• The kind of person I want to be – MY CHARACTER
• What I should have accomplished – MY ACHIEVEMENTS
• The impact I will make – MY INFLUENCE
• What I should be doing – MY ROLE IN THE MARKETPLACE – CAREER & BUSINESS
• What I should own- MY ASSETS

It’s been a journey and here are some thoughts on what I have learnt so far.

• IT STARTS IN YOUR MIND: Mapping out the plan/ vision requires intentionality. I created the time and space to think and dream without boundaries. I got out of my comfort zone in my mind, and I forced myself not to get in the weeds about how it was going to happen. That was a stretch for me because I am a “planner” at heart, but I did it.
• WRITING YOUR VISION GIVES IT LIFE: As I got my dreams out of my head and on paper, I received more clarity. I organized my thoughts better, and I began to believe that BIG dreams could come true. Today I review the plan regularly and use it to check for the authenticity of my decisions and the bold steps I take to make my vision a reality.
• IT BECOMES A NAVIGATION TOOL: While I don’t review my 20-year plan daily or weekly, I revisit it regularly. It has helped me stay focused when doubting myself. It helps me go back to the basics and is a data point as I consider my “WHY” for my decisions.
• THE PLAN CAN BE FLUID: Yes, you can have a plan, but an agile/ flexible mindset is critical. Life happens, and I have learned new things about myself and life. The world has even changed significantly since I first created the plan. I have learned to keep it fluid and focus on planning, taking action, and adjusting along the way.
• IT’S A TESTAMENT THAT DREAMS DO COME TRUE: Finally, I have consistently been amazed at the reality that dreams do come true. You, however, have to start with dreaming, with faith, and taking the right action- YOUR AUDACIOUS DREAMS do have a chance.

What will you look like in 20 years?

Just as birds are born with the instinct to fly, they can fly only after learning the art of flying independently through observation and practice.

Similarly, you can be born with great talent and abilities. You may also have an idea of your life purpose. First, however, you must go through a process to maximize your potential. The process takes time, investment, and intentional action, like seeds go through planting and intentional nurturing before experiencing a harvest.

Once you have an idea of who you are, the next step is to explore what it will take to become that person. For example, you might need to learn something new, get a mentor, get a coach, gain a unique experience – it could be anything, but you need a “Become Strategy” to evolve into your authentic self.

Your authentic self is who the world needs.

Shifting from a place of "success" to "significance" is not for the faint hearted. It is filled with huge sacrifices, change, and uncertainties. It's really about taking a leap of faith and potentially leaving the past behind, leaving the comfortable lifestyle/space to become who God has called you to become. It can be scary to be honest and you might just want to go back to your comfort zone because it's easier. 

The question you must ask yourself is- what is the cost of going back to the comfortable, stable lifestyle? What is the cost of settling? Is it really worth it staying where you were living for yourself alone? Is it really worth leaving the seed of Significance in you dormant for the rest of your life? What will your legacy be? Will you be able to pat yourself on the back knowing you have given your all to become who God designed you to be? Better still, what will God - your heavenly Father say to you when you cross over to eternity? Will it be - well done my dear faithful _________ or you wicked servant? 

Terah, Abram's father in Genesis 11 in the Bible was headed for Canaan. The promise land, but he settled at Haran- perhaps because it was comfortable. Abram received a call from the same God and set out, leaving all behind based on the instruction and promise from God. Today he is our flagship father of faith. What if he settled like his father? Are you being called or nudged to make a move that no one in your family history or environment made? What is that thing, which I call your 'IT' that you can't get off your mind and you just know you have been assigned to get it done and you need to make sacrifices for in order for it to be manifested? Taking that leap of faith starts with your mindset. You need to embark on the journey in your mind. Be WARNED - your mind will fight to stay in your comfort zone. It thinks it's protecting you from danger. You however need to consider the consequences of maintaining the status quo and make the decision to either settle or move in the direction God is leading you. The mindset battle is a real one that must be won first and on a consistent basis. 

Once you agree with what God is leading you to, He takes you by your hand and continues to lead you. And guide you on the next steps to take. Obedience is the first step in the walk of faith. Remember, God's side is always the right side.

Anchor Scripture: 
I am the Lord your God who teaches you how to profit Genesis 11:27-31 (Terah) Genesis 12:1-3 (Abram)

Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank you for the stirring going on in my heart right now. I ask you for clarity and understanding of what you are calling me to. Work in me to will and do your good pleasure. I receive the grace to take the leap of faith towards your perfect will for my life in Jesus' name Amen 

Declaration: 
I have the mind of Christ filled with knowledge, wisdom and understanding for my assignment I can do all things through Christ which gives me strength. By faith, I shift from a life of success to one of significance. Thank you, Lord, because greater are you in me than he that is in the world. 

Need Help? 
I will love to help you navigate through discovering and shifting to your life of Significance. Book a free coaching session with me today through my contact page. Looking forward to connecting with you.


Fast forward to verse 12, the blessing and abundance was so obvious that it attracted jealousy and strife in Gerar and he was sent out of the country to the valley. In the valley he started prospering and found fresh water there- he was attacked by the shepherds there and they claimed the well that his servant built. He moved to another location. It was not until he moved to the third location that there was no dispute over the well that his servants dug and he was able to settle there and experience prosperity. He called that place Rehoboth meaning – “Open Space”

As I reflect on this story, I see the well digging experience as the dreams, visions – maybe a business, ministry or initiative that you know you have been called to pursue. You might have tried the first, 2^nd or third time and have been disappointed due to opposition, fear, lack of knowledge, lack of wisdom or your own mistakes. The Holy Spirt is saying – try again! Don’t give up. God’s original intention for your life is still His plan. Gather your momentum and try again. You will find your place. His promises never die. As you keep pressing on and holding to that promise – you will find your ‘Open Space” designed for you to prosperity – spirit, soul and body to the praise of His glory.

A Unique Purpose and Plan for You:   Being out of a job or in the wrong job can be very frustrating and discouraging. The process of getting from where you are to where you want to be could be even more frustrating if you don’t have the right mindset and attitude. My personal advice which has worked for me and many others is that before you start the job search, have it settled in your mind that it is God’s will for you to have a good job. 

In Jeremiah 29:11 God assures you that  “He knows the thoughts He thinks towards you, they are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” His will is not for you to suffer or for your needs to not be met. Not having a job is a major need and God knows it.  Do whatever you need to do to build up your faith in this area before your embark on the journey. Seek the word of God for scriptures on God’s plan for you and hold on to it. Remember, employers are not looking for jobs to hand out to people, they are looking for people to solve their business problems and you have been created to solve someone’s problem.

Scripture References: Psalm 139; Jeremiah 9:11; Genesis 1:28

Define Your Job Search Goal:  Identify what you are really trying to achieve. This is very critical because it will determine the actions you take to achieve your goal. Jesus Himself encourages us to always do some planning. He tells us to “sit down and count the cost” Luke 14: 28. As indicated earlier, you were created for a purpose so an assessment of where you are and where you are heading to is critical before you take any step. 

What are your career aspirations? Do you understand your core strengths, skills and your purpose?  What steps do you need to take to move you closer to your aspirations? These are some of the many questions you need to ask yourself. You might want to talk through this aspect with an accountability partner, mentor or career coach to ensure you are heading in the right direction. I recommend you spend a lot of time here because regardless of your situation, some steps need to be taken. 

Scripture References: Luke 14:28; Habakkuk 2:2-3; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 24:27 

Define Your Plan: Imagine your dream employer stands in front of you and you have an opportunity to convince him/her to hire you, what would you say? It is critical to have your story/pitch prepared for the moment your perfect opportunity presents itself. Nehemiah in the bible is a great example of someone who was ready when the opportunity presented itself. In chapter 2, King Artaxerxes noticed he had a lot on his mind, and asked him what the problem was. Nehemiah recognized the opportunity and clearly articulated his goal to the king. He had done his research, had devised a plan and was able to convince the king his goal was worth investing in. You also need to put effort into planning for your career. It takes time, effort and commitment. But it is worth every second because it gets you to the plan God has for you. Your plan will include things like identifying jobs/careers of interest, understanding your strengths and gaps, creating or updating your resume, networking etc. I also recommend getting some help in this area from a mentor or career coach. 

Scripture References: Nehemiah 1&2; 1 Samuel 17: 31-37

Recognize and Maximize the Help of Others: Do not underestimate the power of relationships and networking. It is simply about creating avenues to connect with people you might not ordinarily connect with and maintaining an ongoing relationship with them. The truth is that most of the time you might not know all you need to know to get to your desired goal, and others usually do. Someone has been where you are and you can learn from both their mistakes and successes. Getting into a habit of building and maintaining relationships before you need a career change is most effective because the benefits of the relationships are realized naturally through the relationship and not just because of your need. As part of your plan, identify all the individuals within your immediate network – family friends etc. and make sure they know you are in the job market and what your career goals are.  Many times it’s not really those within your immediate network but someone within their network that may be the link to your next career opportunity.  Also maximize networking tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, networking events, alumni networks etc. 

Reference Scriptures: Ephesians 4:1-13

Stick with the Plan: I can almost assure you that you will be tempted to give up along the way when the process becomes overwhelming and it might seem you are not getting the results you are looking for. That is absolutely normal. Don’t give up. The truth is working towards your career goal requires hard work and dedication, which is sometimes underestimated. It is a process you learn and grow from. Most of the time the job doesn’t turn up immediately. If you observe you have been getting stuck in a particular part of the process, it is recommended that you get help in that area. For example, if you are getting calls from potential employers but never get past the interview stage, you might need help with interviewing. The point here is once you are clear on the dream/goal God has given you, don’t give up. You might need to reassess your plan and identify how to improve it, or get additional assistance and encouragement, but stay focused.  “Don’t be weary in your efforts for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Reference Scriptures: Galatians 6:9; Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalm 37:4

In conclusion, most importantly, throughout the process, it is important to recognize and acknowledge that regardless of the actions you take, it is God who opens doors through His divine favor and mercy. Your strengths, skills and abilities are gifts from God, which He will use to set you up with your divine opportunity. So trust Him and listen for His instructions along the way. He will lead you to the plan and purpose he has for you.

………………………………………..

No More Excuses: In achieving any goal, there are always perceived or actual obstacles, and we need to understand that obstacles can be overcome because we are overcomers. The question is, what is the truth? 

Myth: You have to know someone to get a job.     

Truth:  While research does say referrals are the best ways to get a job, the ultimate One we need to know and trust is God. He is the one who makes referrals lead to opportunities. “His Favor surrounds you like a shield” (Psalm 5:12).

Myth: I am not qualified so I cannot get the job.

Truth:  While each job has basic qualifications and generally you should be qualified for the job – have the education, or experience required – if you believe you can do the job based on strengths not reflected on the required qualifications for the job, find a way to tell your story. Remember no one thought David could kill Goliath until he had an opportunity to make his case to Saul.

Myth:  I might not be able to perform the job because I don’t have direct experience.

Truth: There is something called “transferable skills”  that can be applied from one experience to another. It is important to identify all your experiences including those outside of your paid work experience. Get some assistance with articulating your experiences in a way that reflects your ability to do the job although you might not have direct experience. Remember Gideon in Judges 6 did not have any direct experience as a warrior when he was called to lead the Israelites in battle.

Myth:  One resume is enough for any job in the job search effort.

Truth: Just as job descriptions differ, your resume needs to be modified to align with the position you are applying for. Think about it in terms of receiving an email from a friend either sent to a general group or with information meant for a different person. Such an email is not personal nor tailored to you so the attention you pay to it might be less than if it was directed to you and targeted towards things that interest you.  Your resume needs to spark the interest of the hiring manager. Since the hiring managers’ needs are different, make an effort to ensure your resume is well aligned, with key words and descriptions of experiences that will be attractive to the hiring manger.

Myth:  It is acceptable to just include job responsibilities as opposed to achievements and exemplary highlights on resumes.

Truth: Potential employers want to have a good understanding of your actual accomplishments reflecting the impact you have made in previous jobs. A description of your job responsibilities is not sufficient to provide that insight. Make sure your resume sells your abilities before the potential employer meets you. 

Myth: Over-qualification makes me unattractive to employers 

Truth: This is an assumption that prevents job seekers from pursuing the opportunities available to them. Employers look to hire people who can solve specific problems. Job seekers should focus more on presenting themselves as the best candidates to solve problems. 

I would therefore argue that to understand how to experience miracles in our lives, a reasonable place to start is to study how Jesus performed miracles while on earth and discover how we can apply it to our lives. It’s interesting that the process was very consistent. “Jesus Said; They Obeyed; The Miracle Happened”.  Let’s go through a few examples of Jesus’ key accomplishments.

The First Miracle:  Jesus Turned Water into Wine (John 2:7-9)

Jesus gave instructions to the servants at the wedding: Fill the water Posts with water. The servants responded by doing exactly what he asked them to do. Jesus gave a second instruction: Draw some out now and take it to the manager of the feast. The servants obeyed.  In verse 9, the manager of the feast tasted what he was given and it had tuned into wine and the celebration continued.

The Royal Official of Capernaum’s Son gets healed (John 4: 46-53)

Jesus responded to the royal official’s prayer saying: Go in peace, your son will live. He responded by believing the words of Jesus and headed home believing it was done as Jesus said. Before he got home, he got news that his son was better and even more importantly confirmed that the change stated when Jesus spoke the word. 

The man by the pool of Bethesda gets healed (John 5:3-9)

Jesus said to this man: Get up! Pick up your bed and walk. The man instantly became strong enough to pick up his bed and he walked as he was commanded.

Jesus feeds 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fished (John 6:1-14)

Jesus here instructed his disciples to: Make all the people sit down, he gave thanks, then distributed the bread and fish to the disciples for them to do likewise to the 5000.  The disciples obeyed him, and the 5000 had more than enough and the people were satisfied and there were lots of left overs.

Jesus heals the man who was blind from birth (John 9:6-7)

Jesus spread mud made with his saliva on the man’s eyes, and said to him: Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. The man responded by obeying his and came back seeing.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:39-44)

After Lazarus had been dead for four days, when Jesus got to Lazarus’s tomb he said: Take away the stone. They reluctantly did as they were concerned about the odor from his decayed body.  He then commanded Lazarus to come out from the tomb and He did. The dead man rose.

The disciples experience a miracle while fishing (John 21:3-6)

After Jesus rose from the dead before ascending into heaven, the disciples went to fish, led by peter. They fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus showed up on the scene and said to them: cast the net on the right side of the boat. They obeyed and the catch was so big that were not able to haul it.

Here are just a few examples of Jesus’s key miraculous examples. The most important and visible one is the miracle creation of earth. In Genesis 1, we see that each aspect of creation stated with the spoken word of God. “Let there be” and “There was”. To experience the exceedingly abundant things God has in store for us in this season, it must start with what God said to us. Whether it is spiritual requests, material requests, healing, peace, it’s all in his word speaking to us. We cannot ask and receive what He has not spoken to us. We do this by studying His word and getting insight on what he has to say about our specific situation, then obey the instruction(s) by first believing his word and taking action in the direction of what he directs us to. By the grace of God the result of our believing his word, speaking it and acting on it will be amazing miracles where things that seemed impossible are now possible. When we do this, I believe we will begin to truly walk in his foot prints and experience the manifestations of Jesus in and through us.

Being a first time mom in my late 30s has been a unique experience. I think I can confidently say I have gone through a life altering experience. When people ask me what motherhood is like, my response has been, its a lot of work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Not only do I feel this way, but as I have spoken to other mothers, they totally resonate with my sentiments around it.

As hard as it is, I derive so much joy from being a mother. But why? … One day it hit me. 

My husband typically does the drop off for daycare in the mornings, while I do the pick-up. One morning, I decided I would drop our princess off. I had been up for a few hours overnight and I could have just handed off to my husband but I was actually so excited to take her to daycare. Even when I am tired, I want to take care of her, it’s such a surreal experience. 

I remember when I was still pregnant and experiencing the typical new mother anxieties, I remember thinking- ‘what am going to do with this child’. I truly didn’t know if I will play the role well. But in Gods divine design, I saw myself just fit perfectly in the role. Its an amazing experience.

That morning ..I thought, that is exactly what walking in divine purpose feels like. No matter how tired you are- you would still do it because It gives you great joy and its not really about you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, lead me into my divine purpose. Don’t let me linger outside of your plan and purpose for my life. In Jesus name. Amen.

A few days after the discussion I was reflecting on that discussion, and I thought about my team members that God has entrusted me with during this season of my life. Have I really been giving them balanced and meaningful feedback? If yes, how have I been doing it and has it been effective? If not, what has prevented me from doing so?

After my reflections here’s what I came up with. I have not been doing such a great job at it and I need to seek for ways to improve. I must confess that sometimes I hesitate to give praises because I want them to focus on improving and knowing where they stand. So I end up not doing much of it and just not using the word “great” that much. I have been very stingy with the word – GREAT.  In some way I might have lost opportunities to reinforce great behavior. So I have decided to make some changes and for the next one week to look for ways I can use the word great as I give feedback to my team members.

Going back to my boss, he confessed that he is not so great at giving “critical” or “constructive” feedback. Total opposite of my approach, and to make it more interesting, this was a group discussion and three of us (ladies) were giving similar feedback to him. A few days later, I was reading a book that I think shed some light on this – females tend of have a ”fix it” mentality and men appreciate being affirmed. So we basically relate to the world the way we see it. 

I have decided to take a critical look at how I view my team and improve on the way I provide feedback so I give my team the benefit of growth and understanding what they can start doing, stop doing and continue doing.

Relationship with God (Upward)

A leader who has a good relationship with God and draws strength and wisdom from God will never go wrong. In a place of prayer and communing with God, wisdom and insight on what to do, and when to do it is revealed and the leadership experience is bound to succeed.  Insight from God will not only lead to choosing the right vision for each situation, but also provide guidance on how to lead and relate uniquely with each individual. King David in the bible is an example of a leader that relied on his relationship with God to lead. A study of the account of David’s life reveals that he did not despise the power drawn from his relationship with God, throughout his challenges, mistakes and numerous victories. He always inquired of the Lord for each situation, listened for direction and obeyed. As a result, the Jews consider him as the most brilliant leader of ancient Israel. (Reference Scripture: Second Samuel 5)

Relationship with Self (Inward)

A healthy relationship with God leads to a healthy relationship with oneself.  A leader who is secure and confident in God’s love tends to be comfortable with him or herself in spite of apparent imperfections. Such a leader can confidently step out and lead others understanding that the wisdom, opportunity and ability to lead comes from God and not from one self. It becomes a service and not a duty. It becomes fulfilling to see others empowered and led to be their best, while moving the current vision forward. Just like King David who was humble enough to go back to the source of his strength at all times, in spite of his mistakes and sins. It is also critical for a good leader to have a good understanding of his or her strengths, weaknesses, preferences, personality straits and relationship styles, and know how to leverage them in relationships. Being at peace with your weaknesses and knowing you are not, and cannot be all things to all people and  that “His strength is made perfect in weakness -2 Corinthians 12:9 ” leads to a new level of dependence on God to be your strength in those areas.

Relationship with Our self (Outward)

It is critical to understand the value of those you are leading, so you can appreciate and leverage their uniqueness for the benefit of the overall goal/vision.  A healthy relationship with God and oneself naturally frees leaders up to relate, lead, appreciate, empower and love others fearlessly. For example, Jesus in His ministry on earth cultivated relationships and drew individuals from different walks of life to partner with Him in his ultimate mission while empowering them to be who God called them to be.  As you begin to nurture these relationships, you will  begin to see everyone God brings your way as uniquely created and valuable for His purpose and plan.  You will be free to help them grow without being concerned about them outshining you, because God is your source. Instead of being concerned that someone else on your team exceling in a particular area, you will celebrate it knowing that God has brought that person to your team for a reason. You will know that their success doesn’t diminish your success but it actually increases the impact you make as a team.  

Most, if not all of us are leaders or being led in one capacity or another. For example parents are leaders in families, while children are being led in the same situation. Similarly in the workplace an employee is being led by a manager who is responsible for providing leadership direction. Leadership experiences may however be situational therefore you are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on three types of relationship as they apply to you i.e Upward relationship with God, the Inward relationship with yourself, and Outward relationship with others.  Identify adjustments you need to make in your relationships as you lead in various capacities and you will begin to experience fulfillment beyond your imagination.