Eight Questions

~ By Mark Jevert

One of the few areas I have had moderate success and discipline in is planning.  I’ve tried seemingly every kind of organization system… Franklin Planner, DayTimer, DayRunner, DayMinder, Planner Pads… you get my drift.

Today if you see me, more than likely I’ll have a sheet of cardstock with me. Yes… I now pack a new iPhone, but the “old school” guy in me needs to see a list. To write tasks down at the beginning of the week and check them off along the way is tremendously fulfilling… so I carry “the sheet.” It’s my own system. No more piles of sticky notes or multiple to-do lists…just this one sheet.  It has worked for me.

On this sheet of paper, there is plenty of room for tasks for the week… a prayer list… a small area for a summary schedule of the week… a place to jot down ideas and illustrations that “appear” in the midst of everyday life…and there are eight questions I try to regularly ask myself. They are:

• What do I need to do this week to bring more clarity in life? In my next talk?
• What do I need to do this week to better control my attitude and emotions?
• What do I need to do this week to be a more disciplined follower of Jesus?
• What do I need to do this week to improve my skills / personal growth?
• What do I need to do this week to invest more in others?
• What do I need to do this week to demonstrate stronger character?
• What do I need to do this week to love Debbie (my wife) sacrificially?
• What do I need to do this week to lead as a husband and father?

I have A LONG way to go in each of these areas. However, I believe God desires that you and I intentionally try to take steps along the path to be more like Jesus in our lives. For me, it’s usually messy and often looks like baby steps (remember the movie, What About Bob?) or the old “three steps forward, two steps backwards.” My prayer – for me and for you – is that we would be men and women that listen to the Spirit’s whispers and promptings, and obey – whatever it takes.

If you are looking for a way to simplify your weekly planning rhythm, you are welcome to borrow/adapt from my sheet. Just ask and its yours.

To learn more about Mark, check out our DCW Trainers & Coaches page.