Alright, you've decided it's time to follow that big dream of yours. You've done your due diligence, you've gotten the capital needed to start your startup, and you are finally on your way to owning your own business!
Along the path to becoming a successful entrepreneur, though, there are temptations to think in a way that can not only get you off track in your venture, but also in your spiritual walk. To combat these impulses, Stronger Network has identified six common traps that can inhibit your growth, and the steps you can take to combat them.
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Temptation 1: Fear - listening to the undermining voice of fear.
Practical ideas:
-Confess your fear to God and trusted wise counsel. Seek prayer cover.
-Revisit the big picture. Hold tight.
-Break the fear down into smaller chunks to see what you actually need to deal with today.
-Consider the worst case scenario? Is it that bad? God's bigger...
Temptation 2: Impatience - expecting long-term results in the short term.
Practical ideas:
-Remember there's no such thing as an overnight success.
-Pray for God to strengthen your resolve and provide encouragement along the way.
-Be disciplined with your goals and be clear about what the next steps are for today.
-Celebrate the moments that reveal something of the big picture.
Temptation 3: Perspective - thinking that working harder is just better than working smarter.
Practical ideas:
-Step back for a moment and remember this is a marathon vs. a sprint.
-More hours don't mean more success. Review current working patterns before burnout occurs.
-Identify the things that only you can do. Who else can you involve in the other things?
-How long have you been saying ‘when I've just done x, then x? What do you need to adjust?
Temptation 4: Affirmation - idolizing the rags to riches success story.
Practical ideas:
-Let go of the rags to riches story, it's an ill-fitting yolk. Trust in the Lord, who is faithful.
-Re-orientate your thinking and pursue faithfulness above success.
-No success can fill a hole, so find affirmation in the Lord.
-Fix your eyes on Jesus and take each step as it comes.
Temptation 5: Perfection - aiming for perfection more than progress.
Practical ideas:
-Perfection can sometimes paralyze. See where things are being held up and review again.
-Perfectionism is often built on fear. Consider where fear is at work for you.
-Don't try and do God's job, invite God to be strong in your weakness.
-Be clear and realistic about what success for you looks like this quarter.
Temptation 6: Ambition - sacrifice whatever it takes to succeed.
Practical ideas:
-Make sure you've set your course: Jesus is your exemplar and north star. Further equip yourself by reading our blog series Jesus as Behavioral Economist.
-Look around you, what has been sacrificed on the altar of ambition? Do things need to change?
-Make some time in your day to contemplate the words of Jesus, and pray for the Spirit to do its divine work.
No matter where you are on your journey to becoming an independent success, these reminders are an excellent way to maintain a steady course in your life. If these suggestions resonated with you, consider posting them somewhere as a reminder, or keeping a daily journal and addressing these issues as they come up. Being mindful of their presence is the best way to combat them before they become a problem, and a great way for you to contribute to a better capitalism!
Tired of "profit is evil" vs "maximize my profit by exploiting others," as if those are the only two options?
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