The Junk In A Leader’s Life

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, which was launched into earth’s orbit in 1991, is now “dead” and will soon re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and crash to the ground.  While no one is expected to get hurt or property damaged, there are still no guarantees.

What I found interesting listening to the reports is that there is actually in excess of 20,000 pieces of debris or “space junk” in low-Earth orbit.  Scientists are becoming concerned that this could one day pose a serious threat to the International Space Station.

I began to do a personal inventory of how much “junk” was floating around in my personal orbit.  It became quickly apparent that I desperately need a “Stop Doing” list.  There is just too much circling around in my life.

What the falling satellite also teaches us is that too much junk could eventually destroy the things around us like the space station.  We’ve all got space stations in our lives that are eventually in peril.  Here could be some of the results of too much junk in our lives:

  • Damaged family life
  • Burn-out
  • Loss of relationships
  • Frustration in meetings leading to loss of influence
  • Projects not completed 
  • Poor quality of work
  • Poor choices
  • Poor listening skills
  • Poor health
  • Fatigue
  • No room for fun 
  • No room for joy
  • No room for replenishing activity
  • Lack of spiritual intimacy

These things are too important to be damaged or destroyed by junk.  Time to re-prioritize what’s important.

Leaders, can you relate or I am alone in this?

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Brian Dodd

Brian Dodd is the author and content coordinator for Brian Dodd On Leadership. In addition to overseeing this site's content, Brian is Director of New Ministry Partnerships for INJOY Stewardship Solutions where he helps churches develop cultures of generosity. Brian has also authored the critically-acclaimed book The 10 Indispensable Practices Of The 2-Minute Leader.