How to know if you have the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

The Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Is there such a thing as the spirit of entrepreneurship? I believe so. I’ve known for many years that a traditional 9-5 work schedule was not for me. The hours are not for me, the working for someone else is not for me. Working in a field that is not where I should be is not for me. That’s not to say that I haven’t done well in any of the jobs or professions that I’ve performed in. I am highly favored and have never ever been fired. My heart just keeps pulling me to something else. Something more.

Over the past year, I’ve been on the journey of finding my purpose through God so that I can do what I was created to do; bring glory to God and help others identify the spirit of entrepreneurship. The following post will list How to Know if you have the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

Living life using “Context Clues”

While I was praying God said to me, “You have been living your life using context clues. You are usually in the general area but never in the exact right place.” As a former English teacher, he was speaking to me in terms that I could understand. Context Clues is a reading strategy that teach children how to use clues in a sentence or paragraph, to understand the meaning of unknown vocabulary. You can use the context surrounding the word to get a general idea of what it might mean. Using this is helpful when taking an exam or if you have limited time or resources to look up the actual definition. However, you will never know the actual true meaning of the word unless you take the time to look it up when you can. This will give you more clarity in the future.

This proved to me what I have been feeling most of my life. I was in the general vicinity of my purpose; but never stopped to understand the actual meaning or direction that I should take. So I winged it to the best of my ability but still hadn’t found it. Either that, or the direction I should have gone in frightened me so I took a detour called comfort, predictability, or stability.

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

The nudge of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

It wasn’t until this past year that I decided that starting my own business would create the working style that I desperately craved. A flexible schedule, the autonomy to decide what to work on and when, and the ability to utilize the gifts and natural skills that God gave me. The one word that continued to show up and resonated with my spirit was Entrepreneurship. Can someone be anointed to be an Entrepreneur? I went to the Bible to look for business advice and to see what characteristics or practices would be best for a successful, God ordained, business.

God should be a part of your Business

I went to the book of Ecclesiastes and found some interesting truths written by “the Teacher, King David’s son”, the wise King Solomon. In the book he states, “Remember him (God) before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint. Remember him before you become fearful of failing and worry about the danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper…” (Ecclesiastes 12:4-5 NLT)

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Remember God in your decisions and consult with him about opportunities you should take, remember God before you get scared and run back to comfort. Seek him to find the exact right place for you before it is too late. If any of the following list resonates with you, you may have the spirit of Entrepreneurship.

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

1. Longing to find satisfaction in work

I was constantly longing for something else. If you are constantly unhappy no matter how many changes you make, career, education, etc., and long to do something meaningful and find satisfaction in your work and can’t find it elsewhere, it may be time for you to branch out on your own as an entrepreneur.

“So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work! That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.” (Ecclesiastes 3:22 NLT)

“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24 NLT)

2. Not Motivated to find Success because of Envy

One characteristic that I’ve always admired about myself is that I do what I am led to do. I do not operate out of jealousy. I know that what God has planned for me looks different than anyone else’s path. Being envious only hurts me in the long run and is not in the spirit of entrepreneurship. My motivation comes from the Holy Spirit inside of me.

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

“Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too is meaningless- like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4)

3. Seeking Wisdom in Entrepreneurship

I am constantly reading, researching, learning, to be knowledgeable and make the best decisions. Utilizing, books, online trainings, articles, and following mentors whose values and expertise reflect where I want to go; has made me more knowledgeable. I am constantly praying for wisdom for my everyday life, including my business. I consider Dr. Myles Munroe one of my mentors, who has helped me reshape my mindset with his breadth of knowledge he shares in his many books and sermons on purpose, leadership and kingdom living.

“It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed…” Ecclesiastes 4:13-14 NLT)

“Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NLT)

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

4. Surrendered to God about your Destiny

When you go against what God has designed you to do, you create friction in your life because what you are doing may not be what you should be doing. What you want to do may not be what God has equipped you to do. How you envision your life may be different from what God has planned for you. The friction in your life comes from you forcing something that is not compatible with how you were designed, leaving you depressed, unfulfilled or working harder than you have to. The following post shares the different levels of surrendering to God.

“Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be, so there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.” (Ecclesiastes 6:10 NLT)

5. A Quiet Spirit

I am misunderstood because I am a quiet person. Quiet people are mistaken for being shy. I am often thinking and observing to understand. I also do not speak; unless I have something meaningful to contribute. After a while when working with others, when I do speak I usually have everyone’s undivided attention because they know that what I have to say will contribute positively to the discussion or will help to solve the problem. I also have a slow response time to conflicts or problems meaning I do not respond out of impulse; which actually helps me to process and respond more effectively than just making a hasty decision or comment that could hurt the situation more.

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

“Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.” Ecclesiastes 9:17 NLT)

“If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.” (Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT)

6. Multiple Incomes and Investments for Entrepreneurs

I’ve been learning to follow God’s leadings. I have a goal and am working towards that goal, but also need to be aware of other opportunities that present themselves. My desire is to utilize multiple gifts, talents and ideas. I may need to pause one to start something else or work on two or more ideas at the same time; as long as it doesn’t distract from my purpose. Prioritizing and investing time in the right idea at the right time makes all the difference. Work on developing different streams of income from different ideas and talents that God may place on your heart.

Spirit of Entrepreneurship

“Send your grain across seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you. But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” (Ecclesiastes 11: 1-2 NLT)

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT)

“Plant your seeds in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another- or maybe both.”

In the end, this post is based on my experiences as well as what I have read in the bible and where I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me. I am still on my journey but I am expecting great things. What idea has God been prompting you to start? What gift or talent can you use to glorify God and also fulfill your purpose?


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