Review: Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro

May 30, 2009 by mandeewidrick

When I originally received the offer from Bethany House Publishers to review Leading On Empty, I thought, why not, it looks like a good book. What I never anticipated was that this book would specifically be one of the main contributing factors to a complete revamp of my every-day life.

While I am a young adult who should supposedly have few cares in the world, life is quite the contrary, as I regularly carry an overwhelming load of commitments and a fully booked schedule. At the time when I first began reading Cordeiro’s book, it was the norm for me to stay up all hours of the night stressing over a work load. I was going to bed at 4 a.m. if not later, and sleeping in the next day until at least eleven to try to make up for lost sleep. Eventually it hit me hard. At my crashing point, I’d already starting reading Leading on Empty, so I was vaguely aware of what was happening. I’d over-committed and I was getting stretched so badly that I could no longer successfully manage any aspect of my life: family, friends, church, money and work. Most people probably didn’t realize it, but I felt guilty whenever I took free time, because my mind would constantly return to the workload waiting for me and me alone. 

So this is what I did. I packed some of my necessities and moved away from the farm for a few weeks and into an empty apartment owned by my parents. I needed a change of scenery and a change of pace. I left on good terms, knowing I’d likely return once I got my schedule back together. I took Cordeiro’s book with me, expecting that I’d be needing it. 

I read a small portion of Leading on Empty every day, if nothing more than to just remind me of what I could encounter if I didn’t fix things soon. I didn’t have as many responsibilities as the author, a pastor, but the further I read I knew that if I didn’t get on track, I could end up in the same situation as he. I could see it was coming, and I didn’t like it. 

From there on, I committed myself to making some changes. The first night I went to bed at 2:30. The next, 2. After that, 1:30. I reversed my schedule bit by bit, until three weeks later, I was going to sleep no later than 12:30 and waking up between 8-9 a.m., hours I’d not lived by for over 3 years. It felt good. I was accomplishing much more and went I went to bed, I was actually tired! The prior long nights had me tossing and turning until nearly sunrise most mornings. It was a hideous cycle and one I hadn’t ever disciplined myself to change. 

I recommend this book to anyone in any position of leadership or many commitments. Even if you’re not yet to that place of breakdown, you can recognize the signs and avoid getting caught in the trap. There is nothing that Satan would love more than to drag you away from your calling by bringing you to the ground. Great book, Wayne Cordeiro and Bethany House – I plan to suggest it to many.