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THREE WAYS TO BEAT THE MONDAY BLUES

April 13, 2022 by AChuckAllen

April 18, 2022

“Monday, Monday, so good to me.” The Mamas and the Papas launched that song in 1966. There have been a few changes in the world since ‘66.

But Monday hasn’t changed much. It is still the day that most of us never look forward to.

Monday has a special significance in our culture as the beginning of the week, which influences our mood and our physical, emotional, and spiritual health outcomes

The 7-day week and the meaning we associate with the days of the week is a social construct, and not based on biological or planetary cycles. But a host of negative outcomes, such as heart attacks and strokes, happen more frequently on Mondays as people transition back to the structured routine of the week.

Something about that doesn’t seem right. Furthermore, we shouldn’t give in to that. If it really is a social construct, and we can choose to make Monday better, why not do that?

A 2021 nationwide survey conducted by the Data Decisions Group tracked awareness and behavior related to Mondays and healthy behaviors. While 11% of people report that Monday is “a day to dread”, many people see Monday positively. They view it as an opportunity for a “fresh start” (40%) and a day to “get my act together” (18%).

83% of responders to the survey agreed that starting the week off healthy would help maintain a focus on health for the rest of the week.

Over the past few months, I’ve been radically focused on becoming a healthier husband, dad, grandad and pastor. I’ve learned the following three ways to kickoff my workweek. Please keep in mind that I’m a pastor. As a result, Monday morning could possibly be a bummer of a let down. But I’ve learned to make Monday one of my favorite days of the week.

1. PLAN YOUR WEEK ON SUNDAY EVENING.

You may not want to, but taking ten minutes to review your calendar, make appropriate adjustments, and make a few notes of a few things you need to add and delete to your schedule is one of the most impactful things you can invest ten-minutes in, always.

Make a very short list of four things you MUST accomplish this week. Write them down! Then prioritize them.

Keep that in front of you.

2. Set limits on the amount of time that you will spend that week on social media, television and enthralled with your smart devices.

Simple awareness of the time you spend on these often worthless efforts is half of your personal productivity and peace perspective.

Earl Sweatshirt once said, “Everyone’s like sheep on social media; like, one person starts making noise, and everyone’s like, ‘Hey, yeah!’ and then you got a whole bunch of people making noise at you.”

And, whether you like it or not, the man trying to buy Twitter said, “I think there should be regulations on social media to the degree that it negatively affects the public good.” -Elon Musk

Don’t let the addictive dopamine hit of a like, follow or friend determine your day, week, or attitude.

3. Determine to Rise Ten-Minutes Early Each Weekday.

Rising just 10-minutes early allows you room to do three things – yes I know I sound like a broken record – but this has had such a radical impact on my mental, emotional, and spiritual health. First, write down three things that you are grateful for. Don’t get all spiritual or intellectual on me. Keep it simple, but write it down. Second, read one chapter of the Bible-book of Proverbs. There’s 31 chapters. How ‘bout that? Third, write down 4-5 words that describe the person that you want to be or become this week. Again, keep it clear. Keep it simple. Keep it real.

As the Mamas and the Papas once sang, “Monday, Monday, so good to me. Every other day, every other day. Every other day, every other day of the week is fine, yeah.But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes. But whenever Monday comes, you can find me cryin’ all of the time”

I think I will choose a better Monday. How about you?

Go in Peace, Chuck

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Filed Under: DAILY PRODUCTIVITY PLAN, Discipleship, Emotional Health, Life and Happiness, Mental Health, peace, prayer, Uncategorized Tagged With: anxiety, Emotional Health, Goals, Leadership, Mental Health, Peace, Personal Development, Productivity, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Health, Time Management, work smart

How’s Your MOB?

September 16, 2021 by AChuckAllen

AChuckAllen

I’m not writing about an unruly mob. I’m referring to an acrostic for M-O-B.

  • MARGIN IN YOUR LIFE
  • OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE
  • BOUNDARIES AROUND YOUR LIFE

Oh, how I wish that I had learned the value of margin in my life 30 years ago! One of the most significant elements of a peace-filled, highly successful life is margin. We all need margin. We need margin emotionally, relationally, financially, professionally, physically, and spiritually. Margin allows us to be in sync with our families, realities, bodies, and possibilities. The only person that can build an appropriate margin for you is you. You know what you need. It would be best if you slowed down long enough to determine what adjustments are required to give you a helpful margin in every facet of your life.

We all must take ownership of all things that we can control. Owning what we can control requires two huge issues. Stop convincing yourself that you are a victim and surrendering your heart to your Creator. Ownership includes claiming what you can and should do to order your life. Surrendering is allowing the Spirit of God to give you direction and correction as you live each day to the fullest.

Margin, ownership, and then boundaries. Without boundaries, we don’t own our calendars, finances, or decisions. Without borders, other people own us and our dreams. Without limitations, we surrender our potential to others. Boundaries are critical to both margin and ownership. When we do not define our boundaries, we say yes to everything. Without boundaries, we overcommit, underdeliver, and stay frustrated with our schedules and ourselves. Boundaries protect us relationally and financially. Boundaries keep our feet out of our mouths. Boundaries keep our focus in the right place.

Without MOB, we all have the power to spin out of control, make poor decisions, and destroy relationships. It’s worth a few hours of your life to invest in creating your margin, ownership, and boundaries.

Peace, Chuck

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Filed Under: AChuck's Top 10, Discipleship, Emotional Health, Friendship, grace, Leadership, Life and Happiness, Mental Health, peace, prayer, therapy, Uncategorized Tagged With: Emotional Health, faith, Goals, Leadership, Mental Health, Personal Development, Productivity, Spiritual Growth

20 Ridiculously Simple Truths

September 9, 2021 by AChuckAllen

by Chuck Allen
September 9, 2021

  1. Life is complicated, fight for simplicity.
  2. Witholding forgiveness will cost you more than you want to pay.
  3. People that work for TSA in airports are most likely a pain in the butt.
  4. Anybody can be a jerk. Don’t be anybody.
  5. Shopping at IKEA on the weekend is not a good idea. Actually, shopping at IKEA anytime is a bad idea.
  6. Aaron Burr was right when he declared, “Talk less – Smile More.”
  7. Don’t wait for the perfect time to chase your dreams. Chase today!
  8. Time is far more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you cannot manufacture more time.
  9. Life is far too short and precious to spend it angry and bitter.
  10. Crap happens to everybody. Don’t look for it, but don’t be surprised by it.
  11. It’s perfectly fine to not have any presence on social media – bless you!
  12. You’ll never like everybody and not everybody will like you.
  13. Church should be a place of peace, not a place of strife. Find a church at peace.
  14. There is no such thing as a perfect church. If there was, we would all join it and mess it up.
  15. Most people should not wear spandex.
  16. Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Plus, He proves it every single day.
  17. If you help others succeed, someone will help you succeed.
  18. Leadership equals influence, but what influences the leader is the key.
  19. Jesus was right, and is still right – If you want to be great, you must first become a servant.
  20. Not every bride, nor every baby is pretty or cute.

Please let me know your favorite numbers here: chuck@achuckallen.com

BOOM!
Peace, AChuck

Be sure to listen in to today’s Positive Talk Podcast

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Goals, Leadership, Personal Development

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

April 23, 2021 by AChuckAllen

SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for April 23, 2021


I love to share good reads, learnings, listens, and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for joining me on my 4forFRIDAY BLOG. Each week, the 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Reviews, for your enjoyment.
Thanks Again!


A Brief, but Awesome 40-Day Devotional: The Chosen; 40-Days with Jesus

It’s short, poignant, challenging and well prepared. This brief 40-day devotional from The Chosen is designed for folks that are in a hurry, but want to have a brief time of spiritual growth and grounding in their lives. But it’s not watered down. The book itself can easily be placed in a bag or pocket, and the devotion can be done in 4 minutes, easily. I think you’ll dig it…really!


An App and Reminder of The Chosen

This series is so entertaining, and so encouraging. I absolutely love the characters and the quality. In the app, you can view every episode from seasons one and two. It also has products that I am enjoying (see above). I urge you to watch this show and any of the outtakes on YouTube.


A Solid Business Read: The Culture Quotient by Gregory Besner

I really enjoyed this book. It was challenging, but super practical. If you are a entrepreneur, CEO, or a business leader, read this book. Amazon says: “Based on never-before-shared insights from more than 1,000 organizations and millions of employees, this insightful book reveals the ten essential culture qualities that can help any organization prepare for, and thrive in a constantly changing future.”


A Great Low-Carb, Keto Friendly Breakfast or Snack: Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Bites

If you are looking for a delicious way to eat low-carb, keto friendly snacks, or even a breakfast option, these are filling and delicious! I love the turkey sausage, but the regular sausage is great as well. Just pop them in the microwave for about 65 seconds and boom! You’ve low-carb deliciousness!


A Quote from Author St. Francis of Assisi :

“It was easy to love God in all that was beautiful.
The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me
to embrace God in all things..”


The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com


Go in Peace, Chuck

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Filed Under: 4ForFriday, Reviews Tagged With: 4ForFriday, Book Reviews, Goals, Leadership, Personal Development, Productivity

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

February 1, 2019 by AChuckAllen

4forFRIDAY is a weekly collection of recommended books, albums, podcasts, gadgets, sermons, resources or reviews. Thanks for subscribing and thanks for sharing.


Here is this week’s recommended reads, listens, learnings and reviews. Please let me know what your thoughts are and what you agree or disagree with. I love hearing from you guys.

A Really Good Read: I DECLARE WAR; 4 Keys to Winning the Battle Within Yourself by Levi Lusko

In I Declare War, Levi Lusko candidly shares about his personal struggles and challenges with managing himself. He identifies four tools that we all have at our disposal – thoughts, words, behaviors and power. Lusko will guide you thru the way to utilize these God-given tools to overcome the battle with managing you!


A GREAT LISTEN/WATCH: Lauren Daigle – “Tremble”

This gal can sing, y’all. After seeing her live and listening to her for 3-4 years, I think she’s the real deal. Crossover, Ellen Show, Jimmy Fallen, Carnegy Hall. This kid is special. Enjoy, and you are welcome!


A RESOURCE CLOSE TO MY HEART: The Weekday Meditation

I discovered the power of meditation several years ago, but couldn’t find a simple Christ-filled meditation that allowed for a time of simple, powerful, guided prayer and quietude. That’s why I created the WeekdayMeditation.com. In 7-8 minutes you can hear an encouraging word, walk thru a guide prayer and gratitude time and a brief, but poignant time of quietude to hear from the Divine. Please subscribe via iTunes or listen daily on the Sugar Hill Church APP. You can also find it at weekdaymeditation.com


A REALLY GOOD MOVIE: The Upside Starring Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman and Brian Cranston

Okay, it’s a bit crude and yes, the use of weed is used in some funny ways that might freak you out, but don’t let that keep you from finding the redeeming qualities in this “based on a true story” film. It’s been one of my favorite films in a long time!


And a solid quote from Mark Batterson:

“The most important law of ecology is this: L ≥ C. For an organism to survive, the rate of learning must be equal to or greater than the rate of change happening around them. With the rate of change escalating, we must learn faster, learn better, and learn more.”


If you can’t make it to Sugar Hill Church on Sunday:

    • You can watch online live at live.sugarhill.church
    • You can watch or listen later at sugarhillchurch.com/past-services
    • You can watch on Facebook at facebook.com/sugarhillchurch


Have a great weekend! –AChuck

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Filed Under: 4ForFriday Tagged With: 4ForFriday, Goals, Leadership, Productivity

Football and You

October 2, 2017 by AChuckAllen

football-game


I’m a football fan. Maybe even a football freak. But one of the realities of being a fan is that you are the shorter version of fanatic. I remember watching the NFL and the AFL on a black and white TV with rabbit ears with my Dad and thinking, this is a great game.

I’m a Georgia Bulldog fan. That means that I fully expect to start the season 5-0…but wait for it…October and November are coming! I’m an Atlanta Falcons fan. I fully expect to be missing my heart as I watch it stomped upon, one more time!

But let’s face it. Anybody can have a day where nothing goes right. Kind of like the University of Tennessee two days ago. Or the Falcons earlier today.

The question is, do these teams have three critical elements that all of us need to overcome a setback and get back in the win column. Our lives are similar to the game of football. So, here are three elements that you might find helpful in your life’s game.

  1. Strong teams and strong players recognize that you are going to fail, but that doesn’t make life fatal. Every single winner has had losses. The real question is what did you learn from the loss that matters. Losing is essential to appreciate winning! Get off your pity party and get back up, dust yourself off and get back in the game!
  2. There will always be naysayers! Plenty of people stand on the sidelines and babble on about what they should have done. It’s always an easy call from the cheap seats! A buddy of mine once said that if you are pedaling uphill as hard as you can, you don’t have time to deal with every yapping dog that is chasing after you! Leave the stands and get on the field. There are plenty of things to focus on. Dream poopers aren’t one of them. Press On!
  3. Get back in the gym. Get back in the film room. Refine your trade. Work your plan! Stay the course. When we surrender our willingness to learn, we have surrendered our right to lead. Preparation is the fuel of champions! My friend, Dr. Jay Strack offers this thought on getting prepared to win, or to win again: “The future belongs to those who are prepared.”

Don’t offer emotional, uneducated assumptions from the cheap seats. Get in the game. And when all goes wrong, take your losses and the critics and toss them away, after and only after you have learned all that you can from them. Then get back in the gym. Get back in the film room and get back on the field.

You have been created to strive for excellence. You are equipped to overcome loss and the critics that come with it. Once you are prepared, play to win! Walk off the field spent and exhausted from the battle and lay your head on the pillow tonight and close your eyes as you think over the events of this day with the joy of knowing that you did all you could, with all you have. Friend…there will always be days when you must look in the mirror and state: “All I can do is all I can do. And all I can do is enough!

–AChuck

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Filed Under: Leadership, Uncategorized Tagged With: Goals, Leadership, Personal Development, Productivity, work smart

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