Margin Is Your Superpower: How Covocational Leaders Make Moments Matter

by Dave Miller

“I don’t know how you find the time.”That’s the response I get most often from pastors, business owners, and disciple-makers alike. We live in a world where a packed calendar is worn like a badge of honor. But the truth is, busyness isn’t a virtue — margin is. And for covocational leaders balancing ministry, family, and work, margin isn’t just helpful.

The Power of Margin: Why White Space Matters

Margin is where life really happens. It’s the space where God introduces you to someone unexpectedly, opens a door to serve your neighbor, or lets you handle a crisis without losing your peace. Without it, you’ll miss kingdom opportunities because you’re too stressed managing your own chaos.

Here’s the bottom line: If you don’t have around 30 hours of white space in your weekly schedule, you’re likely overcommitted — and your leadership fruit will suffer.

From Priorities to Habits: Building a Life That Reflects Your Calling

I teach a simple training called Making Moments Matter. It starts with this: List your top 3–5 life priorities. Not dreams. Not vague ideals. Actual values you want to shape your week.

Then build an ideal week that reflects those priorities. Compare it to your actual schedule. You’ll often find that you’re not out of time — you’re out of focus.

But don’t stop there. Turn those priorities into daily or weekly habits. Instead of merely blocking time for "family," decide that dinner around the table 4 nights a week is a non-negotiable. These habits make your calendar reflect who you are and who you're becoming.

Margin Bombs: What’s Blowing Up Your Schedule

There are four common "margin bombs" I see destroy a leader’s rhythm:

1. Overcommitment – Saying yes to everything leaves you with nothing left to give when it matters.

2. Procrastination – Piling up tasks because of avoidance eats future bandwidth.

3. Poor Communication – Unspoken schedule shifts cause confusion and frustration.

4. Indecision – Delaying decisions drains time and focus. Make the best decision you can now, and adjust later.

The fix? Clarity. And a healthy dose of “no.”

Say Yes Before You Say No

Most people try to fix their margin problem with a harsh “no list.” But I suggest starting with a yes list instead. Identify the non-negotiables that give you life, move your mission forward, and honor your calling.

Then, and only then, say no to the things that steal your energy, don’t align with your purpose, or distract you from what only you can do.

Overlap Priorities to Multiply Your Life

Some of the most powerful multiplication happens when you stop separating your priorities. Bring them together.

• Listen to Scripture while commuting.

• Invite a disciple to ride along on a work trip.

• Have a neighbor over for dinner — with your family.

• Chat about leadership while watching your kids’ soccer game.

These moments stack impact without stealing bandwidth.

Margin Makes Room for Miracles

God works in the unexpected. But if your life has no space, you’ll never see it. Don’t confuse productivity with obedience. Margin is the difference between burning out and bearing fruit.

So take a breath. Take stock. Build habits. Protect your space. And make every moment matter.

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