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As a human being, I sometimes get things wrong - very wrong - with my thoughts, emotions and natural tendencies. Throughout the years, I’ve become more and more aware of my upside-down human nature. And, leaning on the Holy Spirit, I now often seek to do the opposite of what my humanness leads me to do. In short - I try to make it opposite day! Ha! (Did you ever play this silly game as a kid?! When you play/say/do the opposite of what is expected?)

This has been a significant leadership lesson that has proven to be very stretching for me - and also incredibly fruitful when I put it into practice! Real-life examples are the best way for me to bring this leadership exercise to life. So, here are some opposites I put into practice on the regular!

SLOW DOWN

(DON’T SPEED UP)

The situation: When I have a long to-do list and am feeling extra stressed or stretched too thin …

My go-to thought: Push harder, Leah. YOU have to get this done as soon as possible. 

Then - I do the opposite! 

Instead of jumping head-first into the day, I take a little extra time. I read God’s Word, talk to Him, and calmly breathe. 

So what happens? Nearly every time, I find encouragement, a renewed eagerness for the day and more motivation. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit guiding me, instead of me trying to force something.

Want another example?

THERE’S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

(YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO AT IT ALONE)

The situation: When I’m questioning how to handle a situation or am feeling discouraged about work ... 

My go-to thought is usually: Leah, you need to figure this out. You’re the leader. You need to have the right plan (on my own). 

Then - I do the opposite! I ask myself: who can I share this with? Do I need to process this with other leaders? Should I be more open and vulnerable about this with our full team? Then, I act on it! I ask for help. I ask for prayer support. I get others’ input. Having others come alongside me is so freeing and encouraging. When we work together, we always get to a better place! 

Here’s one more example of opposite day in action!

HUMILITY IN LEADERSHIP

(KICK PRIDE TO THE SIDE)

The situation: When a need pops up and is added to my workload, especially when it’s small or seemingly busy work ...

My go-to thought: Why should I do this? I’m too busy. I’m a leader. This is for someone else. 

Then - I often do the opposite!

In that moment, I decide it’s meant for me! I get to serve in this way. I get to take out the trash … I get to clean up the office … I get to run the errand!

So what happens? I find that opportunities to serve are life-giving! There’s great reward for a humble heart. It feels wonderful to bless others and to be part of our team.

EQUIPPED BY CHRIST TO DO THE OPPOSITE

As a human, my flesh wants me to go one way. When that happens, I try to do the opposite! This is a game changer for me, both in my walk with Christ and as a leader.

How about for you? In what areas of your life do you need to practice “opposite day”? I’d love to hear your real-life opposite-day examples!