Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Kevin Barsotti and I am the pastor at the Ark Church in Havre, Montana.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is starting each day with both
cardiovascular exercise and some strength conditioning.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
My morning routine is crucial to my health and productivity. I get up before
6:00 a.m. and read Psalm 23 and the chapter from the Book of Proverbs that
correlates to the date of each day. Today was the 21st so I read Proverbs 21.
At the end of each month that does not have 31 days I read the rest of the
Book of Proverbs so that each year I have read the book twelve times. I then
vary my exercise routine with running, biking, walking, hiking, or using the
elliptical machine. I make sure that I do strength conditioning such as sit-
ups, push-ups, and some upper arm free weights.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
The best behavior change for me has been to reduce snacking after
suppertime. I have reduced the amount of caffeine I consume and the
amount of calories I consume. I have increased the amount of water I drink.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
I ask the Lord to help me direct my thoughts and then I force myself to study
or make that difficult contact.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
I use texting, emails, and my cell phone to communicate with others. I
delegate both Facebook duties and Sermon.net work to my associate pastor.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
I often recommend the Book of Proverbs because it has so much common
sense and wisdom for daily living. You can work a proverb into many
professional conversations without quoting chapter and verse. You will have
more practical wisdom to help problem-solve especially if you are part of a
team.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
To smart and ambitious recent college graduates I would say that it takes
time to make fine wine. You need to work as if you are working for the Lord
while praying like it all depends on God. If you want to be great then learn
how to serve. The boss of the company should be the best servant of others.
When you receive a promotion recognize that promotion comes from the
Lord and then walk in the authority that you have been given or someone
else will take that authority and use it against you. Ignore negative thoughts
from negative people. Let your light shine and make a difference in
someone’s life. I always told my sons to go and make their bosses a lot of
money each day. This will keep the focus on someone else rather than on
yourself.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
I have lots of quotes I use but right now I catch myself saying, “God is good
all the time and all the time God is good.” I say, “Do the next right thing”
several times a month. If we recognize the favor of God in our lives and give
Him glory by how we treat others I believe that we will have a successful life
in His eyes and hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant” one
day. May God bless you big.