Women in Business
Did you know that while women in business continue to be the fastest growing sector in many countries – there’s ONE thing that can paralyse and keep us playing small so that we don’t stand up and speak up to get our message out in a much bigger way?
It’s the fear of failure.
I used to despise ‘failure’.
That’s because my goals and my vision were not just some random words I had written in my journal at the beginning of the year.
They were tied closely to who I was.
My self-worth and my identity was tied to my goals, my vision, and my business.
So when failure came knocking on my door – it was a slap in the face.
A slap that confirmed:
- I wasn’t good enough;
- I’d never achieve my goals;
- Who did I think I was to even dream that big?
- Who was I to think I even had anything worthy to share – let alone be recognised as an influential voice in my industry?
- Everyone else was succeeding, but NOT me;
- Yada Yada Yada…
But, here’s what I’ve learned.
Failure IS just feedback. It IS just data that we can leverage moving forward.
But ONLY if we know HOW to deal with the failure.
Emotionally, Mentally, Physically, Spiritually.
Because if we DON’T deal with these properly, our disappointments, our failures, our missed milestones CAN and WILL keep us stuck and direct us to a destiny of unfulfilled dreams and ongoing inability to innovate.
Thankfully, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that my identity is NOT in my successes or achievements. It’s not in who the world says I am. But, rather, my identity is who my Heavenly Father say’s I am, in Christ.
I am: Loved. Cherished. CHOSEN.
And, so are YOU!
So, I leave you with these words, which I hope and pray you will gain encouragement from…
“I see you. Working diligently with a level of passion that only a purpose-driven entrepreneur can understand.
Because sharing your message and helping clients in your area of expertise isn’t just something you’re good at. It’s WHO you are.
In fact, your life’s journey, your experience, and the challenges and obstacles you’ve overcome, along with your DNA, your calling and WHO you are annointed to become – means the message that’s been placed on YOUR heart needs to be shared, by you.
And, in the unique approach and style that only you can deliver it.
So friend, don’t be disappointed when results aren’t immediate. Or, if failure is part of your past.
Don’t be distracted by what other people are doing and achieving.
You’re NOT running their race, nor are you living their assignment.
You’ve been waiting for a miracle. However, He’s been waiting for maturity.
Now is NOT the time to give up, or let doubt take you out.
- Show up – and share your message. Passionately.
- Stand up – and be the voice for the voiceless.
- Speak up – with courage and compassion.
- Stay focused. Be consistent – in all you do.
- Double-down on your efforts. Continue to hone your craft.
And, most importantly of all – PRESS IN to Him.
Closely.
Lean on HIM.
Seek His face. Seek His council. Commit your ideas and plans to Him. Ask Him to make your paths straight. Daily.
He’s got you. He see’s you too.
You’re being prepared and positioned.
And, the prayer you’ve been bringing before Him (for as long as you can remember) … is just around the corner.”
————
Fellow sister-in-Christ, this is my prayer for you (and I both) as we navigate this next season of our life and business.
I can’t wait to meet you at this year’s Deborah Conference and share with you what the Lord has put on my heart on how to innovate and transform the lives of those you are called to serve and support through Thought Leadership in your industry.
Till then…
Annemarie Cross is an Award-winning Podcast Host and Producer, and a Business & Personal Brand Strategist and Author of: Industry Thought Leader – How to Go From Invisible to Influential (and Profitable) with a Podcast. Dubbed ‘The Podcasting Queen,’ she is recognised as a pioneer in this space by her clients and community, after starting her first podcast in 2008.
Over the years she’s been listed among the Top 25 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs, Top 50 Podcast for Entrepreneurs, and Top 100 Small Business Podcasts worldwide by well-known and respected small business websites, including Entrepreneur.com. She now supports Change Makers and aspiring Thought Leaders cut through the noise and go from Invisible to Influential (and Profitable) with their own Thought Leader Podcast where they can begin to nurture listeners into leads and ultimately paying clients from their very first episode.
Further resource: www.AnnemarieCross.com/PodcastSeries
Lastest podcast episode: Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out: www.annemariecross.com/16
www.Twitter.com/AnnemarieCoach