subject: Stop Planning and Start Doing! [print this page] Author: Val Hastings
When John hired a coach, he felt like he was spinning his wheels going nowhere. He hoped that coaching would give him the objective assistance he needed to add traction to his ministry. Johns story is not unusual. A common reason that people hire a coach is for the accountability that will keep them in action, symbolically holding their feet to the fire. And that's the focus John's coaching shortly took. Week after week, John would create, revise and recreate his plans, compiling mounds of documents, research and references along the way. And week after week, his coach would gently ask, "What action have you taken?" As a pastor, John is used to doing a lot of public speaking talking about things, not necessarily doing things. So that's what he's doing a lot of talking and planning. On the one hand he feels stuck and he knows he's not moving, but on the other he feels like he's expending lots of energy (creating, revising and recreating his plans). So it's confusing to him why nothing is changing or moving forward. Why is it so much easier to plan than it is to take action? One reason is the transient nature of the position. With the average stay of a pastor being 4-5 years, we often find ourselves in the position of leaving unfinished projects behind, of not getting to experience the satisfaction and fulfillment of completion. And that could explain why we like to hang on to that planning phase. When we're planning, we're in control. When we take action, our plan takes on a life of its own and the outcome is turned over to God's hands. There's the very real risk of disturbing the peace, and facing the reactions of disgruntled congregants who don't want anything to change. So we end up equating action with stress. And nothing changes. If you notice yourself getting caught up in planning but getting nowhere, challenge yourself to take one small action every day. If you're not working with a coach, find a buddy you can check in with about what you're going to do and again when you've done it. Taking action can be messy and unpredictable. But it's the only way to move forward. Are you ready to stop planning and start doing? About the Author:
J. Val Hastings, PCC is the founder and president of Coaching4Clergy, which empowers todays spiritual leaders through coaching, consulting and coach training. Did you know that 6 out of 10 churches will close over the next 10 years? Visit http://www.coaching4clergy.com for the information, resources and services that will help you ensure a sustainable future for your congregation.
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