Overcoming Burnout
10 Principles for Lasting Success as a Leader
Introduction
Burnout. It’s something I’ve felt before, and I know it’s something many of you face as leaders in the marketplace and ministry. With the mounting pressures of modern life, the challenge of balancing responsibilities, and the stress of leading through crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that so many people feel stretched thin. But let me remind you of this truth: God never leads us back; He always leads us forward.
As leaders, we are called to rise above these challenges—not just for ourselves, but for those we are leading. Staying focused on the forward path God has for us is essential to lasting success. In this post, I’m sharing 10 practical principlesthat have helped me avoid burnout and stay energized in my leadership journey. I know these principles will help you, too.
1. Develop a Dream Board
Vision drives purpose. When I first started Church on the Rock, I created a dream board with 10 specific goals, and I’ve used one ever since. I keep it in my garage, and every day I review it, pray over it, and visualize those dreams becoming reality. This practice has kept me motivated through every season of leadership. I encourage you to create a dream board and review it often. Pray over it, visualize it, and attach emotions to your dreams. This daily habit will ignite the self-motivation every great leader needs.
2. Read Daily
"Leaders are readers." Early in my journey, a mentor told me to read biographies and autobiographies of great people. This advice changed my life. Reading daily feeds your mind with fresh ideas, inspiration, and motivation. Whether I’m reading a leadership book, a biography, or God’s Word, I know I’m filling my mind with the fuel I need to keep growing.
3. Listen More Than You Speak
Early in my ministry, I visited a successful pastor. At lunch, I listened while others talked about their achievements. The pastor turned to me and asked why I wasn’t saying much. I told him, “I didn’t come here to talk about me—I came here to listen and learn from you.” That moment sparked a lifelong relationship. Listening is a powerful tool for growth. Whether you’re listening to a mentor, your team, or God, take the time to listen intentionally. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.
4. Eliminate Negativity
Negativity is a drain on your energy and focus. Over the years, I’ve learned to limit my exposure to negative people, cynical attitudes, and the constant stream of bad news. It’s okay to stay informed, but don’t let negativity take root in your life. Surround yourself with uplifting influences and focus on the positive. When you do, you’ll create room for growth and resilience.
5. Feed Your Spirit Daily
Your spirit is the real you, and keeping it strong is essential. Every day, I spend time in prayer, reading my Bible, meditating, and journaling. This daily habit refreshes my soul and keeps me grounded. I’ve learned that faith does the hard thing—it pushes us to dig deep, trust God, and stay resilient. Feed your spirit every day, and you’ll have the strength to persevere when times get tough.
6. Choose Your Associations Wisely
"Birds of a feather flock together." This is a lesson I’ve seen proven time and time again. If you want to grow, you need to surround yourself with people who inspire growth. Spend time with those who have achieved what you want to achieve and learn from their habits, strategies, and mindsets. I’ve intentionally chosen to be around winners, achievers, and overcomers, and it’s made all the difference.
7. Get Proper Sleep
I’ve learned that sleep is critical to my ability to lead well. I even wear a device that tracks my sleep quality and recovery. Without proper rest, your mind and body can’t function at their best. Prioritize your sleep habits, and you’ll see the difference in your energy, focus, and resilience.
8. Maintain a Healthy Diet
What you eat affects everything—your energy, your mood, and even your mental clarity. I’ve learned to pay attention to my nutrition and make choices that fuel my body and mind. Taking care of your body is part of honoring God with the temple He’s given you.
9. Do Something You Enjoy Every Day
Leadership comes with pressure, and I’ve found it’s important to make time for things I enjoy. For me, that’s classic cars and motorcycles. Taking 30 minutes to go for a drive in my Corvette or work on a car helps me release stress and recharge. Find something you love and make time for it every day—it will keep you balanced and refreshed.
10. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress and maintain mental clarity. My son Daniel and I work out together, and it’s become a critical part of my routine. Physical activity keeps your body strong, your mind sharp, and your spirit resilient. Make time to move every day, and you’ll feel the difference.
Conclusion
Burnout is real, but it doesn’t have to derail your leadership journey. Over my 40 years of ministry, I’ve seen that the key to success is the ability to last. By applying these principles—dream boards, reading, listening, eliminating negativity, feeding your spirit, choosing wise associations, resting well, eating right, doing what you enjoy, and exercising—you can outlast any storm.
Remember, God is for your leadership. Keep moving forward, stay faithful, and never give up!