How To Just START...Finally!!!

As you know, this blog is for Christian professionals and entrepreneurs. One of the BIGGEST issues I see with us, time and time again, is the internal power to just ….start!!

I see this all the time:

1. Spiritual leaders or clergy who initially resist their calling.

2. Artists or creatives who are hesitant to pursue their passion.

3. Entrepreneurs or innovators who are unsure of taking the leap.

4. Public speakers or leaders who struggle with self-doubt.

5. Individuals with a strong sense of purpose or mission, such as activists or advocates.

6. Those called to roles requiring significant sacrifice, like missionaries.

7. People with unique talents or gifts who feel unworthy or unprepared.

8. Leaders or visionaries who fear responsibility or scrutiny.

These individuals may run from their calling due to fear, self-doubt, uncertainty, or feeling overwhelmed.

Here are some tips for Christian professionals and those wanting to start businesses, especially those feeling called to a particular purpose or path but struggling with self-doubt:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize that doubts are normal and don't define your potential.

2. Explore and learn: Research, seek mentors, and gain experiences related to your calling.

3. Start small: Break down your goals into manageable steps.

4. Build support: Surround yourself with encouraging people.

5. Reflect and journal: Record your thoughts, progress, and insights.

6. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, just as you would a close friend.

7. Embrace the journey: Focus on growth, not perfection.

8. Trust your instincts: Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

9. Be patient: Know your journey unfolds at its own pace.

10. Take the first step: Begin, even if you're uncertain.

Remember, everyone's path is unique, and doubts don't disqualify you from pursuing your calling.

All of that is valid and true, but, I ALSO think theres something else happening as well….hear me out….

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus emphasizes the importance of considering the cost before embarking on any significant endeavor. He uses the analogy of a man building a tower to illustrate this point. In Luke 14:28-30 (NIV), it is written: "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’" This passage underscores the necessity of careful planning and forethought to ensure that one has the resources and commitment required to see a project through to completion.

I think that we are getting stuck in these two spots:

• Counting/Estimating the Cost - We can get stuck in planning stage. Planning feels like work. It feels like we are doing something. But at some point, we have to start. We can spend years, DECADES planning and it feels, mentally, like progress. But it’s no replacement for the data you get from actually, starting. I.e. actually attempting to sell a product, clicking publish on the website, turning on your ads.

• Worrying About Ridicule and Scorn if you cant Finish - Most people DO NOT START ANYTHING!!! (I have even heard 90-99%). So why then are we worried about what those people say? We should moreso wonder about the 1-10% who have actually done anything, because they may have some insight that can help us. So while it is good that we use what others might say as a motivator to properly plan, and count the costs, we need to START in order to get better data. Most people have zero experience actually starting anything of note or that is unique. Most people just want to do enough to be able to afford their home, take 1-2 trips a year, eat out once or twice a week, and shop occasionally, etc… But you as a Christian Professional or a soon to be Christian Entrepreneur, we have higher goals and higher callings. We want to support and grow our churches. We want to support the poor, the destitute. We want to support our clergy. We want to fund missionaries.

Jesus here wasnt saying, spend a long time planning to start, but rather, spend time strategizing, then start. But that doesn’t gurantee the start will be perfect. You may have to make adjustments. But you cant get that data, if you never actually start.

Let starting be seen as part of the data gathering process.