Fred was one of the leaders in his business and his church. Working 55 plus hours a week and serving in several positions at church, Fred was lucky to have two nights at home each week. Those two nights were consumed with yard work, needed tasks, and repairs. His quality time with family usually consisted of breakfast on Sunday morning- each member running in and out of the kitchen as they prepared for church, and the drive to church and back home – when the kids weren’t going home with a friend.

A schedule like Fred’s can have several devastating consequences and will lead to burnout. Eventually, the proverbial well will run dry. Every person needs not only to pour out into life’s arenas, but also to be poured into. It is great to be busy, in-demand, and hard working. Yet, staying busy at the expense of your own physical, mental, and spiritual health will have devastating consequences.

When the well is empty, you feel you have no more to give. You are physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted, or all three. It is wise to take inventory of your schedule from time to time. Here are a few tips to help avoid running the well dry.

• Understand yourself. Know your strengths and your limits.
• Realize it is okay to say “no” to things not in your strength mix.
• Plan and protect personal time, daily if possible, or at least three times per week. Even 15 minutes can give you a fresh start.
• Find something you enjoy doing that has no relation to your job or other obligations, – a hobby, sport, or relaxation event.
• Avert situations and people who drain you, leaving you frustrated or exhausted.
• Build relationships with people who are positive and encouraging.
• Build quality family time into your schedule, at least weekly. A date night, family outing, or game night.
• Acknowledge when you need help and voluntarily ask for help.
• Have a prayer partner or two with permission to challenge you about your well running dry.

Perhaps most importantly,

• Start your day with a minimum of 15 minutes with your creator, God Almighty and His Word, The Holy Scriptures.

Perhaps you have built-in other ways to keep your well from running dry. Share them with me and others. Whom do you know who does a good job at keeping the well from running dry? What will you commit to today to ensure your well is not running dry?

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.