by E Ntesat | Sep 11, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Mindset Monday, Strategy
About Mindset Monday
Mindset Monday is where we kick start the week with a positive mindset. In this weekly segment, we will explore various strategies and tips to cultivate a growth mindset, boost your productivity, and overcome challenges. Get ready to embrace new perspectives, develop resilience, and unleash your full potential. So let’s dive into Mindset Monday and make this week a successful one. In this week’s edition, let’s kick-start our week with Free Your Mind The Rest Will Follow.
Called to create solutions
You know I had to pop in this morning and talk to you guys a little bit about this kind of revelation I had today while I was reflecting in my morning time. I’ve been reading “CALLED TO CREATE” by Jordan Raynor. There are many beautiful nuggets and it’s rich with information, especially for those of us who are called to create solutions through entrepreneurship.
The book shares a biblical journey about how we are innately designed to create and how some of us can use that gift in the marketplace. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean we’re all called to create through entrepreneurship. It just means we’re all called to create solutions that need to happen in our community.
Free Your Mind The Rest Will Follow
So as I mentioned not everybody’s called to create through entrepreneurship but we are called to create solutions so our topic today is: FREE YOUR MIND AND THE REST WILL FOLLOW. Now some of you who are in my age group will know that that was a popular in-vogue song and those women were hot when they hit that song and they made a real significant impact if you ever paid attention to the lyrics. It’s just saying look, don’t be so judgmental, and don’t always think that you have to know in advance the solutions.
I want to talk to you about some very basic concepts around freeing your mind. You know, sometimes we get so caught up working on our business that we don’t work on our business. Meaning, we’re so busy doing all of those little things that take up so much time that we don’t have the opportunity to be strategic about the future.
As entrepreneurs we’re all called to create and we can’t do that If we carry the stress and the worries about our business, about funding, about not having enough resources, about building our client base we don’t put enough focus on our big why. To truly free our minds, we must ask ourselves why we are doing this. Why are we called to create? And what is that thing that has got you so consumed right that you have to do it right? You’re called to create solutions in the marketplace. This is your big why.
Tips on how to free your mind
Here are a couple of tips on how you can free your mind and prepare yourself for Monday morning. Believe me, this process requires discipline and consistency to be successful at it. This is my secret to being able to juggle both a nonprofit and a for-profit business. I have to have a set of strategies that work for me and keep me in tune with the tasks that I have at hand, so let me just say this freedom starts with:
1. Have a Plan
Having a plan, and that plan has to start the night before. It can’t start in the morning. I know what you’re thinking. Why the night before? It’s because on Monday morning you really wanna be able to hit the ground running. You don’t want to be sitting and thinking about what do I have to do this week, who do I have to see, what plan do I have to put in place, etc. You need to know the night before what you’re going to be doing for the whole week. In this way, you set up each day strategically for your success.
3. Set your 3 priorities for the week.
What are my priorities for the week? What are those 3 things that I have to be able to accomplish this week? You know as well as I do that if we don’t have a plan, if we don’t know the target that we’re shooting for we will be all over the place. Center these three priorities around people, process, and purpose. So our focus for the week should be on making sure that we’re connecting to the right people so that it supports the process that we have to fulfill the purpose.
3. Align your priorities with your purpose
The second thing you should be focusing on is setting up three tactical steps that will ensure you can achieve those priorities that you set. You should align these tactical steps with your purpose; the big WHY I talked about earlier. This alignment helps you stay focused on the things that are necessary to accomplish that priority.
A. Once you have things aligned you have to get clear about what you’re trying to do, because even though it may be aligned it may not be appropriate for that time, so get clarity around what you are trying to accomplish.
B. Then you want to trust the process. You know what it takes for you to accomplish your goals. For me it’s been over 50 I’ve been accomplishing goals but I had to be aligned and I had to have clarity about what I was trying to accomplish. Then I had to trust the process that I put in place and then once you’ve done those things,
C. You want to record your outcomes. If you don’t record outcomes, how do you know if you’ve hit the mark? How do you know if you were successful at it? How do you know if this process is repeatable? To record your outcomes, ask yourself: Did I achieve the goals that I wanted to achieve? Did I acquire the funding I was trying to acquire? Was I able to secure the resources that I needed to get to that next level?
Summary
Freeing our minds and the rest will follow is really about getting the clutter out of our heads, it’s about silencing the noise, and it’s about getting busy with the work that we have to do because creativity is the cornerstone of entrepreneurship.
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by E Ntesat | Aug 30, 2023 | Activate your Purpose, Inspirational, Strategy
As humans, we spend a significant portion of our lives working. Whether it’s to pay the bills, support our families, or pursue our passions, work is an integral part of our daily routine. However, for many of us, work can feel like a burden, something we’re obligated to do rather than something we enjoy. It’s easy to become stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction and resentment, but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this post, we’ll look at 3 ways we can change our perspective on work from being burdensome to being fulfilling.
In his book Called to Create, Jordan Raynor provides a refreshing and transformative perspective on work as a means of worship and purpose. Through his teachings, Raynor encourages us to see work not merely as a means to an end, but as an opportunity to glorify God, engage in worship, and contribute positively to society. You can learn more about transforming your work into worship and purpose from Jordan Raynor’s book Called to Create.
1. Work is worship
One way to shift our perspective on work is to view it as a form of worship and the fulfillment of our purpose. By approaching our tasks with a sense of devotion and gratitude, we can transform even the most menial tasks into meaningful experiences. Instead of focusing on what we don’t like about our jobs, we can shift our attention to the positive aspects, such as the skills we’re developing, the people we’re working with, and the impact we’re making.
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2. Work is fulfilling purpose.
Another way to infuse purpose into our work is to connect it to a larger goal or vision. When we understand how our work contributes to a greater cause, we’re more likely to feel motivated and fulfilled. This could mean finding ways to align our personal values with our job responsibilities or seeking out opportunities to make a positive impact on our community or society as a whole.
3. Work is connection.
We can also view our work as a way to create meaningful connections with colleagues and collaborators, and together, we can create something greater than ourselves. When we join forces, we can create a more vibrant and fulfilling work experience.
Ultimately, transforming work into worship and purpose requires a shift in mindset. It’s about recognizing the value of our labor and choosing to approach it with intention and purpose. By doing so, we can find meaning and fulfillment in even the most mundane tasks, and build a sense of purpose that extends beyond the workplace.
So the next time you find yourself feeling uninspired or unmotivated at work, take a moment to reflect on how you can infuse your tasks with a sense of devotion and purpose. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
by E Ntesat | Aug 14, 2023 | Book of the Month
Introduction
“Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk” is a thought-provoking book written by Jordan Raynor. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the book’s content, structure, and key takeaways. It explores how the author presents a compelling argument for embracing creativity and innovation in light of biblical teachings. Get Called to Create on Amazon.
In “Called to Create,” Raynor skillfully combines his passion for entrepreneurship and his deep faith to inspire readers to view their work as a means of fulfilling their God-given purpose. The book challenges the misconception that creativity and innovation are reserved for artists, inventors, or entrepreneurs alone. Raynor encourages readers to embrace their unique abilities and talents, fostering a mindset of creativity and innovation in all aspects of their lives.
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The book revolves around several key themes, including:
1. The Theology of Work
Raynor emphasises that work is not just a means to an end but an opportunity to glorify God. He highlights the biblical perspective that work is a form of worship and a way to contribute positively to society.
2. The Value of Creativity
The author argues that creativity is an essential attribute of God and, therefore, should be celebrated and utilised by His followers. Raynor encourages readers to tap into their creative potential, regardless of their profession or vocation.
3. Embracing Risk
Raynor challenges readers to step out of their comfort zones and take calculated risks. Drawing from biblical examples, he demonstrates how risk-taking can lead to personal growth, innovation, and a deeper reliance on God’s guidance.
4. Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
The book outlines practical strategies for fostering a culture of innovation within organisations, churches, and communities. Raynor provides insights into how leaders can create an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking.
Analysis and Evaluation
“Called to Create” presents a compelling argument for integrating faith and work, encouraging readers to view their vocations as a means of serving God and others. Raynor offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the challenges and potential pitfalls of pursuing creativity and innovation. The book provides practical guidance, inspiring stories, and biblical principles that equip readers to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
One notable strength of the book is Raynor’s ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible and relatable manner. His writing style is engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with the content and apply the principles to their own lives.
Conclusion
“Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk” is a must-read for individuals seeking to integrate their faith with their professional lives. Jordan Raynor’s book offers a fresh perspective on work, creativity, and risk-taking, grounded in biblical principles. It is an inspiring and practical guide that empowers readers to embrace their calling, unleash their creativity, and make a positive impact in their spheres of influence.
by E Ntesat | Aug 11, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Resources, Strategy
At its core, team cohesion refers to a group of individuals working together for the common good, be it completing projects or improving processes to boost the bottom line. When each team member brings their unique skill set to the table, collaboration and synergy are fostered, leading to the achievement of shared goals. A cohesive team operates effectively and efficiently, benefiting both the business’s bottom line and the overall well-being of its employees. In this post, we’ll explore the three most important pillars on how to build a cohesive team.
Building a cohesive team hinges on three crucial pillars: strong leadership and support, clearly defined roles, and empowering team members with autonomy and ownership. Get The Servant by James C. Hunter to improve your leadership skills.
3 Critical Strategies for Building Team Cohesion
Building a cohesive team requires effort from both leaders and team members. By following these 3 strategies, you can create a sense of camaraderie, motivation, and trust within your team, ultimately leading to improved performance and success.
1. Strong leadership and support
Strong leadership and support lay the foundation for team cohesion. A leader who is approachable, communicative, and leads by example fosters a sense of trust and respect among team members. By providing guidance, and motivation, and being responsive to the team’s needs, a leader instils confidence and a shared commitment to the team’s objectives.
2. Clearly defined roles
Clearly defined roles serve as a roadmap for success. When each team member understands their responsibilities and contributions, it minimizes confusion and conflicts. A well-structured framework enables efficient collaboration, prevents redundancy, and ensures that everyone is aligned towards common goals. This clarity encourages synergy and maximizes the team’s collective efforts.
3. Empowering team members with autonomy and ownership
Giving team members autonomy and ownership over their work empowers them to excel. When individuals have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their projects, it sparks creativity and initiative. This autonomy nurtures a sense of responsibility and accountability, driving team members to invest more deeply in their work and collaborate effectively to achieve shared outcomes.
In conclusion, cohesive teams thrive under the guidance of strong leadership that offers unwavering support. Clearly defined roles create a harmonious workflow, reducing conflicts and enhancing collaboration. Moreover, granting team members autonomy and ownership ignites their passion and commitment, propelling the team towards its goals with a collective sense of purpose and achievement.
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by E Ntesat | Jul 31, 2023 | Inspirational, Strategy
Retirement is a significant life event that requires careful planning. It is essential to start thinking about retirement early and develop a comprehensive strategy. This will ensure financial security and a comfortable lifestyle in your golden years. Additionally, the earlier you start planning, the more time you will have to adjust your strategy if life events occur, such as a job loss or illness. In this blog post, we will continue the discussion on money by discussing how to secure your future with retirement planning and providing some practical tips to help you prepare for a financially stable future.
1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation
Before you embark on your retirement planning journey, it’s crucial to evaluate your current financial situation. Take stock of your income, expenses, and assets to get a clear picture of where you stand. This assessment will help you determine how much you need to save for retirement and set realistic goals.
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2. Determine Your Retirement Goals
Identify your retirement goals and aspirations. Consider the lifestyle you envision and the activities you wish to pursue during your retirement years. These goals will shape your financial planning strategy, as they will provide a benchmark for estimating the funds required to achieve them.
3. Create a Retirement Budget
Developing a retirement budget is vital to ensure that your income aligns with your expenses during retirement. Calculate your expected retirement income from sources such as pension plans, Social Security benefits, and investments. Then, estimate your future expenses, including housing, healthcare, travel, and leisure activities. By creating a budget, you can gain a clearer understanding of how much you need to save and adjust your current spending habits accordingly.
4. Start Saving Early
One of the most crucial aspects of retirement planning is starting early. The power of compounding interest allows your money to grow over time, giving you a larger retirement nest egg. Begin contributing to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or employer-sponsored plans as soon as possible. If you have access to an employer match, take full advantage of it to maximize your savings.
5. Diversify Your Investments
To protect your retirement savings from market fluctuations, it’s important to diversify your investments. Spread your funds across various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to minimize risk and potentially increase returns. Consult with a financial advisor to create a well-balanced investment portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and retirement goals.
6. Consider Long-Term Care Insurance
As part of your retirement planning, it’s essential to consider the possibility of long-term care needs. Long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or in-home healthcare, ensuring that you are financially protected in case of unexpected medical expenses. Research different insurance options and consider adding long-term care coverage to your retirement plan.
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7. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan
Retirement planning is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustments. Life circumstances, financial markets, and personal goals may change over time, necessitating modifications to your retirement plan. Review your plan annually and make necessary adjustments to ensure that you stay on track to meet your retirement goals.
Planning for retirement is a proactive step towards securing your financial future. By assessing your current situation, setting realistic goals, creating a budget, saving early, diversifying investments, considering long-term care insurance, and staying adaptable, you can build a solid foundation for a comfortable retirement. Start planning today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have taken the necessary steps to secure your future.
