Burned Out? 3 Steps to Follow with VIM
Practical strategies to protect your soul while leading with conviction.
This is the second post in a three-part series on leadership burnout and renewal in Christian education. If you missed the overview, here’s what’s ahead:
Part 1 — Recognizing the Signs: Leadership Burnout in Christian Education
Part 2 — Burned Out? 3 Steps to Follow with VIM (this post)
Part 3 — Biblical Renewal for the Weary Leader
How Did I Get Here?
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” or “Happy wife, happy life.”
While there are always exceptions, the same principle holds true in Christian school leadership: Happy leader = happy school.
When the leader is thriving—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—the ripple effect is undeniable. Teachers feel supported, students feel nurtured, and families feel connected. But when burnout sets in, it’s not just the leader who suffers—the whole community feels it.
If this is true, it begs the question: Why don’t we talk about this more?
In the journey of Christian school leadership, burnout isn’t just possible—it’s predictable. After recognizing the signs in Part 1, the question now is: How do we prevent it?
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher, offers a simple but profound model called VIM—Vision, Intention, Means. Willard argues that spiritual formation (or in this case, burnout prevention) requires three aligned components:
1️⃣ Vision — A clear picture of what you want to achieve. In this context, it’s leading with purpose, peace, and perseverance, even during busy seasons.
2️⃣ Intention — A conscious decision to pursue that vision, despite the cost. It’s choosing rhythms of rest and healthy boundaries, not just talking about them.
3️⃣ Means — The practical steps and habits that make it possible. It’s the structures, routines, and disciplines that allow you to lead well over the long haul.
Willard’s VIM model is not just theory—it’s actionable. When applied, it transforms leadership from survival to sustainability. Here’s how it looks in practice.
Step 1: Vision — A Preferred Future
Burnout prevention starts with a clear picture of what healthy leadership looks like. For a Christian school leader, that means spiritually grounded, emotionally steady, and mission-driven. Here are some realities of this vision:
Visualizing your role not just as an administrator, but as a shepherd of souls
Taking time each week to reflect on God’s purpose for your leadership
Asking the Holy Spirit to reveal where your leadership can reflect more of Christ’s love and patience
Step 2: Intention — The Decision to Take Action
Vision without intention is just dreaming. Leaders must decide to prioritize rest, reflection, and spiritual health. Prepare yourself for decision-making by:
Blocking out time for daily prayer and reflection, even during the busiest weeks
Protecting family time from late-night emails or emergency meetings
Scheduling quarterly “reset” days to step away, pray, enjoy recreation, and recalibrate
“Talk and walk” with God throughout your daily conversations, meetings, planning, etc.
Step 3: Means — It’s Go Time
Vision and intention are powerful, but they need structures to succeed. This is where means come in—the daily, weekly, and seasonal habits that keep you spiritually and emotionally healthy. Some examples:
Daily Practices:
15 minutes of silence and reflection every morning
Starting each day with prayer and Scripture before any tasks
Daily exercise (e.g., walking, running, weightlifting)
Weekly Rhythms:
A non-negotiable family dinner each week, uninterrupted
A night-out with your spouse, if applicable
Setting aside time for strategic visioning instead of constant reaction
Seasonal Practices:
Quarterly retreats for vision alignment and rest
Annual sabbatical planning or extended time of reflection
Where This Falls Apart
You may have listened to leadership podcasts where many of these items are discussed. However, the Vision is where we all must begin this process. Proverbs 29:18 says, “When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.”
Read this list and think it will never work? Pray for a greater vision from the Lord. Take your time in this step. When you start to see the goodness for the care of your soul as a leader and it begins to grip you, that’s your indicator to move forward to Intention and Means.
May the Lord bless you in this journey as you lead and serve your school community.
Up Next: In Part 3, we’ll explore Biblical Renewal for the Weary Leader, diving into how spiritual practices can not just prevent burnout, but completely renew your heart and mind for the work God has called you to.