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When God released me from my former job as CEO of a local nonprofit, I recall feelings of relief and fear at the same time. Relief from being responsible and having ownership of everything: the organization - its reputation, service outcomes, and sustainability - the staff and volunteers, and the insane hours I worked to do it all. They say fear cannot exist when love is present, but it certainly can exist when doubt is.
Through a sequence of events, God was showing me it was time to move on. I had blossomed where He planted me, and done all I could do. The organization had grown exponentially and was well-prepared for the future. God was asking me to repot myself. It was time for all that He equipped me with - skills, experiences, connections - to be used for the next thing. What God was not asking me to do was compare myself and compete with others.
When the next leg of your journey includes starting a business of your own, of course you have to understand the market in which you want to exist. It's integral to your success to understand whether there's a need for what you want to offer in the way of products and services. I'm not going to get into the details of a market analysis. There are plenty of blog posts and YouTube videos on how to do this effectively. What I am going to focus on is what happens to us humans when we embark upon this endeavor.
Consultants, Coaches and Writers, Oh My!
My father did an outstanding job building my self-esteem. I was daddy's girl, and he acknowledged time and again, how smart and capable I was through my good grades and accolades. As an adult, my thoughts where always aligned with "when" and never "if". My confidence was evident before I spoke a single word. So yes, I was completely blinded by a new set of thoughts that had never - and I do mean never - entered my mind.
When the press release was published about my decision to leave the nonprofit I served for eight years, I received numerous calls from people asking if I'd like to explore whatever line of business they were in. I could have returned to the world of real estate, gotten into catering, worked in a hospital, or even taken a job as CEO of another nonprofit. Something that has always followed me is goodness and mercy, and that my friend, includes opportunities.
I'd always dreamt of having my own consulting business but was groomed as an "employee" from my very first job. Even in the military I received a W-2. The nine to five seemed to be my jam - benefits, a regular paycheck, and policies and procedures to work by. Then the time came. The last day of work was bittersweet and there I was ... uprooted.
The current number of consultants and coaches is insane. There are more than 700,000 consulting firms, and double the number of consultants for hire. Today there are 20,000 coaches in the United States - the fastest growing profession second only to Information Technology. And writers? They are a dime a dozen - literally.
With so many professionals in the fields for which I am qualified and best prepared for, how do I fit in amongst the masses? Who is doing it best? Am I good enough? Do I have enough certifications and credentials? Will there be enough work for my business to grow? God didn't ask any of these questions when He released me and led me to write my first book. Nor did He ask these, or any other questions, when he led my first business and coaching clients to me.
NOW, not LATER.
It's amazing how God can prompt us and lead us, then we get all fleshy and "in the way" by overthinking, asking questions and second-guessing ourselves. The crime takes place when we talk ourselves right out of what God has asked us to do, as well as the inevitable blessing. (The thief comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. - John 10:10) We become doubtful and allow fear to set it. This is nothing new - you know this already. But do you understand where and how it all starts?
The moment God gives you the desire, the dream, the goal, that's the moment He's determined you are ready - prepared with the abilities to be successful in the endeavor. That's the moment He expects obedience - which by the way means the timing of His request is just as important as the request itself.
I am a business consultant who helps nonprofits raise the funds they need to make a bigger impact in the communities they serve. I am a parent coach who helps stressed, overwhelmed parents navigate the challenges and dynamics associated with having an adult child living at home. I'm also a writer - a best selling published author.
The enemy is notorious for attempting to sabotage our plans, especially in the planning stage, but if our plans are God's plans - aligned with His will for our lives - and we keep our focus on God, nothing the enemy can do will thwart them.
We don't recognize that comparing ourselves to others is a trick of the enemy. It's one of the most common ways to "hide". Instead of developing our own voice, our own style, our own goals, we try to emulate someone else who we believe is doing really well at what we want to do. Sometimes we don't even bother. After comparing, we decide that we don't compare, so we do nothing.
Fortunately for me, God's word and His promises are buried deep in my heart. When the thoughts of inadequacy and doubt crept in, Holy Spirit reminded me of who I am - a daughter of the Most High - the apple of His eye. God has proven me to be all He has created me to be. In my business, I don't need to compete for clients. I am distinguished by who I am in Christ. (I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13) Everything I do; everything I say, everything I create, speaks to my ideal client and they make their way to me.
So if you're in a battle of the mind - the comparison game has left you feeling depleted and worthless, or you've been spinning your wheels and getting nowhere - be encouraged. Start now, saturate yourself in God's word and in His presence. This way when the enemy tries to rear-end or t-bone you, you are prepared for victory. (Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. - Revelation 3:20)
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