Have you ever had thebusiness blahs?  I have and learned four ways to bust up these blahs.  So let’s dive in:

I’ve been in business since2004 and have been making great strides over the last year. I’m right in themiddle of shifting our business model from a solely one-on-one practice into anone-to-many via products, books, a coach university, and speaking engagements.

Making the transition istaking a bit longer than I imagined. This has caused me to regress a bit andmove at a snail’s pace while at the same time examining and questioning if itis worth it. As I’m transitioning, I am purposefully limiting the number ofone-on-one clients I’m taking on in order to focus on the expansion. Therefore,sales are at an all time low, and I’m just flat out of motivational juice tokeep increasing the size of the business.

As I’ve been praying andplugging along like a tortoise, I wanted to share with you what I’m sensing andto lift you up out of your very own business blahs [it’s worked for me]. Forthose of you who are still in the honeymoon stage of business running fullsteam ahead, file this one for future reference. I discern you’ll need it in alittle while [grin]!

Business Blah Buster #1 (BBB No. 1) - Who are you inbusiness for?

During this time, I have done some real heart searching. While I say I’m inbusiness for God or I love my Boss, I have experienced periods of extremedissatisfaction when things haven’t “moved to market" as quickly as I wouldhave liked or “no one buys the newly launched product/service".  Here’s the good news: I’ve had to acceptpeople don’t buy what they need . .. .they buy what they want.

As Christians, we are calledto live life to its fullest potential based on our unique gifting and ourcalling. So, what I'm really selling is a partnership that will enableChristian leaders to experience life at a premium in their business, ministry,marriage, workplace, and their character. This is the solution to many of ourmost miserable days. It is what our spirit beings need in order to soar. However, the plain ole’ truth is most folkslove mediocrity and swimming in shallow streams.

I am here for those whohunger and thirst for wisdom, truth, and joy-filled communion. Succinctly said,they are desperate for God and to be mentored/coached by and for Him. I amoften referred to as a well. A well must be tapped and recognized as a place toobtain refreshment, and you know one must draw water from the well forthemselves. So I’ve concluded I’ll expand my borders, and if in the process Istill help just a few folks who are thirsty and passionately pant for all Godhas, then I’ve done what I’m called to do. Ican rest in the fact that it may be uncrowded [for a season] where I’mgoing and taking others.

To close out BBB No. 1, Ileave you to ponder the fact that in some Christians’ lives a sign of “There isno room in the inn" is posted on the door of their heart. Does that phrasesound familiar? It was the response given to Jesus as He was just about toarrive on the earth. It still rings true today. Yes, I know about the lipservice that is given when we say, “I want more of you Lord," or “You are all Ineed. “ Let me ask you, “What is your heart really saying about who you are inbusiness for and about how much room have you made for the fullness of God?" Doyou need more _______________ [fill in the blank] in your business or life oris He really all you need?

Business Blah Buster #2 (BBB No. 2) - How will youqualify for your reward?

“The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly]known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declareit, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test andcritically appraise the character andworth of the work each person has done." - 1 Cor 3:13 AMP

I purposely bolded the wordsappraise the character and worth of the work. In the mega church, supersize it,more, more, more society we live in, it’s so easy to get caught up in definingsuccess and worth by things, numbers, and amounts. First Corinthians tells usthe value of our work will be appraised by our character. So, character is theprincipal thing! This is how we qualify for eternal rewards. What good does itdo to have all the trimmings and trappings of success but no real value?

I see a lot of falseobedience when it comes to walking out God-given visions. False obedience hereis defined as obeying God but doing it without His nature. How do I know? Well,when it's tested by fire, all of it burns up and is lost. This is so far fromwhat I’ve ever desired. So, I have refocused in on the priceless and rich workof Gifts Ordained by Direction, and that is reflecting His glory [nature] inevery area of our lives and in the lives of the leaders we are called to groomand equip. Experiencing the “blahs" have taught me the heavenly writtensolutions and the products created for you are the most valuable legacy I willleave behind, not treasures moths can eat or dust can corrode. In closing,where your treasure is, there your heart and destination is also.

Business Blah Buster #3 (BBB No. 3) - What type ofreward are you seeking?

There are only four types of rewards. . . man's, the world's, the devil's, and God's.  The reward of man can come in the form of acceptance andpromotion.  Demonic and worldly rewardsare hollow lusts that appease our flesh i.e., things like status, recognition,pens, plaques, and financial bonuses.

My husband often says ourgraduation and rewards ceremony will pale in comparison to God's rewardsceremony.  Oh, how true.  Some of the rewards of God are His glory,eternity security, true identity, and communion.  These rewards are sure and are by His divine will without humanintervention.  Apostle Paul describesour reward system as gold, silver, and precious stones or wood, hay, andstubble [1 Cor 3:12].

A gold work is a work thatis built on the Foundation of Jesus Christ and continues pure in doctrine,motives, and His graceful enabling [doing all through Him and nothing on or ofour own].  On the contrary, all wood,hay, and stubble work is built on false doctrine, false foundation, false hope,and self-dependence/idolatry.  I'm goingfor the gold and will be wearing mycrown of rejoicing [2 Cor 1:14].

What type of reward are youseeking?  How long can you do what youare called to do even if no one notices, buys what you are selling, or discernsthe worth of what you are offering?

Business Blah Buster #4 (BBB No. 4)  - What is God working out in you via theblah season?

It has been an extremely painfulthing to obey and not "see" or even feel what I believed would happenbased on prophetic words.  During thistime, I have truly died and been resurrected to a new season in life.  The responsiveness, lack of praise, andcriticism of man is irrelevant.  I am sofull of joy too!  As a leader, the onlyvoice I long to hear is His.  I know Heholds the truth about me and this business/ministry.  I am not saying God won't encourage, edify, or correct throughothers.  Surely, He does.

What I am saying is I don'tneed anyone cheering me on to keep obeying God.  Nor will I stop because of criticism, fault finding, lack ofresponse, or flat out ignoring me either. I don't need to make x or y amount of dollars to stay true to thecall.  At the same time, I do pray forincrease.  I know He's going to bring it. . . in His timing and His way.  He hasalready begun.  I have to shakemyself.  We are debt free, and I havesome pretty exciting revenue opportunities working towards a greatharvest.  Oh, how I'm looking forward toreaping this harvest I've been sowing for such a long time now.

I am freely confident andcontent doing what I do simply because it's who I am and it's what He's calledme to do.  God is more concerned aboutme than how much or how little I sell and how many clients I have.  He will dry the brook to get us to shinebrighter for Him.  Look at this . . .all things truly do work together for our good!  Here are some meanings of good in the Greek:  reconciled to God, a fruitful tree, useful,upright, moral goodness, acceptable to God. 

So, "What is Godworking out in you during your business blah season, and what do you need todie to so you can truly live in the vision and shine brighter?"

Closing Words for Business Leaders

If you want a successfulbusiness, tapping into your purpose is crucial.  No, just making money won't cut it.  Trust me I have had some pretty high paying positions without God-givenpurpose attached to them.  I know howmaking tons of money feels, but if it's the ONLY reason you're in business,you'll be thoroughly unsatisfied and disappointed by the emptiness and deceitof riches.

 Every great business leader has obstacles and tribulations alongthe way.  What keeps them going?  I believe it is the power of a strongFoundation, God-given purpose, and divine calling.  When you are in business for status or money, you may give upbefore the business truly gets off the ground.

For myself and many otherself-employed business owners, our purpose is to serve others and make aGod-difference in their lives.  When youtruly serve others for God's glory, money will simply flow and becomes the icingon the cake in your business.

Remember God will test ourheart and motives to see if we REALLY want to obey and serve bad enough.  I encourage you to persevere and don't giveup.  The rewards are worth it!

Finally, wise, masterfulbuilders lay the foundation on things of greatest worth and value, and unwisebuilders on human philosophy and trifling, useless things.  When you labor God's way, it is never invain.  I'm learning if He's pleased . .. so am I.  So, bust up your blahs andlook up to the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Truly rich,

Karen M. Pina

GOD’s Coach