In a world that rewards relentless ambition and measurable success, it’s easy for leaders to feel stretched thin. Careers demand long hours, families crave attention, and spiritual commitments often get pushed aside in the chaos of daily life. For many, the pursuit of success comes at a steep personal cost. But Scott Sauls, a pastor, author, and trusted mentor to high-output leaders and influencers, believes there’s another way.
“Faith, family, and ambition don’t have to compete,” says Pastor Scott Sauls of Nashville. “When approached with well-formed values and intentionality, they can actually strengthen and complement one another.”
Having spent decades leading large congregations, writing books, and mentoring others, Sauls understands firsthand the struggle to balance professional drive with personal health and life balance. “I’ve learned the hard way that trying to meet every expectation—being everywhere, all the time—only leads to exhaustion and disappointing the people who matter most,” he reflects.
Today, Sauls champions a different approach, one built on aligning priorities and living with purpose. “A life of meaning doesn’t happen by accident,” he says. “It requires balanced, deliberate choices about where your limited time, energy, and focus will go.”
The Struggle of Competing Priorities
The demands of modern life make achieving balance harder than ever. For leaders, especially those with high expectations—both from others and themselves—the tension between professional success, family, and faith can feel overwhelming.
“As leaders, we constantly ask ourselves, ‘Am I giving enough over here? Am I neglecting something over there?’” Scott Sauls explains. This pressure, combined with societal messages that glorify busyness, often leads to burnout. “Many leaders are so focused on ‘winning’ that they end up physically and emotionally drained, unable to be fully present for God, family, friends, or needed rest and retreat” he adds.
But Sauls is quick to point out that these challenges aren’t insurmountable. The key, he believes, lies in clarifying values and living intentionally.
“You have to decide what matters most,” Sauls says. “For me, it’s God, family, friendships, and doing meaningful work. I’m still learning to say ‘no’ to good things in order to protect the ultimate things.”
Practical Steps for Intentional Living
For Sauls, intentional living starts with integrating faith, family, and personal rhythms into everyday life. Faith, he explains, shouldn’t be relegated to a Sunday morning activity. For Scott Sauls church must be complemented by “starting each day with scripture, prayer, or quiet reflection helps reset your priorities and orient your perspective for whatever’s ahead,” he says.
Sauls encourages leaders to create consistent, protected moments for their faith, family, and important friendships—whether it’s shared meals, weekend activities, or simply ridding of distractions to be fully present. “These times of unplugging from the grind and plugging in to relationships don’t need to be elaborate, but they do need to be intentional, or they won’t happen” he advises.
Weaving faith into family life is also key. With the leaders and influencers he mentors, Sauls advocates for shared practices like attending church weekly, serving others, or praying together as a family. “Share your humanity with your family,” he says. “Talk about your fears, dreams, and triumphs, and invite them to do the same. It fosters trust, connection, and a sense of shared purpose.”
Redefining Ambition
Ambition, Sauls insists, is not inherently bad. In fact, it is something given to us by God from the very beginning of time. “Ambition is only a problem when it becomes disconnected from God and others, revolving solely around yourself,” he explains. The key is to align ambition with God-centered concerns and a commitment to serve others.
“Ask yourself: Does this goal honor God? Does it promote the flourishing of people and relationships and meaningful work? Does it leave people, places, and things in better shape than we found them?” Sauls encourages leaders to consider.
He also believes achievements—both victories and failures—are meant to be shared. “Your family, friends, and colleagues aren’t separate from your success or your struggles; they’re meant to be with you in it, and you with them in theirs” Sauls says. “Celebrating wins and grieving losses together keeps everyone invested in a shared journey. It reminds us that success is about more than personal accolades—it’s about love and connection with those who walk alongside us.”
The Role of Time Management and Support Systems
Time management, Sauls believes, is an essential servant to a well-balanced, well-lived, love-filled life. He recommends strategies like time-blocking—setting aside specific, non-negotiable hours for the people and endeavors that matter most. “Treat each priority like an appointment you can’t miss,” he says, crediting Pete Richardson of the Paterson Center for helping him adopt this practice.
Delegation is another tool leaders often overlook. “You don’t have to do everything yourself,” Sauls explains. “In fact, you shouldn’t. Focus on tasks that align with your strengths and values, and delegate or let go of the rest. Delegation is another way of communicating trust and fostering a shared journey and mission.”
Equally important is surrounding yourself with a strong support system. Sauls credits mentors and faith communities for helping him and the leaders he respects most navigate life’s demands. “We all need people who offer encouragement, accountability, and wisdom,” he says. “None of us can do this alone.”
The Benefits of Living with Balance
For Sauls, balancing faith, family, and ambition isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about living a life of meaning. “When you are well-aligned with the things in life that God says are primary, everything changes,” he says. “Your relationships deepen, your work becomes more fulfilling, and your faith becomes a source of meaning and joy.”
Pastor Scott Sauls of Nashville believes that striking this balance can have a profound impact on others. “When your children, friends, or colleagues see you prioritizing what truly matters and they witness you flourishing, it becomes contagious. They are inspired do the same,” he notes.
Leaders Who Embody Balance
Sauls points to examples of well-known leaders who have successfully harmonized their priorities. He highlights Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, who famously prioritized faith and family by closing his restaurants on Sundays. “Cathy built a thriving business without sacrificing his values,” Sauls says. “Like Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire, he achieved more by doing less, and by working smart versus merely working long, grueling hours.”
He also references Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who incorporates empathy and purpose into his leadership, showing that success and personal integrity can coexist. Author and speaker Brené Brown similarly emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity—values that promote healthier, more balanced living.
“These leaders remind us that balance doesn’t mean compromise,” Scott Sauls says. “It’s about leading with intention and purpose.”
A Legacy of Purposeful Living
In a culture obsessed with relentless achievement, Pastor Scott Sauls of Nashville offers a countercultural perspective: success through intentional life balance. By aligning professional ambition with faith, family, meaningful friendships, and proper self-care, Scott Sauls believes leaders can build lives of sustainable thriving and fulfillment.
“The goal is never perfection,” he explains. “It’s about living a life that reflects what matters most—a life of meaning and purpose.”
For those willing to embrace this mindset, Sauls notes that the rewards can be life-changing: stronger connections, inner peace, and a legacy of impact that stretches far beyond professional accomplishments. “When you build your life around God, meaning, purpose, relationships, and meaningful work,” he concludes, “you’ll find that the life you’re building is one well worth living.”
