Waving Goodbye to another year behind us, it is already time to turn around and step into another year ahead. However, sometimes our wounds from the prior year still feel fresh and hinder our confidence into moving too fast.
Whether we are an entrepreneur or an employee, moments of doubt and financial uncertainty are inevitable in our journeys. But what does it take to rise above these challenges? Sometimes, all it takes is a little faith and the courage to attempt the impossible.
Ever heard of the first female self-made millionaire in America? Madam C.J. Walker took a leap of faith full of courage to attempt the impossible. Born Sarah Breedlove to former slaves in 1867, C.J. Walker became the first female self-made millionaire in America. She transformed her life through sheer determination and faith. Facing racial and gender prejudices, and with minimal financial resources, Walker developed a line of hair care products for African American women at a time when such an endeavor seemed impossible.
Her journey was not just about creating a successful business; it was about overcoming societal barriers and self-doubt. Walker's story echoes the biblical story of Peter told in Matthew, where Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water towards Jesus.
“Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water.” Matthew 14:28.
With a combination of fear, faith and impulse, Peter desired to attempt the impossible. Like Peter, C.J. Walker did the same. She stepped into the unknown, guided by faith and as a result, transformed her life. This brings up the following question if we too are ready to transform our own lives by attempting what appears to others as impossible. However, with our faith, we can build our confidence that all things are possible by first believing.
What are Five ways we can each step out into the unknown and increase our confidence?
Embracing Faith in Financial Uncertainty: Just like Peter stepping out onto the water, we too must often step into the business world amidst financial instability. It's a leap of faith, isn't it? We face uncertainties, but our vision and determination guide us. Let’s remember, like Peter, that even when the financial ground feels shaky, our faith in our ideas and in ourselves can keep us afloat.
Venturing into Innovative Financial Risks: Do you recall how Peter defied the norms by walking on water? Similarly, we, like Madam C.J. Walker, venture into uncharted financial waters. We take calculated risks, exploring new markets, just as Walker did in her time. It's about making bold financial choices, even when the path isn’t clear. We're not just running businesses; we’re breaking new ground.
Resilience in Financial Ups and Downs: We've all faced our moments of doubt, haven't we? Just as Peter began to sink when he doubted, we too may stumble amid financial challenges. But here's what matters - we get back up. Each setback is a lesson, and with each lesson, we grow stronger and more financially savvy. Our journey is about learning, adapting, and persisting.
Creating a Financial Legacy and Empowering Others: Our financial success is not just for us. Remember how Madam Walker didn't just build an empire but uplifted others along the way? Our financial achievements can empower other women, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact. We’re not just earning; we’re paving the way for the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Being Visionary Leaders in Finance: Let's be the Peters and Walkers in our financial journeys. It's about seeing beyond current trends, about believing in our financial intuition and insights. We’re here to create new opportunities, to lead with vision and purpose. It’s not just about making profits; it's about making a difference.
Making a difference is how we can each make this new year different from the last. Our wounds from last year may still be healing, however it should not stop us from shaking off the dirt to step forward. So, whether we are entrepreneurs or employees, let's keep these elements in mind as we take those first steps in faith out onto the waters of our financial journeys. We're in this together, and together, we can make waves, both in business and in life. Keep believing, keep striving, and remember – we are each just one step away from creating legacies.