Scott was a talented and passionate head baseball coach who poured himself into his work—always saying “yes” to every request, every practice, and every late-night call from his players, coaches, administrators, and recruits. He believed that giving more of himself would help his career path and his team succeed. However, he struggled with boundaries and time management. The demands of being a head baseball coach piled higher and higher. Instead of organizing his commitments and managing his time and life, Scott allowed them to consume him. His inability to say “no” wasn’t just about his team—it reflected his deep desire not only to please himself but to please others as well.
The continued “overcommit and under-deliver” mentality came at a heavy cost. His wife and children often sat at home waiting for him, missing his presence at family dinners, extracurricular school activities, and quiet evenings together. Scott did not manage his time—his time managed him. The people who loved him most saw less and less of the leader, husband, and father they needed. The imbalance grew until it became unbearable, leaving Scott burned out and emotionally drained. What began as a noble passion for coaching ended up hurting the very relationships that should have been his strongest foundation, eventually leading to divorce and costing him a lifelong relationship with his children.
When managing your time, consider the following:
1. Ask yourself: Is it worth it?
Every time you give yourself to an activity or commitment, you’re exchanging your life for it. Why? Because your time is your life. You get 1,440 minutes to manage your life every day. The question becomes: how are you managing that time to prioritize God, family, work, and relationships?
2. Understand what you’ll have to give up.
Most of us know how to make a to-do list. However, I challenge you to make a “what-matters-most” list for your life. Decide what’s most important by first asking God what matters most to Him. His wisdom is more important than your opinion.
3. Learn to say “no.”
We’ve become addicted to the speed of life, and it’s costing us our health, our relationships with family and friends, and most importantly, our walk with God. Slow down by saying “no” to the things that don’t make the “what-matters-most” list. It’s okay to say “no.” Decide how to manage your time so you’re not living your life out of balance.
Listen closely: Life is short. Learn to say “no” to some good things—or even right things—so you can say “yes” to the best things. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are. You’re going to flame out.
Govern the clock—don’t be governed by it.
I encourage you today: make the decision to manage your time and your life—or someone else will.
Love God. Love people. Live sent.
