Leading Ourselves Well

As we step into this brand-new year of 2026, it’s an exciting time to be part of Royal Rangers. We are standing on the threshold of a big year for this ministry, and I know many of you are already looking ahead at calendars, planning outpost events, and dreaming about the impact we’ll have on the lives of boys.

But before we get too deep into the "doing" of ministry, I want to pause and talk about the "being." As leaders, we often focus so much on leading others that we forget the most important person we have to lead—ourselves. In our latest podcast episode, John and I sat down to discuss this very thing. We always say in Royal Rangers that you can’t take a boy where you’re not going yourself. If we want to lead boys into Christlike manhood, we must be men who are actively leading ourselves well in every area of life.

Here are three key areas where we need to be intentional as we move into this year.

1. Leading Your Personal Life

There is no "neutral" in our personal growth. Life is like paddling a canoe down a creek—if you stop paddling, the current is going to take you somewhere you might not want to go. We must be active in the process of growing.

• Mentally: What are you reading? What are you listening to? Are you challenging yourself to stay sharp and "cutting edge?” Whether it’s studying leadership, learning a new skill like AI, or just diving into a good book, keep your mind engaged.
• Physically: I’ll be the first to admit that after twelve years as national director, I’ve noticed I don’t quite have the energy I once had! But we must stay physically engaged so we can interact with our boys. I don’t want to be the leader who just sits in a chair while the boys are running around. Whether it’s hiking, sports, or even something like Tai Chi (which I’m beginning this year), stay active so you can earn the right to be heard.
• Spiritually: This is the foundation. Are you closer to Jesus today than you were at the start of last year? Use tools like the Swordsman program or the Bible Engagement Project. Even ten minutes of Bible engagement four times a week makes a radical difference in the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
• Socially: Don’t isolate. We need connections outside of our Rangers circles. Get involved with other leaders in your church or community. These relationships round us out and keep us healthy.

2. Leading Your Family

As men of God, we are called to be the priests of our homes. Our families must be our second priority, right after our relationship with God. I remember the haunting term "Ranger Widow." Friends, that should never be our goal. We shouldn't brag about ministry constantly taking us away from our families; we should brag about how ministry strengthens them.

• Prioritize Your Spouse: Your wife is your greatest priority in the family. Be intentional about romancing her. Whether it’s leaving little notes on her pillow, bringing home flowers after a Rangers weekend, or setting aside 45 minutes a week just to sit and talk, let her know she matters more than the mission.
• Build Credits: Think of your time with family as building up “credits.” When you must go away for a powwow or a training event, you’re spending those credits. Make sure your "account" is full before you leave!

3. Leading Your Time and Calendar

If you don't lead your calendar, someone else will. Time is a finite resource, and we must be the ones to define what is significant.

• Schedule the Important First: Before my calendar fills up with speaking requests and national events, Cindy and I sit down to look at our year. We put vacations and family time on the calendar first. Once those "big rocks" are in place, everything else can be shoehorned in around them.
• Create Margin: Don't book yourself to 100% capacity. Leave space for the unexpected—the divine appointments or the needs that arise in your outpost that you didn't plan for. In the margin is where the Holy Spirit often does His best work.

The Key Word is Intentionality

Whether it’s your physical health, your marriage, or your schedule, the goal isn't perfection—it’s intentionality. God has called you to a high purpose, but you can only fulfill that purpose if you are leading yourself with wisdom and grace.

Where to begin? Start by setting one goal. Pick one area (mental, physical, spiritual, or social) and set one intentional goal for this month.

Thank you for your heart for this ministry and for the sacrifices you make. Because of you, the trajectory of thousands of young men is being changed for eternity. Let's make 2026 a year where we lead ourselves well so we can lead our boys even better.