Time management is important for all of us. It has been a lifetime of study for me. I've attended seminars, read too many books and read hundreds of blog ideas about getting more done in less time.

About the time I think I have an optimum solution, I read or hear something that makes me rethink when I do what.

Recently, I read a summary of some new research on the topic. Dr. Ron Friedman shared and wrote about the studies.

The research concluded that we are more creative when we are tired. It's harder to be distracted and perhaps we don't screen out good ideas. We flow better because our resistance is low.

Our day usually requires analytic abilities as well as creative thinking. Leaders must become more aware of the impact of team energy to tackle various projects throughout the day.

Generally, if we believe the research, we should schedule mid-morning meetings and activities that require analytical reviews of data.  Later in the afternoon we can assemble creative types for ideation.

Friedman also gives attention to the chronotype of the individual. There was a time in my life in which I used the story, "I'm not a morning person." I changed my perspective on mornings because I like to get paid in the mornings, too.

Until sometime in my 30s, I did my most serious reading and writing late into the night. I have never had an 8 o'clock class in my life.

I didn't give mornings a chance until I was asked to lead. I remember "practicing" an early morning routine. I found out, I "could be" a morning person. I still don't like it much, but it is a critical time of day for prayer, devotion and setting the tone for my day prior to surfing the waves that begin to roll at 8 a.m. I have learned to write every morning.

I understand now that since I'm tired early in the morning, it has become my best opportunity to create ideas for growth. It's not because I'm a morning person. I think it's because my resistance is low.

Perhaps this is also why so many references to early morning are given in the Bible. Maybe we feel more dependent on Him in the morning. As the day progresses do we become more independent?

The Lord will direct my path.  I just need to get up early and meet Him there.

The Holy Spirit teaches a powerful time management class.

P.S. Do you subscribe to Ministry Today? Will you please consider doing it? 

With the link below you will receive my special publisher's offer. Our baseline subscription is $24.97. My offer to you is a one-year subscription (6 issues) for $10.00.

I'd like to know what you think of Ministry Today and would love to hear from you.

Please click here today for the Dr. Greene special.

Today's Scripture

"And we have a more reliable word of prophecy, which you would do well to follow, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts" (2 Pet. 1:19).

Platform Tip No. 120

Platform development bakes-in relationships with your audience. Trust is built because you have consistently provided meaningful content.

I have followed a few platforms for over 25 years. I trust the provider as if we had been personal friends for all that time. The author always seems to show up with just the right content at the exact time I need it.

Relationships are built with sustained, consistent delivery.

I don't need an autograph from the platform. I don't a need a picture with the author.

I simply want fresh content.

Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?

For my free eBook 7 Reasons Your Organization Suffers from Marketing Malpractice, plus 3 Things to do NOW to Prevent Further Damage, click here.

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.