make a list or write it down. This sounds too simple. If you keep rehearing things that have to be done in your head, make a list. If you cannot process a life narrative or relational challenge, then write it down. Something happens when you can get something out of your thoughts and on a piece of paper.

3. Do something. We can make a great decision on half of the information needed. This is how entrepreneurial and innovative people function. If you get trapped in your mind, then action may never happen. This can depress the most focused and driven of individuals.

Questions to consider:

1. Which challenge do you face the most when it comes to overthinking?

2. What can you do to prevent sinking?

Let Six2 Ministries know how we can help!

“When you stop learning, you stop growing.” ~Kenneth Blanchard

“What you reading?” A friend asks me this question on a regular basis. He knows that I am always into some topic, book, article, or study. I love to learn, and reading is a part of my learning process.

But, what are you reading? What is piquing your interest? How are you growing?

This is an important question as a leader. I agree with Blanchard, “When you stop learning, you stop growing.” I’ve witnessed it! Leaders get complacent or over-confident in their own abilities. Leaders get too busy to add reading to their list of things to do. Leaders do not prioritize growing themselves. There are a ton of reasons.

I get it! We’re busy! If it wasn’t, then there would be nothing to lead.

But healthy leaders are growing leaders. Growing leaders are learning leaders. Learning leaders are reading leaders.

So, what are some tips and tricks to sneak “reading” into your schedule. Yes, I put reading in quotes.

• Set an appointment with yourself to read. This does not have to be daily or weekly. You get to choose the time, place, and environment. But if you don’t plan to read, then it may not happen.
• Set a goal. Sounds easy, but setting a goal to read takes energy and effort. Reading takes a lot of energy! Let’s just say you set a goal to read 12 books a year. That is one book per month. When can you read the book? What book will you read? Which articles are interesting to you? What skills do you need to develop? Each of these questions can provide goals to set.
• “Reading” can come in the form of listening or watching. Hey, we are in a digital age. Get creative. Walking? Listen to a book or podcast. Enjoy video? Check out the university of YouTube. Don’t have a lot of time? Check out Blinkist. Enjoy listening to books on the commute? Consider Audible.

Get creative. Have fun. Enjoy Reading!

So, back to my friend’s question.

I am back in school to finish my Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. I stopped short of this degree to enter my Ed.D. I just finished my last class and have an internship to go. So, I am reading a ton of stuff on Counseling Women (my current class). But I am also reading other books. I like to skip around on books based on the environment I am in.

Car: “Canoeing the Mountains” by Bolsinger & “Your Brain at Work” by Rock. My next car book will be, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter” by Abrahams.

By my bed: “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” by Schwarzenegger

On my shelf at work: A re-read, “Better than Good” by Ziglar & a new book, “Chief of Staff” by Parris

Podcasts while exercising: “At the Table” with Patrick Lencioni, “Armchair Authentic” by my friends Rhett and Justin, “Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast” by Scazzero, “Grow Leader Podcast” with Chris Hodges, the “Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast,” “Beyond the To-Do List” by Fisher, and “AI Knowhow” by Knownwell. I also squeeze in some post-secondary accreditation and training podcasts from time to time.

As you can see, I love to learn! Why? Because I love to grow. Why? So I can help more people become what God has created them to be. Why? So, together, we can catalytically synergize His mission around the world.

To be fair, I did not start here. I began with a short list and slowly grew the list over time. I keep a “wish list” of books and topics to research. As long as I am on earth, I plan to learn. I plan to learn so I can lead others to become something more than they could ever dream.

So, “what are you reading?”

“What are you focused on?”

Like I said, it sounds easy.

So many of us are in such a big hurry that we do not slow down and answer the “easy” question. Even now, you may feel the tendency to rush to the bottom of the blog for the big takeaways.

Focus, attention, free from distraction, essential priority, and “the most important thing” are all synonyms. If you search “what are you focused on” through the internet, you will find a lot of thought leaders writing on this topic.

You will read ideas like you are what you become what you are focused on, focus provides energy in the same direction, attune you mind, body, and emotions to the main thing, and the list goes on.

Obviously, focus is important. Along with contemporary thinkers, the Bible has some things to say about focus. Think of verses that remind us to fix our eyes, think about one thing, seek first, what to study, where to go, who to follow, and how to find and keep His perfect peace (Proverbs 4:25; Proverbs 29:18; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 12:2).

So, what are you focused on?

If we’re honest, we may not like what we find when we answer this question.

Our ideal focus may not be our actual focus.

Ideally, I am sure you want to glorify God, prioritize your family, have energy. Feel good about where you are and what you are doing. Actually, your life may be the opposite. You feel stuck in the mud, spinning tires, trapped, and lost. I know, I’ve been there! But things can change.

We are focused more on “how” rather than “who.”

“How?” is typically the first question we ask when we are not focused. A problem arises and we seek a solution rather than focus on the source. This takes practice. What is the source of your focus? Generally, most leaders and Christians would focus on the main things: God, family, legacy, and relationships. If you ask “how” first, then you may be missing what is most important. Focus on the source. The source consistently begins with “who.”

We are too busy to pay attention to what we are focused on.

It’s 5:00 am. Your alarm sounds. Your house is quiet, but not for long. Another big day is planned. Your to-do list is so long that you are afraid to look at it. Family, friends, co-workers, and folks are waiting for you. Meetings, deadlines, chores…you filled your day. You wonder if this will ever end. You’re tired, stress, frazzled, and frustrated. Whew….

So what can we do?

Slow down.

Sounds simple, but for many of us this is the most difficult solution to answer with integrity what we are focused on. The simplest way to do this is to make an appointment with yourself. Typically, we do not miss meetings with doctors, sports practice, church, family meals, or birthdays. But we will miss a meeting with ourselves. So, set a meeting for the purpose of answering what you are focusing on…and keep the meeting!

Build this question into a daily or weekly review.

Set the meeting daily or weekly. This depends on your personality and productivity types. I like daily check-ins since my schedule is nuts. You may be able to swing weekly. Perhaps schedule this meeting with yourself before leaving for church on Sunday so you can examine your heart and prepare for the week. More important than when you answer the question, just make time to answer it. You will thank me!

Be accountable.

Tell someone that you trust that you will slow down to answer the question, “What are you focused on?” Tell them when you will do it and provide accountability to follow-up with them once you have answered the question. Having personal accountability will help you early in the process to stick to the routine.

Charity and I have worked hard to remain focused. We have built systems, processes, and questions into our lives and relationships to do so. We would be honored to walk alongside you and help you clearly focus on what is most important to you.

You can stay on the path, walk toward your vision, be excited, have energy, experience joy and peace, and glorify our Lord Jesus if you can remain focused.

The rain was so severe that I could not see ten feet in front of my face. The lightning was striking. Runners were quitting. Charity, my bride, was worried sick in a hotel room several miles away from the race venue, hearing the news that her Paw-Paw had passed.

There we were. Stuck in an uncomfortable reality. One of us was pressing on toward victory. The other was pressing on toward loss.

Can you relate?

Sometimes growth and change come from success, and at other times, they can come from tragedy and difficulty. Both Charity and I had “tired legs.” It just looked different.

How can we have joy in un-comfortability? These are simple ideas but good reminders.

1. Press on toward the prize. Philippians 3:12-14 summarizes this idea. We are “pressing on toward the goal” of eternal glory, Heaven, in Jesus Christ.  Some days, this is easier than others. Sometimes you know where the finish line is, like in the race I was running. Sometimes you don’t like the one Charity was running. In both, keep pressing on.
2. Stay focused on Jesus. Matthew 6:33 states that we should seek Jesus first. In pain, victory, difficulty, or plenty, we can keep our eyes and focus on Jesus. It is easy to be distracted by the storm or isolation around us. In Matthew 14, Peter continued on His journey toward Jesus while his eyes were fixed on the Master’s. But, when Peter looked away, He began to sink. Are you sinking? Then, stay focused on Jesus.
3. Expect difficulty AND peace. Jesus promises trouble and peace in John 16:33. The Man of Sorrows was familiar with this journey (Isaiah 55). Yes, we will have difficulty. But, yes, we can have peace.

With less than 5 miles to go, my legs went flat. I was tired, wet, cold, and weary. Five miles and over 26,000 feet to run. It might as well have been another marathon. I slowed to a walk and then stopped. No one was around. I drank the little electrolyte mix I had left and swallowed some energy gel.

“One more step.” That is what I said. Then, I took one more step. I repeated the phrase, “One more step.” Before I knew it, I was running again. The finish line was in my mind and eventually in sight. Oh, the joy. Oh, the peace.

Press on, my friend—one step at a time. Press on.

            Yes, I get it! I’ve been there. I am sure I will face this again in the days ahead.

            So, how do we keep following God, embolden our steps, and keep our chin up when all it wants to do is fall?

            Here are some ideas.

1. Trust God

He already knew this would happen. He has better plans. He has higher ways. Yes, life is difficult for the moment, but His mercies are new every day. He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life! You can trust God, the eternal Father, who is not surprised by this moment.

• Trust God’s promises

Begin writing them down. God loves you. God has a plan for you. God wants a relationship with you. God gives you peace. God gives you hope. God’s ways are higher. God’s ways are better. God forgives you. God has mercy on you. God will guide you. God will give you courage!

• Trust God’s promises in your life

Own God’s promises that you wrote down. Receive them as gifts. Hold them in your hands. Hold them in your head. Hold them in your heart. They are the promises that God gives you. He wants you to have them! You are heirs of His promises. Enjoy!

• Trust God’s promises in your life’s calling

Because God has a plan for your life, He has a calling for you. Primarily, our life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Within giving Him glory is our everyday, extraordinary gift to Him, ourselves. Yield to His Spirit. Say, “I will go.” Go all in with God. Just see what He can do with your current discouragement. God won’t waste this experience!

• Trust God’s promises in your life’s calling one step at a time.

You don’t have to think destination. You can choose to think journey. Right now, your heart is sad. One day, you will be able to take the next step. What will that step be? You just have to take the next best step. It is not a leap. It is not too far. It is just one single step. Then another, and another, and another…one step at a time.

Are you ready? Point your feet in the right direction toward the Giver of your courage. Go all in. Trust God’s promises in your life’s calling one step at a time.

Now, take the next step.

I narrowed down the field to the top 10 topics of 2022 based on how often we discussed these topics. These are all important and life-changing; however, some were more common than others. Let’s begin!

3-Communication

• Oh, yes! This still remains at the top of the list. Last year, this was number one! The reason it was number one last year was twofold. First, folks were stuck indoors and isolated from others. So, people worked on developing healthy communication for more meaningful relationships during stress. Second, teams were learning to communicate more creatively with their partners, churches, and clients.
• This year, boundaries, listening, and deeper connections were at the forefront.
• Boundaries included what to share and when. Also, how often should something be communicated, and in what ways?
• Listening is critical to healthy communication. Charity and I will discuss more on listening in an upcoming podcast (April) on Caring Conversations.
• Deeper connections are on folks’ minds since this was difficult to do during a pandemic. But what does a deeper connection look like, and how is this accomplished?
• How is your communication with others? What needs to be developed?

2-Anxiety

• This was not a surprise based on my research.
• Our culture in America is rife with anxiety, considering what we have been through and are still going through.
• Most of us have been experiencing mental fatigue for the past few years. This underlying anxiety-heightened baseline has prepared us for more rooted issues in our everyday stressful lives.
• Anxiety is being treated medically faster than a few years ago.
• Some folks slip into depression, and others develop other mental health challenges.
• It is important to identify the source(s) of anxiety and create an intentional care plan.
• Are you anxious? Do you have an intentional plan of care?

1-Overwhelm

• At #1 for 2022 was the topic of overwhelm. I do not think any of us are surprised.
• Just a reminder that anxiety and overwhelm are different. One can be overwhelmed and not anxious; however, a lot of anxiety we see is from overwhelm in some form or fashion.
• Overwhelm can be seasonal or chronic.
• We are more easily overwhelmed due to emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, or physical fatigue.
• Our schedules went berserk once restrictions were lifted from the pandemic. Without focus and intentionality, life ramped up hard with so much stuff vying for our attention. Couple that with a naturally distracting culture, and overwhelm is common and expected.
• Several skills and preparatory disciplines are involved in lessening overwhelm. Since overwhelm is subjective, one must understand perspective, culture, life-circumstance, personality, and recent journey.
• Are you overwhelmed? How will you find peace?

Here are the top 10 topics in summary:

10-Mental Health Research

9-Finances

8-Marriage (& Pre-Marriage)

7-Getting the most out of life

6-FOMO

5-Leadership

4-Preparing for the future

3-Communication

2-Anxiety

1-Overwhelm

Which area is your strongest? Which is your greatest challenge?

How can we help?

If Six2 Ministries can serve you, please let us know! We want to help you carry your stuff (Galatians 6:2). We want to prepare you for tomorrow today. We know that there is “more.” God has a plan and purpose for you, your relationships, or your team.

We would be honored to walk with you. Reach out to us:

I narrowed down the field to the top 10 topics of 2022 based on how often we discussed these topics. These are all important and life-changing; however, some were more common than others. Let’s begin!

6-FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

• This was one of the most surprising areas for us this past year; however, it makes sense.
• We were isolated and restricted during a pandemic. Now, stuff is beginning to happen. We have experienced more freedom again!
• Freedom without focus can create FOMO. With so many options, folks were trying to do too much or simply were paralyzed by all of the options.
• FOMO creates all sorts of issues depending on the person, couple, or team.
• Creating clarity and simplicity was vital in engaging a world of “too much.”
• Peace and focus were the goals.

5-Leadership (and leading from the middle)

• Being in an environment of focused leadership development at Highlands College, I get to rub shoulders with some of the best leaders in the world.
• Because of this, I have re-entered conversations about leadership and how to lead in various environments.
• All of us lead “from the middle.” Even if you are the key leader of your organization, you will answer to the Lord, a board, or accountability. Yes, leading from the middle is an interesting mindset and a healthier path for a rapidly changing global culture.
• Skills are required to do this well, care for yourself and your team, and get things done.
• There are markers for healthy leadership that must not be missed. Then, there are skills to develop these markers in your life and for your team.
• How is your leadership? How do you know for sure?

4-Preparing for the Future

• We have had this conversation a lot this past year in a variety of different ways.
• Churches pursuing a vision, couples preparing for an empty nest, marriage preparation, financial preparation, becoming a better leader, and getting healthier (physically, emotionally, and mentally).
• I (Mike) invest a lot of time looking ahead. Typically, I am asked to enter team meetings to simply help look ahead. My mind enjoys puzzles, and I can help consider what happens when a specific decision is made in a given context.
• Charity and I invest time and resources in our future. Preparing for the future while enjoying the present is strategic and intentional.
• Are you preparing for the future? If so, are you celebrating the now in the meantime?

We still have 3 to go! Stay tuned!

If Six2 Ministries can serve you, please let us know! We want to help you carry your stuff (Galatians 6:2). We want to prepare you for tomorrow today. We know that there is “more.” God has a plan and purpose for you, your relationships, or your team.

We would be honored to walk with you. Reach out to us: