6 temptations of an entrepreneur
From an article by Stronger Network
If you're an entrepreneur, pioneering new things, or simply stepping out with a vision in your heart, there are 6 common temptations to look out for.
The Bible says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4.7) so Stronger have thought about some practical ways you can resist and commit afresh.
Temptation 1: Fear - listening to the undermining voice of fear.
Practical ideas:
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Confess your fear to God and trusted wise counsel. Seek prayer cover.
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Revisit the big picture. Hold tight.
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Break the fear down into smaller chunks to see what you actually need to deal with today.
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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:
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Remember there's no such thing as an overnight success.
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Pray for God to strengthen your resolve and provide encouragement along the way.
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Be disciplined with your goals and be clear about what the next steps are for today.
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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:
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Step back for a moment and remember this is a marathon vs. a sprint.
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More hours don't mean more success. Review current working patterns before burnout occurs.
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Identify the things that only you can do. Who else can you involve in the other things?
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How long have you been saying ‘when I've just done x, then x? What do you need to adjust?
Temptation 4: Affirmation - idolising the rags to riches success story.
Practical ideas:
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Let go of the rags to riches story, it's an ill-fitting yolk. Trust in the Lord, he is faithful.
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Re-orientate your thinking and pursue faithfulness above success.
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No success can fill a hole, so find affirmation in the Lord.
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Fix your eyes on Jesus and take each step as it comes.
Temptation 5: Perfection - aiming for perfection more than progress.
Practical ideas:
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Perfection can sometimes paralyse. See where things are being held up and review again.
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Perfectionism is often built on fear. Consider where fear is at work for you.
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Don't try and do God's job for him, invite him to be strong in your weakness.
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Be clear and realistic about what success for you looks like this quarter.
Temptation 6: Ambition - sacrifice whatever it takes to succeed.
Practical ideas:
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Make sure you've set your course: your highest ambition is Jesus. It's all for him. He is your north star.
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Look around you, what has been sacrificed on the altar of ambition? Do things need to change?
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Make some time in your day to worship Jesus, ask him to fill you with his Spirit to do his work.
Why not virtually join the Stronger Conference event in January to watch short videos from various contributors on a range of topics from across six different themes: leadership, culture, digital, entrepreneurship, communication, business?
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From an article by Stronger Network, 22/11/2023