Two years ago I published a book detailing some of the challenges I faced in my journey from pastor's wife to business owner. Never meant to be a heart-rendering chronicle of the emotional ups and downs I faced, I wrote it as a step-by-step outline of how God enabled me to move into a new and exciting phase of my life. Now I've decided to share three critical principles I followed in setting up my home-based business, mainly because I've found these things to be just as vital in my everyday life. I call them my 3Ds.
The first step in the journey required an understanding of what I wanted to do or more accurately, of what I was capable of doing. As much as I love music and playing the piano, there's no way my elementary skills would've enabled me to work as a musician. Cross that one off the list. In a moment of panic I thought of applying for an entry-level position at a large retail chain but I quickly realized my then recent battle with cancer left me physically unprepared for the work. Another X.
What could I do? Then the light came on: although still relatively new to the field, I'd been published in nearly two dozen local newspapers and national religious magazines. "That's what I'll do," I exclaimed excitedly to myself and my husband. "I'll establish a business as a writer!" The first principle: Discover your passion.
It was far from easy. People prophesied that I'd never be able to do it and I couldn't have done it without supportive friends. But, nearly 15 years later, I still run my company.
Life lesson: devotion to sound business principles can bring much Earthly success; passionate commitment to Jesus Christ brings heavenly dividends, now and through eternity.
What's your passion?
