My Perfect Day – A Help for Creative Leaders

As a Creative Leader, it is necessary for me to get away from the office and write, create, think, etc. That is my job. I “get paid” to create & think. Our organization moves forward best when I am doing these things.

Consequently, my assistant schedules entire days where I am not just out of the office, but completely off the grid. However, what I have found is that sometimes these days go great and other times I feel unmotivated, lethargic and scattered.

So I decided to do some analyzing recently in an attempt to decipher what constitutes a “Good Day” where greatness and creativity flow (The stuff I get paid for… so to speak) and other times when it’s bogged down.

A few weeks ago, the night before one of these days, I created my “Perfect Day” on a little note pad. Here’s what I discovered… it worked. For me, when I can do all or a combination of most of these things, it’s a great and productive day being “Creative.” If your leadership responsibilities require something similar from you, then hopefully this will help.

Of course, this is mine, and yours will vary, but in an attempt to help you, here you go.

My Perfect Day:

Prayer Walk

This is one of those things that I know only I can do. Only I can seek Jesus on behalf of my own heart and my family and the organizations and people I lead. This is hands down one of the hardest things I do. Everything fights against me doing this but it’s always a positive.
I also have to fight feelings of guilt that come once I get out there. I think the enemy of our souls loves to get us all filled with guilt, like we’re never measuring up to being good enough or spiritual enough for God to accept us.
I have to fight hard to make sure that I enter these times saying, “I am accepted by God!”

Exercise

I always feel better after I’ve worked out. I know the physiological stuff too of releasing endorphins, and stress hormones etc. But for me, I need to know my physical health is being attended to, or else I can wrestle feelings of being a slug all day which isn’t good.

SOAP & Get a Word

I feel alive when the Word comes alive in my heart and spirit. Especially when I can see something in Scripture that’s not just for me, but for the people I lead and influence as well. (For more information on the Bible study method known as SOAP, click here)

Write a Chapter in my next book

I have to do this regardless of how I feel. Just get thoughts out of head onto paper. Do the work type of stuff. Beat the resistance, etc.

Listen to an Invigorating / Thought-Provoking Talk

This isn’t just a podcast or preaching, this is something that gets my creative wheels turning.

Tackle an Exciting / Forward Motion Idea

What’s something future and forward moving that I am excited about working on? Maybe developing a new series idea, or a series of blog posts, or some future leadership messages.
Working on the future makes me feel confident and strong because I feel like I’m getting ahead.

Help Somebody

For me, this is calling a couple pastors or leaders and adding value to them somehow.

Read Something Stimulating

Some of my most creative thoughts flow after I read something that is stimulating. Their ideas stimulate mine.

One other thing: I always make a list for my “Perfect Day.”

Maybe it’s the feeling of actually accomplishing things by checking them off, or just knowing that I’m being strategic and intentional with my day, but either way, it helps me a lot.

One more bonus activity that I like to do: Shop.

I know its an endorphin release that the act of shopping gives, but either way, for me, it’s fun. I don’t even have to buy anything. In fact, every once in a while I will find something, walk around the store with it in my hand for 15 or 20 minutes, and then go put it back. It’s amazing that it’s the same endorphin release! With none of the expense.

I hope this helps…

Disclaimer: The content of this article was written on a “Perfect Day.”