This past week I had the opportunity to spend a week in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was the trip of a lifetime but it did not start out that way due to exhaustion on my part.
A Tiring Flight
Because of long lines at security, an even longer flight from Atlanta, and an extended layover in Salt Lake City, the trip took up much of the day. When we arrived in Jackson Hole, the plane landed on tarmac. My wife is not used to traveling so I was focused on getting our carry-ons and personal items off the plane. Then we waited for a short time in baggage claim before getting our rental car. I then had to find the car, get all the luggage loaded, connect the phone, and get the GPS setup. All travelers know this is standard operating procedure. No complaints at all but I was tired.
A Better Perspective
But a comfortable bed + soft pillows + plenty of sleep = a better perspective.
The following morning we left to see Teton National Park and The Grand Tetons. As we began driving along the vast open plains along Hwy 191 I was overwhelmed with the beauty and majesty of this incredible mountain range. The Tetons are everything they reported to be as you can see from the picture above.
I then noticed some buildings off in the distance at the base of the mountains. I said to my wife, “That looks like a school.” But as we got about a half-mile further down the road I saw something which brought me great embarrassment. It wasn’t a school, it was the AIRPORT!!! The airport where we landed just the day before.
I then looked at my wife and with great exasperation said, “Do you mean to tell me our plane landed at the base of The Grand Tetons and I didn’t even know it!!! Are you kidding me???!!!” How embarrassing!
It was then I was reminded of 7 Negative Effects Exhaustion Has On Leaders:
Exhaustion Causes You To Focus On Maintenance, Not Advancement
I was so focused on just getting off the plane, getting to my car, and making it to my condominium that I missed why I was there in the first place.
Exhaustion Causes You To Miss The Big Picture
The Grand Tetons are grand. They are hard to miss. But I missed them even though I was at the base of the mountain range. Exhaustion caused me to miss what was right in front of me.
Exhaustion Causes You To Minimize The Journey
If I would have enjoyed the journey rather than getting out of the airport as expeditiously as possible, I would have taken in everything along the way, specifically the Tetons.
Exhaustion Results In Significant Opportunity Costs
It limits your peripheral vision. Once again, your sole focus is on what’s in front of you causing you to miss everything else around you.
Exhaustion Limits What You Can Do
You do not have the energy to devote to anything except the immediate.
Exhausted People Need Rest
Once again, a comfortable bed + soft pillows + plenty of sleep = a better perspective. Every leader must from time-to-time come apart, or they will come apart.
Exhaustion Causes You To Miss God
Psalm 18: 1-3 says, “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (ESV)
As awe-inspiring as The Grand Tetons are, the rocks were created by my Rock. Those rocks bow down to my Rock.
Conclusion
For me I missed The Grand Tetons upon my arrival. It might not be as grand as the Tetons, it could actually be something small but still very important. But be careful to make sure you don’t miss things because you’re exhausted.
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