We are officially in Q2! April starts this quarter and it means "to bud" or "to open", and symbolizes "freshness" and "new beginnings". Researchers believe this is because plants and trees begin to flower during this month - often times in the midst of lots of rain. What beautiful imagery to set our focus for the next 90 days! And isn't it just like God to mix a little rain in with the beautiful sunshine & blooms?
It amazes me every season how God so beautifully, thoughtfully, and meticulously crafted each time of year for a specific purpose. To see all of creation respond to His command to change according to His timing takes my breath away. It reminds me that in our lives, and in our businesses, He has also appointed seasons. Some to grow us, others to prune us, others to rest us, and others to elevate us. Each one is beautifully, thoughtfully, and meticulously designed for us, too.
As we enter this new month and quarter, what are you hoping will "bud" or "open", CEO? What plans are you hoping will come to fruition? How do you want to grow? What new relationship or connection do you hope will open up to you? What new opportunities are you praying will spring forth? Take a minute and think about your answers to those questions... dream big... and write them down.
Now, I have a followup. How are you preparing and making room to receive the blessing(s) you just listed above?
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Assess what you have now.
Be Honest - You are the only one that has to live with the decisions of what you allow to stay in your life and business, but you are also the only one that has the power to change it. Be honest with yourself about where things stand without judgement. Pray for discernment and the ability to finish the process. Then get started.
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3 KJV
Be Objective - When we evaluate things we have personal connection with emotion can overshadow our ability to be objective. As you take inventory take a moment to create an objective rubric to assess your items, services, places, clients, and relationships. It could be as simple as "have I used this in the last 12 months?" or "has this service met revenue goals over the last three quarters?" or "has this relationship been a blessing or a hinderance to me moving forward?" or "does this place inspire me or stifle my creativity?".
"Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge:" Proverbs 13:16 KJV
Decide what you should keep.
Keep Pile - What items, services, places, clients, or relationships do you engage with often? Which ones do you interact with less often but each time they bring you joy? Which ones challenge you to be your best self, even if they require uncomfortable change?
Let Go Pile - Which items, services, places, or relationships are no longer a good fit? What is keeping you from letting them go.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Donate/Refer Pile - Are the items from the "Let Go Pile" in good shape and able to benefit someone else? Donate them. Are the services you offer no longer a good fit, but you know another business owner that is gifted in this area? Set up a referral agreement and enjoy an additional stream of income without the day-to-day management of the service. Donating and referring are ways to make letting go a joyful experience for you and someone else.
"... remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 KJV
Move forward with confidence.
Trust Yourself - Trust that each of the decisions you made after conferring with God were with the right spirit, heart posture, and mindset. Commit to your decisions and move forward.
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6 KJV
Checkin & Review - Check in at the end of the quarter and gauge how this process helped you enjoy new experiences, people, and fulfillment.
Remember, God works in your life through seasons of change, growth, pruning, and elevation. You don't get to determine when they happen, but you do get to determine how you grow and bloom through each one.
So enter into this Spring ready to shed quickly so that you can grow and bloom fully into what God is doing in your life right now.
It's time to grow, CEO. I'm cheering for you as you blossom in your new beginning(s)!
With Joy In Purpose,
Dr. Lorin R. Carter
Are you ready to bloom into the leader that God needs you to be, while creating a life and business you love? Ready to bring what He's placed in your heart to life? Visit www.lorinrcarter.com/bookonline to get the strategy, scripture, and support you need to get started today!
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