Do you need a RESET?

The R.E.S.E.T. Framework: A Biblical Path from Burnout to Balance

Have you ever had to do a factory reset on a phone or a computer? I have experienced both.

I had to reset my last smart phone after the screen went bad and the phone could not be turned on.  The IT team at work does a reset when upgrading team members’ computers.

What is a reset?

A computer reset reinstalls the operating system, while erasing user data, applications, and settings to return the computer to a fresh, factory-like state, like a clean installation.

The impact varies depending on the user's choice: keeping personal files removes apps and settings, while a full reset deletes everything. Resetting can resolve software issues, remove malware, and prepare a computer for sale, though it requires backing up data beforehand. 

Impact on Data

• Data Loss: A factory reset erases all personal files (documents, photos, videos), installed apps, and user settings. 

• System Files: The operating system (like Windows) is reinstalled, returning it to its original state. 

When a Reset is Useful

• Fixing Software Issues: A reset is effective for resolving persistent problems like random errors, performance slowdowns, or software conflicts that standard troubleshooting can't fix. 

• Removing Malware: When malware or viruses are too difficult to remove with cleaning tools, a reset can provide a clean slate. 

• Preparing for Sale: A full reset ensures all personal information is removed from the device, preventing access by the new owner. 

Before You Reset

• Backup Your Data: Back up important files to an external drive or cloud service, as the reset process will delete them. 

• Understand the Options: Most operating systems offer choices, such as keeping personal files or removing everything. Carefully select the option that best fits your needs.

My phone had the Smart Switch option so where possible I used it to transfer the data and apps from an old phone to a new one.

What to Expect During the Reset

• Data Deletion: The computer will proceed to delete your files, apps, and settings based on your chosen option. 

• Operating System Reinstallation: Windows (or another OS) will be reinstalled. 

• Out-of-Box Experience: After the reset, the computer will boot to the initial setup screen, requiring you to set up the device as if it were new. 

The R.E.S.E.T. Framework: A Biblical Path from Burnout to Balance

Today I would like to briefly explore the R.E.S.E.T. acronym in the context of work-life balance. It captures the need to fundamentally change our patterns and "reset" our habits and mindset towards work, life, and community.

It's highly relevant for someone feeling burned out and incorporates these critical components: reliance on God, practical planning, community, and rest.

R - Release to God in Prayer

· Principle: Begin by transferring the burden of your anxiety and workload from your shoulders to God's. This is the foundational step of surrender and trust.

· Verse: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) (Proverbs 3:5-6)

· Practical Tip: Start each day with a "worry download." Verbally or in writing, release specific stresses into God's care before you even check your phone or email.

I put my phone in airplane mode and turn off the Internet at nights. I personally find the exercise of journalling to be very helpful at the start of my days.

E - Establish Healthy Boundaries

· Principle: Protect your time, energy, and mental health by defining what is and isn't acceptable. This prevents the slow drain of resentment and exhaustion.

· Verse: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)

· Practical Tip: Implement a firm "shutdown ritual" to end your workday. Learn to say "no" or "let me get back to you" to non-essential requests that infringe on your rest.

For me this looks like closing my work laptop for the day when I leave for home. It could mean closing down your workspace when working from home.

S - Seek Support & Encourage Others

· Principle: This community component is critical. Actively fight isolation by investing in mutual relationships. Both receiving encouragement and giving it are essential for resilience.

· Verse: "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." (Proverbs 12:25)

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

· Practical Tip: Proactively schedule a weekly check-in with a friend, mentor, or small group. Be honest about your struggles and ready to listen to theirs. Help someone study or get a task done.

E - Execute Priorities with Planning

· Principle: Move from reactive chaos to proactive clarity. Diligent planning brings peace and effectiveness, reducing the stress of last-minute rushes.

· Verse: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)

· Practical Tip: Use time-blocking. Each week, schedule your top 3 priorities first (including rest and relationships), then let other tasks fill in the space around them.

In the bricks, sand and water illustration you but the big things in your life in first, then the smaller stuff after.

T - Truly Rest and Trust

· Principle: Embrace rest as a divine command, not a reward for exhaustion. Trust that the world will not fall apart when you stop and that God is in control of the outcomes of your work.

· Verse: "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest... for he gives to his beloved sleep." (Psalm 127:2) (Proverbs 3:5-6)

· Practical Tip: Honour a Sabbath rhythm—a full 24-hour period each week dedicated to worship, connection, and activities that replenish your soul, not just your body.

Wrap Up:

1. A "RESET" could be exactly what you need as a busy, burned-out student or professional—a fresh start and a new way of operating.

2. Consider the relevance of each component to your life: spiritual (Release), practical (Establish, Execute), communal (Seek Support), and physical/mental (Truly Rest).

3. Commit to taking at least one specific action to reboot your system today. Believe me there is no better way.

Need a reset? Sign up for the WISE LIFE Transformation 90-Day Challenge Mastermind using the link below:

https://bit.ly/wiselifechallenge

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