Key Thought

Leaders break down when they ignore the signs. If you want to go the distance, you can’t afford to run on empty.

 

Your Soul Has a Dashboard

Recently, Forbes posted a stat that caught my eye:

Half of drivers ignore at least one dashboard warning light.

One in five drives with their check engine light on.

Those warning lights don’t appear for no reason. While some of them might just mean your gas cap is loose… others could mean your engine is about to blow.

Now here’s the part that hits deeper: most of us lead our lives the exact same way.

We see the signs.

We feel the strain.

Yet we keep going, hoping things fix themselves.

 

Your Body Keeps the Score

Fatigue. Cynicism. Short tempers. Brain fog. Disengagement.

These aren’t just quirks—they’re dashboard lights.

When we neglect rest, spiritual alignment, and personal growth, we drift. Slowly. Quietly. Until we hit a wall. That wall might look like burnout. Or compromise. Or a complete loss of joy.

To lead beyond your limitations, you’ve got to get honest about your internal condition.

 

Even Jesus Stepped Away

If anyone had reason to keep going nonstop, it was Jesus. Even He regularly stepped away to pray, recharge, and reconnect with the Father (see Luke 5:16). He wasn’t being unproductive—He was being wise.

Jesus knew what we often forget:

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

And just like a car in need of an oil change, the longer you delay personal maintenance, the greater the damage.

 

Why This Matters

Leadership is demanding. People need your best energy, focus, and compassion. And while God can multiply what you have, He won’t force you to stop and rest.

I’m an introverted extrovert. I love being around people—but if I don’t intentionally carve out time to recharge, pray, read, or write, I start running on fumes. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that reflection and rest aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.

 

Here’s What’s Coming

Throughout the writings in my new book, we’ll get practical. We’ll talk about:

Staying spiritually aligned with your callingBuilding habits that renew your energy and mindsetThe importance of solitude and trusted advisorsLearning from failure and the power of humilityWhen you’ve done all you can—and there’s nothing more you can do

You’ll walk away with tools to extend your reach, impact, and effectiveness… especially when you feel limited.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

This week, check your warning lights.

What signs of fatigue or stress are you ignoring?

What rhythms of rest, prayer, or reflection need to be re-established?

Are you stewarding your internal life as carefully as your leadership responsibilities?

Don’t wait for the breakdown. Maintain the machine.

 

Scriptural Foundation

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

—Luke 5:16 (NIV)