A few months ago, my good friend got fired from his job. At first, he was thrilled. “This is it,” he told me. “Now I get to build something of my own, just like you.” And man, he was on fire. He dove in headfirst—learning new skills, building his offer, working every single day, seven days a week. It was inspiring to watch.
But lately, I’ve noticed the momentum slowing. Unemployment benefits are running out. He’s driving for Uber to keep cash flowing. He sold some stock, paid off debt (huge win!), and now he’s taking one, two, even three days off at a time. More family time, more “life stuff.” All good things, but the dream work? It’s slipping to the back burner.
This morning, I texted him three simple words: sense of urgency.
Because I’ve seen this pattern before—in others, and if I’m honest, in my own journey at times. That initial fire feels unstoppable, but when life settles in, the urgency fades. And when urgency fades, dreams stall.
I’ve studied dozens of entrepreneurial origin stories. Almost without exception, the ones who broke through worked like crazy in the beginning—7 days a week, 12–16 hour days, holidays included. They weren’t balanced. They were obsessed. And yes, I still work 7 days a week myself—not because I have to anymore, but because I want to become one of those stories. I want the growth God has for me on the other side of consistent, focused effort.
But here’s where I need to be real with you (and with myself): unrelenting grind without wisdom can lead to burnout, broken relationships, and missing the life God actually wants for us. Scripture honors hard work—“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23 ESV)—but it also commands rest. God built Sabbath into creation itself. Jesus withdrew to pray, even in the middle of urgent ministry.
So urgency isn’t about never resting. It’s about recognizing that time is a gift we won’t get back, and stewarding it fiercely for what matters most.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV): “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” That’s biblical urgency—redeeming the time because tomorrow isn’t promised.
Think about the parable of the talents. The servants who multiplied what they were given didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They acted. The one who buried his talent? He lost everything.
So how do we keep (or rekindle) that sense of urgency without flaming out?
Here are a few practical steps I’ve learned—and live by:
- Tie your work to a bigger why. For me, it’s not just hitting revenue goals (though those matter). It’s becoming the man God created me to be, providing generously, and helping others step into their purpose. When the why is deep enough, urgency follows naturally.
- Set short, non-negotiable deadlines. Long-term dreams feel safe because they’re far away. Break them into 90-day sprints with clear outcomes.
- Protect your deep work blocks like gold. I schedule them first—before life fills the calendar. Everything else fits around them.
- Build in intentional recovery. I still work weekends and holidays, but I protect Sabbath rhythms—time with family, worship, reflection. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s preparation for stronger work.
- Do an urgency audit. Ask yourself honestly: Where have I slowed down? What “good” things are crowding out the “best” things? What one adjustment could reignite momentum this week?
Friend, if you feel your fire dimming—if the dream that once kept you up at night now gets pushed to “someday”—today’s the day to rekindle it.
You don’t have to grind yourself into the ground. But you do have to move with purpose.
What’s one area where your sense of urgency has slipped? And what’s one step you’ll take this week to get it back?
I’m cheering for you—and praying God gives you both the fire and the wisdom to run your race well.