Whether you have multiple deadlines flying at you all at once or one ginormous project that seems beyond your ability to tackle, there is one thing you can do. You can manage your mindset and your approach. Esther teaches us important ways to do that.
Esther also faced a couple of overwhelming projects – the first, a one-year preparation process to win the king’s favor over thousands of other beautiful young maidens; the second required putting her life on the line to save the Jewish people from mass destruction.
Your projects are obviously different. But you may be in a long planning and project management process to reach a strategic goal. You may be challenged to put your job on the line by stepping out to do something that could save your department or company. Applying the leadership principles Esther demonstrated can work wonders to help you succeed.
- Pray: Not just alone. Esther asked her community to pray with her. Prayer opens the door for God to work and to show you His will. Prayer is a powerful way to gain access to His peace that passes understanding so you can think clearly again.
- Seek and follow wise counsel: God also speaks to us through wise people He’s put in our lives. Make sure you have strong Christian mentors or advisors with whom you can talk things through.
- Take courageous action: Once you’ve prayed, you have clear ideas about what you need to do and you’ve got affirmation from trusted advisors and mentors, it’s time to take a step of faith. It could be as simple as asking for help, or as dramatic as proposing a new approach. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you, Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.”
Even when all you’re facing is more deadlines than you think you can handle all at once, these three simple steps can mean all the difference between being completely stressed and burnt out or being effective and filled with peace. Gee, I think I’ll give it a shot …
