If you’re anything like me, you live a full life. I speak, write, support my church, homeschool my youngest son, and manage my home. I also put effort into being a good wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to the special people in my life.

However, with all of my responsibilities clamoring for my attention, there comes a point when I need time alone so I can think! If I want to continue to show up for my life and the lives of others, I have to get quiet and tend to my thoughts.

To operate as an effective leader, I need to be able to hear. I need the gift of space and margin to hear the voice of God and also to hear my own thoughts. It is only when I operate with clarity that I can lead others well. 

But again, if you’re life is anything like mine, you have a lot going on! How in the world do we find the time to make the space we need to lead and live well?

Schedule time off

Even with a busy full life, we all schedule appointments. We go to the doctor, we go to the dentist, and we go on dates. We make space to celebrate birthdays, take classes, and attend Bible study. We make space for the things we value.

Just as you prioritize the scheduling of appointments and meetings that matter to you, block off time to get your thoughts together because this commitment to your mental well-being is essential to your success. It’s not enough to SAY you need time alone. You have to PLAN for your time of reflection. Pull out your planner or the calendar app on your phone and block off as much time as you need to process your thoughts. 

You may say, “Chrystal, I’m far too busy to take time away.” I’m here to tell you that if you continue to run on empty instead of taking time to get quiet, you will inevitably burn yourself out, and then your body and your brain will require rest at an inconvenient time. 

Make the most of your time

Time away for me can look different depending on the season I’m in. Yes, there are times when I go on a local staycation or get on a plane and go somewhere with a beach. However, most of the time, my getaways are not that glamorous. 

A local coffee shop is one of my favorite places to process my thoughts. I’ll usually aim for the early morning when it’s less likely to be crowded. Starting early, I bring my books to read, computers to work, and journals to write in. I wear my favorite sweater, get comfy, order my favorite drink and settle in! Yes, sometimes, it works best for me to get away on a solo vacation or a retreat because it is necessary if I’m going to really disconnect from my day-to-day responsibilities.

However, whether I’m in a hotel room or at that back table at Starbucks next to the outlet, breaking away is something I work hard to do. Because I’m sure to bring my laptop, notebook, and Bible, when I return from my time away, I bring clarity with me and review my notes so I can chart out my next steps. 

By the way, this idea of making the most of your time is not about you figuring things all out yourself. Offer your to-do lists up to God. Pray for the clarity to know what to focus on at this time. 

Cultivate a rhythm of getting away

One thing is for sure: your time away can’t be limited to a one-off situation. Make it a habit to make time to process your thoughts. Constantly availing yourself to others means you have to be vigilant about consistently availing yourself to you too! Be intentional about getting still and asking God for direction in your leadership journey. The effort you make to take time away should be regular, planned, consistent, and rhythmic.

I do realize that the idea of scheduling time off, making the most of your time, or cultivating the rhythm of getting away may seem seismic to you right now. Well, guess what? Bring your concerns and your questions to God.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. – Matthew 7:7 (KJV)

You may not know all of the answers right away, but I know someone who holds the answers we seek. When you don’t know what to do or how to do the next right thing, do the last thing God told you to do and do it well.

Look at what you have in your hands right now and focus on that. 

Here’s to leading with a clear mind and an open heart!

I don’t want you to leave this blog post without processing what you will do with this information! Take a look at the reflection questions below and wrestle with your thoughts on the topic. Then drop into the comments and let me know what thoughts or questions you have after reading this post!

Reflection Questions:

  1. What do you need to move around in your schedule to plan time away?
  2. Where can you go to get some alone time? 
  3. How often would you be able to get away?

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Chrystal is the Founder and CEO of The Sister Circle, an organization that exists to provide practical encouragement and equip women of faith to live with intention and purpose. Chrystal is also a best-selling author and speaker who reaches a wide audience, speaking at conferences, hosting her podcast, and leading the women’s ministry at her home church.