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!
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?
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!
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.
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!