Timing Is Everything

John Maxwell's exceptional book, The Twenty-One Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, describes the laws that govern good leadership and the principles used to apply them. It's one of my favorite books. I've read it several times over and it never fails to produce a new nugget of wisdom. A great read.

One of the laws of he outlines is the Law of Timing. Essential, the law states that the best way to operate is the right idea at the right time. The converse is that the right idea at the wrong time is the wrong idea. Have you ever wanted to start something or make changes only to be opposed or stymied at every turn even though you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it was right? Timing was your enemy at that point.

When timing lines up, it's another story. To steal a phrase from my coffee cup, "Nothing is so empowering as an idea whose time has come." That is an absolute truth. When the idea comes about exactly when it is needed and the people are receptive, everything begins to fall into place. Not to say that it's always easy and resistance free, but everything goes much smoother. Conditions will never be perfect, but can be optimal.

The trick is understanding the timing. Sometimes an idea needs to simmer a little while on the back burner to mature. I recommend prayer (shock, shock) when making the decision about when to proceed. Lining up with God's plan for you, your life, and the idea is key to successful implementation. When we get an idea, often times we are excited and ready to go right away. We tell everybody and start to make plans to make it happen. Then we meet the brick walls stopping everything. I've made that mistake more times than I can count. (Recently, I might add.) However, letting the idea sit and asking the Lord when to start has set aside those barriers every time. There have been times I've had to put things on hold for ten years or more for the timing to be right. Operating in His timing is of the essence.

Got an idea? Great. Prayed about it? Hope so. Let God take control of it? When it's His will to make it happen, that works every time. Dream dreams, be passionate, and let the Lord grant you His time and energy to accomplish His work through you.