3 critical life lessons I learned from unplugging

Mark Deterding Oct. 31, 2019

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[pull quote] “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” ~James 1:5

I discovered the world did not come to an end because I stepped away to spend time —real time—with the people I love most in this world. In fact, despite my taking a vacation, everything seems to have rolled along beautifully.

Amazing!

My wife and I actually can hit pause, enjoy rich time with family and friends and invest in exploring God’s creation.

I have become far more attached to my digital devices since the last time I took a true vacation. So, I found it rather challenging to totally disconnect. 

However, I would say it went better than I anticipated and provided huge benefits and insights into what is really important to me—as well as powerful direction for the future.

Here are three lessons I took from my time of unplugging:

1. Stepping away from the fray and day-to-day stresses is critical to maintaining high performance.

2. You need to intentionally slow things down before you can truly focus on people and relationships.

3. God provides people and signals in your life to help guide decisions and direction — if you are listening.

So where to go from here?

As a result of this time, I am committing to consistently taking time to unplug on an annual basis. 

Also, I am continuing my face-to-face training and consulting work, as well as my executive coaching. There is nothing I like more than helping people become the servant leaders that God created them to be. I am so inspired by working directly with people and seeing the incredible impact they are having on this world. Being in the same room—physically—with the leaders that God brings into my life brings me endless energy!

This time to re-connect with the purpose in my life aids me in continuing to serve other leaders as they continue their journeys of leading Jesus’ way. 

Photo source: istock 

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Mark Deterding is the founder and principal of Triune Leadership Services, LLC. In 2011 he formed Triune Leadership Services to follow his passion of working with leaders to help them develop core servant leadership capabilities that allow them to lead at a higher level and enable them to achieve their God-given potential. He is married to his wife Kim, and they have two sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws, and three wonderful grandchildren. This article was first published on triuneleadershipservices.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

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