Too Many Bosses? Three Questions to Ask Yourself

“I feel like running away!” my neighbor exclaimed when I caught up with her after work one day. She added in exasperation, “I can’t do it all.”

Do you feel like hiding from the expectations weighing on you? Maybe your boss has just asked you to work overtime. Now you must arrange pick up for the kids and cancel a social event this evening. Meanwhile, an urgent request sits unanswered in your inbox, and a voicemail from a needy friend pops up in your notifications. Where do you draw the line?

Your packed calendar signals there’s no relief in sight.

Do you serve too many bosses? Asking yourself these questions might help you find peace.

1. Principals—Who’s the Boss? 

Whether you serve one principal boss or answer to an entire chain of command, it’s impossible to satisfy everyone and worse if they contradict one another. Adding to their demands are the loud expectations of our culture. We subconsciously serve the most demanding voices, so we stifle our deep desires and do our duty.

I recently noticed that at every request for my time, I felt angry. I acted grumpy even toward the grandkids. Upon analysis, I discovered the expectations prevented me from spending time on a personal writing project. Are you frustrated? Maybe something has blocked your heart’s desire. 

Consider the obligations begging your attention. Evaluate which voices need to be heeded. Then commit to what is important to you. This necessitates prioritizing your values.

2. Priorities—Where to Focus?

Consider the obligations begging your attention. Evaluate which voices need a response. Determine which commitments align with your values, and then commit to doing what is important to you. 

Do you find time to satisfy the desires of your heart? Look at your time use. Does it reflect your priorities? It may not be a time problem but a priority problem. 

If you feel overworked, you might ask your boss to prioritize your projects. Follow their directive and in that way, the responsibility falls back on them.

When making a major time commitment, I find it helpful to ask myself, “What roles do I serve that no one else can?” A wife to my husband. A mother to my children. Primary earner. Reorder your priorities to reflect your most important roles and spend quality time on those.

If you could reorder your priorities, what would be your ideal? What would bring you the most peace?

3. Peace—What is Your Why?

You may have a ready answer for why you do what you do—“I work because I need the money.” “I work overtime because if I didn’t, I’d lose my job.” “I work to provide my children the best educational opportunities.” “I serve my church because no one else is stepping up.”

Someone showed me how to drill down to find my “why.” For each expectation that demands your attention, continue to ask why. For example: “I work because I need the money.” Why? “Because my husband’s income isn’t enough.” Why? “Truth is, we’re in debt.” Why? “We need to handle our money more wisely.” 

In this case, the solution might be handling money better, not earning additional income. Alternatively, you might say, “I work because I enjoy it.” Ask why to discover new things about your desires. Then determine how to satisfy those deeper needs rather than reacting to outside demands.

Make God your boss

Serve One Boss

Make God your boss. It takes resolve and determination to follow Jesus. Your circumstances may or may not dramatically change, and your work boss will likely still ask you to work overtime, but you will be better prepared to give an answer true to your heart.

The Story Begins

Every story has a beginning. Your story and my story didn’t begin at birth but are seeded in Adam and Eve’s story at the beginning of creation. I like to read the Bible from beginning to end because understanding how it all fits together gives me insight into my own story and my relationship with God. Like the characters in the Bible, maybe you too can identify with their weaknesses and their deep need for a holy, loving, and merciful God.

The first man and woman recorded in the Holy Bible were hiding from God in the garden because of their sin and shame. Maybe like them, in spite of God’s provision and protection, you have hidden your shortcomings and shame or covered them over with culturally appropriate behavior. The good news is that God sees you in your less than perfect state and wants more for you. As God’s Word penetrates deep into my soul, it gently reveals where I am resisting his power, correction, and healing. It offers hope that what I cannot cover, he can with his forgiveness. God called out to Adam, “Where are you?” Even though God knew where he was, Adam needed to know God was looking for him. God is looking for you and me waiting to have fellowship with us. Are you available?

MorningonthepatiojpgThe best time for me to be available is in the early morning. I love to start the day on the patio with my cup of coffee and daily devotions. As I watch the rising sun shimmering through the leaves of the trees, smell the dew drenched earth, and delight in the songs of the birds, I imagine I’m in my own Garden of Eden expecting to hear the voice of God. I believe God wants to speak to us through his Word. He wants to tell you who you really are—that you are valuable, accepted, and with his help becoming complete. May you find your place in God’s grand story.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s Word is full of principles and practices that are wise and relevant for a fulfilling life. Experience the life God intended for you through the power of the one who loves you, follow our blogsite, join in, and interact with the truth!

Write On!
Kathy
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper…” —Psalm 118:6, 7 NIV

 

Your life from beginning to end is a journey. Where will your story take you?

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