September. A month of new beginnings. School either started or is starting, mounds of paperwork, after-school activities and games, and a business to run. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged.
But you my friend, have a choice. You can choose to not be discouraged and to look at September as the new January and get inspired. Or, the other option, let the overwhelm cause you to overthink and procrastinate. But if you lean into your faith as you move through this busy season, you’ll be able to do the work and bring glory to God.
Do not be discouraged, strength is available
We can look to Joshua 1:9 for strength this month, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Your days may lead you into unknown territory and an escalation of stress, but you have a choice. Do not be discouraged, for God will give you the strength you need.
In fact, now is the best time to start taking big action in your business. To be bold and courageous and step into your purpose with more fervor and energy than ever before.
Refer to September as the new January – it’s the perfect time to look back on the year and do an evaluation
Evaluate:
What has worked and what hasn’t worked?
Are there areas that you need to put more effort into?
Do you need and want to delegate activities that don’t fulfill you or that you are not an expert at?
Where can you eliminate things that aren’t serving you?
What systems and tools can you get rid of because you aren’t using them?
How can you change or update your messaging to give your audience more clarity?
What can you do to create more demand without adding more stress?
Can you implement a new visibility strategy?
Where can you simplify to decrease the overwhelm as you move into the 4th quarter?
What can you automate, what are you doing repeatedly that you could create and implement a process for?
Have you met all your 2023 goals? If not, can you identify why and what you need to do in the next 4 months to achieve them?
How much time are you spending on social media? Remember, you can grow your business without social media if it’s causing you stress.
Some of these actions will require you to be bolder and more courageous than others. However, each one of them that you choose to do will help you approach the 4th quarter in a new light, more motivated, and ready to grow. And you won’t feel as discouraged. Why? Because you will be doing the work. Action builds momentum which leads to progress which in turn motivates you even more.
Do not be discouraged, nothing is impossible with God
You may be thinking I don’t have time to evaluate that, Robyn, you are asking the impossible. You just mentioned how busy September is. Yes, I did, however, if you want to either grow your business from where it is today and achieve the goals you haven’t achieved, these action steps are necessary.
In Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at the disciples and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
If you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, to help you identify what needs to be evaluated, and to open your eyes to what needs to be done to achieve your goals and prepare for 2024, He will do so.
The Holy Spirit offers many gifts, and wisdom and knowledge are two of them, as we read in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. Different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
The Holy Spirit doesn’t want you to feel discouraged. Christ gave Him to us so that we can hold tight to the words “do not be discouraged”, lean on Him, and depend on Him for the wisdom and knowledge we need to move forward, one step at a time.
People can help you too
I might also add that sometimes God puts people in your path to help you too. If you are struggling to act on your own because you don’t know where to begin, I can help you. As a Christian business coach, I created The Purpose to Results™ Success Without Social Mastermind to help you and business owners like you grow your businesses your way, without an emphasis on social media. The Success Without Social Mastermind is the only one-stop business growth coaching program available. And it’s even more unique because I believe you can grow a business without social media. If social media causes you to feel discouraged, it’s time to set it aside and implement more solid foundations in your business.
Simplification is at your fingertips. You can grow your business with simplicity, ease, and grace because I will share my 23 + years of business growth experience, wisdom, and knowledge with you.
In addition to all the beautiful scripture verses I mentioned, I leave you with this quote by the brilliant Albert Einstein: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” No doubt that he had his own experiences with feeling discouraged. But he kept going. Took action. Relied on experts around him. And ultimately, achieved much.
Owning a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes hard work, discipline, and determination. The good news is that hard work is always rewarded.
Let’s face it, owning a business can be challenging. I often hear people say that they became an entrepreneur because it would be easier than working a 9-5. Maybe that’s true but I’m not convinced. Entrepreneurship requires a lot of hard work. And that hard work is always rewarded. However, if you don’t work hard, you will not succeed, no matter what. Talent is a blessing from above, but God doesn’t expect you to hold that talent on a pedestal without working hard to embody it, develop it, master it, and share it. In other words, work hard and use the gifts God has given you. In fact, Scripture has a lot to say about hard work.
Success comes from hard work
Proverbs 14:23 reminds us: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” This verse emphasizes that hard work is always rewarded by bringing a profit. The opposite, mere talk, results in poverty.
I’ve seen this over the years when working with clients. Those who were not afraid of hard work, who were willing to roll up their sleeves and dig in, and who didn’t make excuses, achieved the profit level they wanted. However, those who simply talked about what they wanted and what they were going to do to get it did not reach their goals.
Hard work is always rewarded, especially when the hard work is for God’s glory
We are reminded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory. Likewise in Proverbs 16:3, we learn that when we commit our work to the Lord, our plans will succeed.” And, in Colossians 3:23-24 Paul also tells us that whatever we do, work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Hard work is always rewarded, both from an earthly financial perspective as well as a heavenly, eternal life, perspective.
Hard work is always rewarded, especially when you welcome it and don’t complain about having to do it
In Philippians 2:14-15 Paul told the Philippians, and it applies to us today, to do everything without grumbling or arguing,so that we may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.
Again, we have a reminder to embrace our gifts and work hard to use them for God’s glory.
Hard work is a mindset
You want success and therefore you must work hard to achieve it. But even more importantly, posture yourself like Jesus when approaching hard work. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you discern the action you should take. Doing what everyone else says to do is not the answer. God has given you specific gifts that require certain tasks to use them to help others. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength to do the hard work but to bring all glory to God, not to yourself. Pride has no place in a Jesus-like heart. Work hard from a place of humility and all glory will be brought to God.
Once again Paul comes to our rescue. In Galatians 6:9 he reminds us not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Working hard while maintaining a balance of humility may make you feel weary, that’s how Satan tempts us to be prideful. We want immediate rewards and gratification for our hard work. We’re all guilty of it at one time or another. But we are works in progress, and we have God’s grace to carry us through.
Hard work it’s never impossible
When, not if hard work and success seem nearly impossible because it will happen, scripture provides comfort. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13 that we can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives us strength. Therefore, the question is, will you do hard work, and when. We’ve been called to it and will be rewarded for it – here on earth and in heaven. There’s no time to waste. Get to work.
If we work hard, we will be able to celebrate like Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7 in which he says “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” This is God’s goal for us. We are again reminded of it in Psalm 128:2: You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Friends, I’d love to hear from you. Did this episode inspire you to work hard(er)? What were you dragging your feet on that you are now ready to step into action to accomplish?
Additional Resources
As a Christian business coach for Christian business owners, this is one of the highlights – getting to share what scripture says about working hard to achieve success while glorifying God. I hope you enjoy and learn from the Friday Faith Foundation episodes as I do. We are all works in progress. It’s a blessing to get to grow alongside you.
Or, if you have questions, be sure and apply for a Thinking it Through Wins and Wisdom feature on The Robyn Graham Show. Ask me a burning question about growing your business and tell our listeners how you help your clients – it’s a great PR opportunity!
Comparison can be a detriment to your business growth and your personal life. When you’re consumed with what other people think of you, you can get stuck in a state of comparison. Comparison will result in procrastination.
The question is, how can you avoid comparison and not allow what other people think to hold you back from growing your business?
Stay in your own lane
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, stay in your own lane. The first time it really resonated with me was when I still had my photography business but was moving into coaching. This was years ago, but despite the time-lapse, the phrase and the person who said it had a tight grip on my mindset – until somewhat recently.
Was I overstepping or moving out of my lane of expertise, absolutely not. I was coaching my branding photography clients on how to use images to grow their personal brands. The images I had created for them.
Not everyone understood the value of the images created – for building connection, trust, and relationships to convert their audience to clients or for SEO. Never mind the nuances of sizing images and captioning them for social media. As a result, I decided to create a free eBook to help my branding clients and those in my community use images to their benefit – to grow their businesses faster.
From trying to help to being held back
I mentioned what I was working on, and this person took it to mean I was trying to step into her niche. She thought I was stepping into social media management because I mentioned Instagram. Mind you, she was a content creator, blogger, and social media manager for types of clients that I was not working with.
I was staying in my lane. Working to help my clients and my community. The thought of doing what she was doing or taking clients from her never crossed my mind. I was on a mission to provide value and help people grow successful businesses while growing my email list.
Here’s the thing. Staying in your own lane means not only not doing what someone else is doing, but also not comparing yourself to others. Kind of like, mind your own business. Don’t bother yourself with what other people are doing. Doing so can result in you feeling less than others, not good enough, not capable of doing as well, and selling yourself short – holding yourself back.
Most importantly, discern what other people say to you. Not everything they say is correct or in your best interest. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what is best for you and what He wants for you versus what others say they think is best for you.
There was a red flag
I wasn’t the only person she accused of going outside their lane. That should have been the red flag I needed to let this incident roll off my shoulders and never think twice about it.
But I’m a people pleaser and the thought of having someone upset with me or thinking I did something wrong was anxiety provoking. And it held me back.
It held me back from sharing my expertise. From putting my stake in the ground and claiming myself as an expert. Even though I’d taken classes and had certifications it held me back from fully explaining what I do. As a result, I wasn’t specific about how I help people grow businesses for long-term success. Because what someone else thinks shouldn’t keep you from helping those who need you.
Fear will hold you back and comparison triggers fear and doubt
Bottom line, I was afraid of the person and let her hold me back.
I don’t tell you this story to say anything bad about the person. Maybe she had trust issues and needed to work through some things for herself. But I want to point out, that if fear or comparison is holding you back, it’s time to act. Make the decision to move forward and put your stake in the ground as the expert you are.
There are so many things that can hold you back, don’t let comparison, doubt, or other people be the culprits. You can control your thoughts and the action you take.
The fact is, I have no ill feelings toward this person. I believe we experience things in life, hard things so that we can learn and grow and then help other people. And that’s why I’m sharing this with you because it emphasizes the way fear and comparison can hold you back.
So much to consider if you feel held back – to start, avoid comparison.
Because you are growing a business in the online space, you are bound to find yourself up against a wall either with someone else comparing themselves to you, copying you, or comparing yourself to others.
This is another reason I talk so much about discovering your core values and adhering to them. When you align with your values, you won’t fall into the trap of letting someone hold you back or comparing yourself to others. You will believe in your purpose and the value of the work you are doing.
Here’s the thing about the online space, especially social media. If you’re consuming content and following people in your or a similar niche, you will compare yourself – in good and bad ways.
There are a few problems with comparison:
When you compare yourself and then start doing or saying things that someone else does or says, you lose your authenticity. When you lose your authenticity, you won’t stand out. And you may fall into the sameness pool and your soulmate clients won’t recognize why they should hire you.
The comparison may hold you back and you will procrastinate or stay stuck.
You may lack belief or have an increase in doubt and fear because you see someone else doing what you do or appearing to be successful. Remember, there are billions of people in the world and enough work to go around – especially when focusing on your unique gifts and abilities.
Or, the opposite, you will see yourself as better and become prideful, which is never a good thing. It is always better to be humble. First, because the Bible says so. Secondly, you are more apt to make mistakes and be inauthentic when being prideful. Romans 12:3 tells us “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” This was an opener for me.
Imposter syndrome often results from comparison. If you feel imposter syndrome, focus on Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. In other words, you are a masterpiece with unique gifts and a purpose. Don’t let comparison or imposter syndrome, or the world distract you from being who you are called to be. Let God lead you and give you the strength and wisdom you need. If you feel you lack any of those things, ask Him for them. He has a plan for you and He will equip you.
Stop and evaluate
When you do anything in your business or life, evaluate it. But do so from a place of humility. Take time to really evaluate, not an on-the-surface evaluation of oh, yes, that went well. I did great. But look at the entire picture, including from the perspective of whether it was aligned with my values, my calling, and what God wants for me and the other person or situation.
Ask yourself these questions: What worked, what didn’t work, and what you can and will do differently next time?
When you take time to evaluate, you will be able to focus on your efforts and not outside distractions, it will help you avoid comparison and imposter syndrome and help you grow faster.
You are unique – avoid comparison, so you aren’t held back
Whether someone is accusing you of copying them or you are comparing yourself to others, remember that you are unique. Your unique qualities and gifts are meant to be used to serve other people. I had to remind myself of this too, so that I would continue to provide value despite the fear of the person making another accusation. It’s difficult, but we need to put on the armor of Christ and be strong to avoid letting others hold us back. So that we can answer our calling and fulfill our purpose.
To move past the fear, it was important for me to first pray, and second, recognize that I am unique and not your typical business coach. I am strategic, and creative, and have developed a method (Purpose to Results™) for growing businesses without relying on social media. That includes blogging and SEO. But those are just a few components of my program. Most importantly, my brain is what makes the program so awesome. This is not a brag – this is sharing God’s gift to me – a brain that functions equally on the left and right sides.
My clients get my ideas, and my eyes on everything they do, they never have to struggle or feel alone on the journey to grow their businesses. What I do, is not like anything anyone else does. Because of this, I do what I do using my unique set of gifts, and approach business coaching differently. It’s one-stop coaching. Everything is under one umbrella – mindset, strategy, creativity, and accountability.
What makes you unique?
To help avoid comparison, I encourage you to take time to write a list of all the ways you are unique. How you do things differently than everyone else in your area of expertise. The more you differentiate yourself, the less you will compare yourself because you’ll become more confident in your unique abilities and journey to garner your expertise. You will see how God has set you apart and only you can do the work you are doing the way you do it.
This exercise will also help you further define your personal brand and clarify your message. Your personal brand is part of your business foundation and more clarity on what differentiates you will help make your brand marketing efforts easier.
If you struggle with this exercise, and you feel stuck, it may be time to hire a coach for an additional perspective. You are worth the investment, and it could be the difference between fulfilling your purpose with simplicity, ease, and grace and giving up.
Realize, there is nothing new.
To avoid comparison, realize that, most likely, your ideas are not new. Nor are my ideas new. Your approach to them may be new and unique, however, the concept is probably not new. It’s possible you are the first person to state the concept or idea the way you are saying it, which is brilliant. But the reality is many of us do the same or at least very similar things. And everything is open to interpretation and new approaches because we all have unique, miraculous brains and ways of seeing things.
Everything we do is subject to interpretation. Just like in the example above, my way of helping my clients was misinterpreted as trying to move into another niche. Obviously, that was not my intent. If you are working from a place of integrity and alignment with your values, you can confidently continue your journey without letting them get a grasp on your mindset. Even when they are trying to hold you back.
Belief is important to avoid comparison
Here’s the thing. Like in the example I gave, if she’d believed in herself and her business and her unique ability to help her best clients, and not compared what I was doing and my success, our relationship wouldn’t have been strained. She would have been content and I wouldn’t have been afraid and held back.
This is what comparison does. It breaks you down. To avoid comparison, remember that God placed a unique calling on your heart and gave you unique gifts to use to serve your soulmate clients.
Your soulmate clients are unique to you. God has given you gifts to serve them and solve the problem(s) they need to be solved – the way only you can do it. If someone tries to hold you back, remember, God has called you and people need you – there is a reason for you to move forward and not stop working toward your goals.
Get off social media and use SEO strategy to avoid comparison
The gurus will tell you to be on social media, but what they aren’t telling you is that they aren’t even on it – they have people managing their accounts for them.
They’ve built their businesses using a tool that you probably think is only for highly successful business owners and entrepreneurs.
But you can do it too! And it isn’t hard and opens up many doors of opportunity for you.
Are you curious?
Of course, you are because who doesn’t want simplicity and more opportunities?
They build a solid foundation using an SEO strategy.
Once you implement an SEO strategy, you have limitless opportunities for earning potential.
You can reach your soulmate clients, at any time, and any place all over the world. You aren’t limited to algorithms, and you won’t get sucked into the comparison trap.
What to do when the temptation of comparison is too much to bear
There is no need whatsoever to compare yourself to others. But you are human and it’s going to happen. It happens to all of us. When it does, reflect on Galatians 6:4 – I know I’ve shared this verse many times before – but here’s a prayer using that verse that was written by Jodie Berndt.
Heavenly Father, equip me to pay careful attention to my own work and get the satisfaction of a job well done so I won’t need to compare myself to anyone else.
Faith plays a big role in trusting God to lead you and equip you without falling into the comparison of yourself with others.
A few additional prayers from Jodi include:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you have given me. When I feel like my contribution is weak or unnecessary, remind me that my gifts are indispensable in your eyes and that you give special honor to things that seem less valuable so there won’t be any division among your people. (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).
Another one, don’t let me harbor envy or selfish ambition in my heart, since that is not from you, and it leads to disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16)
And my favorite, Heavenly Father, show me how to go ahead and be what I was made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing myself to others or trying to be something I am not. (Romans 12:6)
Something I’ve learned to help avoid comparison
One thing you can do to avoid comparison is to embrace contentment. Count your blessings and practice gratitude every day. The more you focus on your blessings, the more content you will feel. It’s work. And if you’re prone to comparison, it may be hard work. But it’s key to alleviating comparison and finding joy as you grow your business.
Jodi shares a prayer about contentment as well – Heavenly Father, show me how to be content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
And another, don’t let me focus on trying to win the approval of people, but of you. If I were trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant. (Galatians 1:10)
One more related to comparison and contentment is Heavenly Father, instead of looking around at what others are doing or what their lives look like, may I always stay focused on following you. (John 21:22)
Likewise, here’s a quote by Gary Zimak, author of Stop Worrying and Start Living that will also inspire you to lean into your faith instead of letting what others are doing distract you,
“In order to be peaceful, however, we need to come up with a way to constantly live in the
Are you curious about how successful entrepreneurs get results? There are three things that entrepreneurs need to get results and achieve business success.
If you want to get results, you must be willing to do what it takes to get them, and sometimes that means stepping outside the box.
To get results, you must:
Have a positive mindset and belief that your desired results are possible- no excuses.
Create a strategy – step by step – to get the results you desire.
Take intentional effective action – determined by your strategy.
Let’s break them down. But first, this method to help you get results is based on Purpose to Results™.
How to get results using my Purpose to Results™ is broken down like this:
Mindset – Situational Mind Modeling – for clarity, confidence, and connection with purpose and impact
Strategy – Simplified Sustainable Strategy – long-term strategies embodying SEO, systems, and processes for success.
Action – The Accountability Framework – to ensure consistent execution.
What does it mean to have a positive mindset?
If you want to get results, you have to believe your goals and dreams are possible, and that God has a purpose for you and will equip you to fulfill the calling he placed on your heart. The beliefs you have will influence your thoughts. Your thoughts will invoke your emotions. Emotions trigger feelings. And your thoughts and emotions will determine your behavior choices – whether you take intentional action or sit around and hope for something to happen for you.
Thinking things like what if…
it doesn’t work
no one hires me
I’m not good enough
they’re already doing this
I don’t have time
she’s better than me
I can’t afford it
it’s not perfect yet
I’m too old to start something new
This list could go on and on.
Your thoughts produce your results. If you are focusing on what if or negative thoughts because you don’t believe something is possible, you will most likely not be able to focus on creating a strategy.
When struggling with a “what if” doubtful thought, catch it and challenge it. If it is not rational or realistic, change it. The more you practice this, the better your thoughts will be and the better results your results will be.
But, recognize you are human. And as humans, we very quickly fall back into negative thought patterns because of previous experiences, traumas, or outcomes. A great scripture to reference and meditate on when you find yourself experiencing a negative thought pattern is Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Likewise, if comparison is resulting in doubt, which can often happen if you are spending time consuming content instead of making decisions and taking action, another scripture verse to meditate on is Galatians 6:4: Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.
The decisions you make influence your outcomes
In addition, your thoughts determine the decisions you make. To get results, you must make good decisions. Your decisions will lead to actions. If you have negative thoughts, you will stay stuck in a place of indecision. Indecision never produces positive results because it keeps you stuck in a cycle of procrastination and questioning what-ifs.
Healthy habits for a positive mindset
If you want to get results, practice healthy habits for your mind.
Catch the negative “what if” doubtful thoughts.
Challenge the negative thoughts.
Change the negative thoughts.
Journal every day.
Practice gratitude.
Strategy is the next important part of the equation if you want to get results
Another important step to take to get the results you desire is to create strategies. When you have a strategy in place to market your brand, to have systems and processes, to create and repurpose content, to be present for your audience and potential clients, and genuinely represent yourself, you will be more likely to get the results you crave.
A brand marketing strategy begins with your personal brand. What makes you unique? How do you want others to perceive you? Your brand marketing strategy will differentiate you from all others in your area of expertise. Creating a personal brand and differentiating yourself using your brand marketing strategy will help you get positive results. How? Your audience will see that you are the one who has the solution for them, that you align with their values, that what you offer is exactly what they need and only you will provide the solution the way you do.
Your brand marketing strategy also includes your systems and processes. Systems and processes including onboarding and off-boarding processes, reflect your personal brand and help with customer service, client retention, and future referrals.
In addition, you need an SEO strategy, PR strategy, Email Marketing strategy, sales strategy, offer and pricing strategy, hiring and delegation strategy, mindset strategy, social media strategy, if using it, Pinterest and LinkedIn, and so on. The strategies you need are specific to your business. But, there is no question that strategy is necessary if you are going to have a solid foundation for long-term success.
More on each strategy needed to get results
SEO strategy – unless you optimize your website, your soulmate clients will have a hard time finding you. A good SEO strategy includes not only your own website being optimized, but using PR to get reputable back-links to your site, driving traffic to your site, and providing valuable meaningful content your audience wants and needs. I like to lump Pinterest and LinkedIn into SEO strategy too. Pinterest is a search engine and should be used to drive traffic to your website and LinkedIn profiles are often the first search result when someone Googles you. LinkedIn can also be used to publish articles and content and drive traffic to your website.
PR strategy – public relations is a powerful way to get more eyes on your personal brand and business. Examples of PR include interviewing on podcasts, TV, radio shows, etc., writing articles for journals and magazines, and guest blogging, to name a few. In addition, speaking to groups and organizations can be part of your PR and marketing strategy and often generate revenue.
Email marketing strategy – how can you accumulate email addresses so that you can communicate with your audience at any time and about any offer? An email marketing strategy overlaps with an SEO strategy because you can send links to blog posts and content on your website to your email list. Likewise, when you have a PR strategy, you can drive people to your email list and then nurture them so that they get to know you and trust you.
Social media strategy – if you choose to use social media, I recommend waiting until the foundation of your business is established to avoid confusion and comparison, create a content strategy as well as a strategy for how often you want to be present for your audience. Remember that your content strategy should start with long-form content such as a blog or podcast and be repurposed to social media.
These strategies fall into lead generation strategies.
Additional strategies you need if you want to get results
Offer and pricing strategy – the first phase of this strategy is getting to know your soulmate client. What offer will best serve them? Pricing should be based on the value you provide, not trading time for dollars. When considering your offers, do you want to focus on one high-ticket offer or low-ticket offers and online courses? What do your soulmate clients want and need? Your offers and pricing will help differentiate you from others in your area of expertise. Your offer strategy also has to include the consideration of your time and how much you want to work and how you will be able to provide the most and best value without getting burned out.
Hiring and delegation strategy – what tasks do you want to avoid, what tasks are you not good at, and what tasks are too time-consuming? You are the CEO of your business. As such, you need to have a strategy for delegating tasks that are not in your zone of genius or that you are not efficient at. Hire a virtual assistant for tasks such as these. And if you struggle with money mindset around hiring someone, do situational mindset modeling around hiring so that you can focus your efforts and time on revenue-generating activities.
In addition, hire a coach or mentor. But not just any coach or mentor, one who also has a coach and who is aligned with your values. This recommendation is especially valid for anyone who is a coach. Hire a coach and learn more about how to coach – learn from examples. Hiring a coach should be part of your growth strategy because a coach will help you recognize what you don’t know and help guide you on what action to take and hold you accountable.
Mindset strategy – always do mindset work. Implement a strategy for when you will do mindset work and how you will do mindset work. My go-to for mindset is a brain dump in the morning, journaling, and catching any negative thoughts and changing them to positive ones – but this takes practice and daily action. The mindset strategy is continuous, not one-and-done. Your mindset strategy may include meditation. But no matter what, you need a strategy and to implement a process for mindset work.
Intentional action helps get results
Lastly, if you want to get results, you must take action. The action begins with doing mindset work to ensure your beliefs and thoughts will move you forward to reaching your goals. In addition, action includes creating strategies and implementing them. But the key to action is accountability. And that is why the Purpose to Results™ includes the accountability framework. You can’t simply write down your goals and expect them to come to fruition. A plan of action is necessary. Map out the goals and results, but create the strategy and take intentional action – step by step – to get results and grow your business for limitless earning potential.
Mindset is an integral part of growing a successful business.
Situational mindset modeling is part of Purpose to Results™ – Mindset + Strategy + Action = Results. Purpose to Results™ is my proven marketing method.
Why is mindset modeling an important component of business growth?
Success begins with your beliefs. Your beliefs influence your thoughts. And your emotions are influenced by your thoughts. The emotions you feel, influence the choices you make, the behaviors, and the action steps you choose. Ultimately, the choices you make determine your outcomes.
If you want to grow a successful business, the first part of the formula to success will be mindset modeling.
What do you believe?
Your overall beliefs are determined by what you believe about yourself and others, what you’ve been taught to believe, your life experiences that have influenced your beliefs, and your faith. Negative patterns of belief will result in negative thoughts. In addition, what you believe about your soulmate clients, what they need from you, and what you need them to believe about you, will influence whether you attract them or not.
Your beliefs influence your outcomes.
Negative patterns of belief will result in negative thought patterns. Likewise, negative thought patterns trigger negative emotions. Negative emotions result in poor choices, negative behaviors, and a lack of action. A lack of action means less than ideal outcomes.
Mindset modeling to the rescue
To avoid this negative cycle from negative beliefs to poor outcomes, it’s imperative to do mindset work.
Key strategies for changing your mindset
Journaling – write out the negative beliefs. Write out the thoughts that the negative belief triggered. Next, write out the negative emotions you feel from experiencing the negative thoughts. Then, write out the choices you’ll make because of those negative emotions and feelings. Finally, write out the outcomes you’ll achieve if you stay in this negative pattern. But don’t stop there. Re-write this pattern from a positive belief. Note the difference in the possible outcomes once you have changed the initial belief. Do this journaling practice every day.
This practice is related to my 5C journaling practice – Start by catching the negative belief and negative thoughts. Challenge the negative belief and thought – would someone you know, love, and trust believe and think the same negative way you are? If the answer is no, change the thought and belief to something positive. The more frequently you do this exercise, the faster you’ll be able to get rid of the negative what-ifs and beliefs and the positive ones. Ultimately, you will have more confidence to make decisions.
Meditation
Both journaling and meditation change the neuropathways in your brain allowing you to go from negative beliefs and thought patterns to positive ones. When you are in a state of belief and positive thoughts, you will make better decisions and take more positive action to grow your business.
Scripture verses you can use in your practice of mindset modeling
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” Nothing is impossible with You, God! You see things differently than I do, and so You bring about things in ways I could never conceive—all for our good and Your glory.
Jeremiah 32:17 With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
If your business isn’t growing at the rate you want
Purpose to Results™ is a proven way to get the results you want. Situational mindset modeling is at the forefront of the formula because mindset ultimately determines your ability to create and implement strategies and to take intentional effective action.
If you’d like to grow your business for long-term success using Purpose to Results™, download this free eBook.
And if you’d like to practice the 5C journaling method, download this free eBook.
Being complacent has no role if you want to grow a successful business.
Don’t be complacent if you want to start and grow a successful business.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clear-headed.
It’s challenging to be in the online space and not let distractions pull you in several directions, most leading nowhere and causing confusion.
When you are confused, your community will be confused. Confused people don’t buy.
How can you focus on being clear-headed? What action can you take to alleviate distractions and be focused on employing your God-given gifts to grow a successful business?
Be courageous and grow a successful business.
First, be courageous. Where does courage come from? From God. From believing in the power of the gifts He’s given you and that He has a purpose for you. Fear and doubt stimulated by what you see and consume online will result in a lack of action. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but it is your decision to take action despite fear.
We know that mindset plus strategy plus action equals results. Courage is a mindset, and you can navigate your mindset so that you can take intentional action by following the strategies you’ve developed for your business.
Be bold to grow a successful business.
Second, be bold. How can you be bold when you are scared and confused, overwhelmed and frustrated, and tired and weary? Tap into the courage that He alone builds up in you. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 reminds us to be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
In addition, in Joshua 10:25 we are reminded, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.
To be bold we must cast aside distractions and fear. Fear may always exist, but courage will help you take action despite the presence of fear. Take bold action to tell the world you are here to serve them in the way Christ has called you to serve using the incredible gifts He’s instilled in you.
Build a unique personal brand with a positive mindset, implement effective strategies, and take intentional action and you can grow a successful business.
Your beliefs and thoughts will determine whether you can grow a successful business.
Third, catch the negative thoughts that arise from fear – doubts, and insecurities. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Science is just now catching up to scripture when it comes to understanding the mind. Ref. Switch on Your Brain. Your mind is intricate and miraculously made. It’s powerful. In addition, you can change the neuropathways in your brain to redirect your thoughts to be more positive. When you do so, you will take more effective action and achieve the outcomes you want to achieve.
The mindset work you do upfront will help you implement strategies for growth. It will also enable you to take more effective intentional action to produce the results you want in your business.
Being complacent will prevent you from growing a successful business.
When you lack action, you are complacent. If you aren’t doing mindset work to navigate fear and doubt and other negative thoughts, you are being complacent. When you don’t take the initiative to create strategies in your business that will help you reach your goals, you are being complacent. And if you aren’t taking intentional action guided by the strategies you developed, you are being complacent.
Complacency is a form of denying your calling and God’s purpose for you. It’s an act of ignoring the incredible gifts He’s given you and is calling you to use.
Don’t be complacent in daily life.
There are many things going on in our world today that are confusing and ultimately, wrong. If you’ve watched any news program in the past year, you are aware of the lack of morals and ethics in government, schools, churches, and various communities.
People who speak out in truth for Christ are being punished, attacked, and ridiculed. As a result, the majority of us are afraid to speak our truth as Christians.
This has been weighing on me for some time. I fear for my children and the lack of values and morals that they are potentially faced with every day. We as Christian parents need to start standing up for what’s right, for what scripture teaches us, or what will our children have left?
Don’t be complacent, stay aligned with your values and speak your truth.
My comments are not coming from a place of judgment. I stand by the fact that God is the ultimate judge, and it is not my place to judge individuals and their personal decisions. However, it is my job to speak God’s truth when he calls me to speak it.
And yes, this does influence my and your ability to grow a successful business. Why?
Because if you are not in a place of faith and belief in what God is calling you for and to do, you will be confused, not clear-headed, and you will succumb to falsities coming at you from the world.
For example, the new age woo-woo messaging we are inundated with. If you rely on astrology, on manifestation without Christ, or on another person instead of the Holy Spirit, you may see temporary growth, but it will not be sustainable.
Furthermore, procrastination leads to more frustration, overwhelm, and inaction. Inaction never produces outcomes.
If you have felt any of these feelings, stop doing the same things that aren’t working. Start praying. And listening. Acquire the help you need spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Being complacent influences your business
When you are feeling down and frustrated about the world around you, you will not be able to focus on the tasks at hand.
What we see in the world around us can be so disturbing that we begin to worry and feel anxious.
Here’s an example. I have two sons and a daughter. My sons are now adults, one in grad school and the other with college graduation in sight. I have confidence in their abilities to make sound decisions and I find comfort in knowing that they know to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
My daughter, however, is only in high school and is faced with more cultural discourse than my sons were at her age. I look at the incredible women of history who fought for our rights as women and yet I fear for her rights as a young woman. And I fear for her safety.
Most importantly, I wonder where the voices of women’s rights activists are when humans born as men, who have not experienced the emotional and physical challenges of girlhood and womanhood, are being recognized as women leaders.
Is this sound?
God created us and designed us as women for a purpose. We are different than men, not only physically, but emotionally, and mentally. There is power and benefit in each one of the unique characteristics and qualities we have as women. No man can understand what it is like to be a woman just like no woman can understand exactly what it is like to be a man.
God created us in the image of Christ, so why aren’t more churches and Christians speaking this truth? There is a lack of faith and a lack of Christ in our society and the result is confusion and chaos.
But more importantly, I am saddened and frustrated by men and boys transitioning to women and girls playing women’s sports and being awarded awards and celebrated as women.
Not political – this is about speaking up for women and girls
First, they haven’t been women long enough to accomplish what natural women have accomplished. And we have some incredibly amazing women who have accomplished a lot during their lifetimes and represent what we as women strive to be, and what we want our daughters to be.
Second, our talented female athletes are being discredited and put in unfair situations. The physicality is not comparable. Why should a woman’s hard work and talent be discounted by someone who naturally has more muscle mass, strength, size, etc.? I stand with Riley Gaines Barker on this one.
Third, why are parents’ rights being stripped away by the government, schools, and communities when it comes to guiding their children and helping them get the mental, emotional, and physical care they need?
Fourth, shame on the companies not using natural-born, talented, strong, and inspiring women to promote their products. There is a plethora of women working diligently to serve and support others, paving the way for our youth to live incredible lives. What is the plan here? To create more confusion in the minds of our youth? We aren’t lacking in beautiful, talented young women to do these commercials.
Fifth, we all need to be in prayer. We live in a society that has put God in the backseat, has alleviated living by lifelong values, left morality and ethics at the curb, and is stripping away the rights of parents, women, and Christians. This has nothing to do with race or ethnicity. It’s not a political statement. This is a spiritual crisis. The good news is that God has the final say over anything Satan puts in the world. That gives us hope, especially in the season of Easter.
Wanting the best for the next generation
I have never considered myself a women’s liber. Male bashing is not my cup of tea. But I do not like that no one is speaking up for the future rights of our daughters and how they are going to be represented in the world.
This quote sums up why I am speaking up for the girls and young women coming up behind me, especially my daughter.
“Raise a daughter that people are a bit scared of. Teach her to be fierce and independent. Teach her not to care what people think. Raise her to be a little warrior who is going to change the world and make a difference.” – The Barefoot Truther
In addition to that quote I add, raise your daughter to trust, love, and welcome the one true king, Jesus Christ, into her life as her savior and guiding light.
Don’t let your rights slip away.
Our rights as parents, Christians, and women are being stripped away piece by piece. If this isn’t making you anxious or worried yet, the wave of anxiety and worry will arrive sooner than later.
This chaos and confusion will ultimately have an impact on not only your ability to grow a successful business but also potentially your rights when it comes to who you hire, how you raise your children, whether you are discriminated against as a Christian or business owner, etc. Not to mention, when you are worried and anxious, you will not be clear-headed and focused.
It’s time for all of us to stop being complacent, to stop letting fear hold us back, and start standing up, taking up space, and growing businesses that create an impact and a ripple effect of good in the world. If nothing else, for the young women coming up behind us.
I want to emphasize two scripture verses to help you navigate the insanity of the world we are living in. The verses will help you find peace in knowing you don’t have to be anxious or worried. Christ took that from you.
Philippians 4:6-7
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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
And I pray over you that God will calm your heart and quiet your mind so that you hear His amazing calling for you and His guidance on your mindset, and the strategy and action needed to grow a successful business.
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