Simplify to Serve: Clear Out What’s Distracting You

Today we’re talking about something we all need this time of year: simplifying. It’s easy to fill our plates with so many good things, whether they be client projects, ministry ideas, or even marketing. We often forget to pause and ask, Lord, is this still mine to carry? When we simplify, we don’t lose productivity. We make space for peace and for purpose.

Clear everything out

Let’s talk about how you can clear out those distractions and create a margin to serve well.

Identify what is draining. Take some time to look at your calendar or maybe your calendar and your task list. And say and ask yourself, what feels heavy or out of alignment? Sometimes what started as obedience becomes an obligation when you never pause to reevaluate. Maybe you know there’s something in your business you’ve been doing out of obligation. Perhaps you feel like you have to, and you’ve not gone back and evaluated. Ask yourself if this is really working. Does it move the needle forward? Is there an ROI, or return on my investment of my time? An example is maybe you started a social media series that once excited you, but now it just drains your energy. That might be a sign that God is redirecting your focus.  What are you doing out of routine that no longer brings you joy?

Delegate or delete every task that you have in your business that doesn’t need your personal touch. Some tasks can be automated or delegated. If it has become more draining, they can be deleted entirely. This is especially true for us as entrepreneurs who wear multiple hats. The tip here is to take some time to look for some tools. Tools like scheduling software for social media. You could also hire a VA, which is what I help my clients with, which can free up mental and emotional energy.

I want to remind you, because many times people aren’t aware of this, or maybe they falsely believe that simplifying is laziness. Simplifying is not laziness. It is obedience. There are probably things that God wants you to lay down, and you just haven’t done. Think about what you can automate, delegate, or delete.

Serve with margin. When your schedule is lighter, your heart has more room to serve. If you would recall and look back, Jesus himself took time away from the crowds to rest and to reset, and we have to do the same. Margin allows you to show up wholeheartedly for your family, your calling, and those that God wants you to serve. Remember from 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” Peace often starts with pruning. God’s not asking you to do more. He’s asking you to do what matters the most. So review your to-do list this week and circle three things on that list that drain you and ask yourself, is this necessary, or is this just noise?

Finish Strong

Then take one bold step. Delegate, delete, or delay something that doesn’t serve your mission. Remember, simplifying is not shrinking your impact. It’s about making room for God to move through your business. When you serve with focus and peace, you reflect his order and his goodness.

If you do find that you want to hire a virtual assistant, we here at Alyssa Avant and Company would love to talk to you about that. Head over to our website and schedule your free 20-minute consult; we would love to see how we could help.