Trusting in God includes trusting in his timing…
Can I keep it all the way real with ya’ll? This week has been stressful week for me. As you all know, I just launched flyy, female & fabulous Magazine, and things aren’t happening as quickly as I want them to (can you relate?) As an entrepreneur, I know things take time, so I can usually stay positive and just focus on doing what I can to move things along. However, there are also those times when I question myself: Why I’m doing what I’m doing? Am I really supposed to be doing this? What am I doing wrong? WHY ISN’T THIS WORKING?!
Being an entrepreneur (especially one who hasn’t been in business long) is not easy (I’m sure you know this). And when you’re on the road to building your business, you’re going to hit bumps and have to maneuver through some deep curves. It takes times to get things going, but when it feels like things are taking too long, it’s easy to want to say, “Forget this!”
So, what do you do while you’re trusting God (or at least trying to) and waiting on things to really get going?
Don’t take panicked action. For example, let’s say you’re not making the money you want this month, and you’re freaking out. Many times when this happens, we scramble to throw a product or promotion together to bring in something. However, your prospects will more than likely sense your desperation — and then they won’t want to buy from you. Instead of doing this, I suggest thinking of different ways you can promote your business and try those things.
Write new affirmations. Affirmations help you create a more positive mindset, which is a necessity when it comes to being an entrepreneur. When it comes to getting where you want to be in your business, I recommend creating affirmations specifically for your business. That way, you can really feel connected to what you’re saying (and get excited), and by being specific, you’re being very clear on what you want, which will help you attract what you need.
Get quiet. Trust me, I know how easy it is to freak out when it seems like things are falling apart. And as mentioned above, when you do this, it causes you to make some not-so-smart decisions. So, stop, and take some time to meditate so you can clear your mind and re-focus on what’s really important. For me, it helps to meditate on a thought like, “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” “Peace and positivity flow to me and through me,” or “All is well in my life.”
Find supportive people who’ve been where you are. It’s nice to have people in your life who believe in you and what you’re doing (like your friends, spouse, family) — we need that. But, it’s important to hear from those who’ve been where you are because you can actually see that you can get through your situation, too! You can find this encouragement through a business coach, mentor and even books, blogs, articles and interviews from successful entrepreneurs.
Encourage yourself. At the end of the day, you must learn how to motivate and encourage yourself. You can only last so long from the motivation of others, and when that wears off, all you have left is you. And if you can’t motivate yourself to stay in business, then, well, you probably won’t. A couple of ways I encourage myself: Reading my affirmations, and reciting scriptures. Some of my favorites:
- “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.” ~ Job 8:7
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3: 5,6
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28
- “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” ~ Psalm 23:1
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6,7
