Do you have margin?
It may seem small, but it’s a really big deal.
If you don’t have any margin – you know, blank space – in your life, then you probably don’t have much peace, clarity, or confidence either. Without margin, you feel scattered and unsure because you are moving too fast. While you should be feeling more confident at this stage in your life – you feel insecure and maybe even a little defeated.
We look at others who are calm, confident, and exude a strong presence and we can’t imagine how they got there.
Well… it all starts with some space to make the right choices. Let’s talk through one small choice that will yield great results. Ready?
Create Margin in your life.
Restrain yourself from focusing on all the excuses for why you cannot have margin. That is simply not true. You can have margin. And it is so important that you become intentional to create it. This is one thing I love to do with my clients. We intentionally carve out some blank space. I have yet to meet anyone where we couldn’t find some margin.
Lie: I am so busy and don’t have a single second for myself.
Truth: I have the same amount of time as everyone else on this planet. Some are doing much more than me. I can steward my time and make better decisions to allow me margin.
(I love using a truth journal. Check out the resource list below.)
When you make the time to get up and get in the Word, it gives God the space to prepare you for your day. When you factor in some short walks where you breathe in the fresh air and talk to God, it clears your mind and fixes your focus. When you schedule a long hot bath before bed, you let your body relax and your remember to thank God for all the blessing in your life.
There are many benefits for creating margin.
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Clarity of mind.
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Clearer direction
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Better decision making
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Perspective shifts
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Opportunity to Reflect
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Space to process
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Intentionality
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And many more
Studies show that when you create margin in your life it changes the way you view your responsibilities. Without margin our responsibilities feel like more than one can do. With margin, the same responsibilities begin to feel manageable. Why? Because we are able to think and process more clearly.
Being busy is a tactic of the enemy. He doesn’t have to make you bad, he just has to make you think you are too busy and too tired to get in the Word or to spend time focusing on what God wants you to do.
Do you know that this margin you create and use wisely can also help you grow your confidence. It’s true. First, by spending time in the word, you become more confident in who God is because you get to know Him more. You are reminded of His faithfulness. As your confidence in Him grows, you become more confident in who you are because of whose you are. You can think more clearly. You recognize the lies of the enemy and step boldly into who it is God says you are. (I’ll link an Identity sheet.)
This blank space can be used to help you become more stable as you build your day, your year, your life on a firm foundation.
It will help you fix your focus. You will take your eyes off yourself and fix your eyes on Jesus. Locking eyes with Him empowers you to take the steps He is asking you to take.
Then your stance will become consistent. You will stand firm no matter what comes your way. No more being tossed to and fro.
I hope this has encouraged you.
Create margin, grow your confidence, and lead strong!
