For the insecure solopreneur
“What if everybody was like you?” a pastor asked.
If that were the case, we would have a lot of shortcomings in this world, I thought.
No matter if you are a very confident solopreneur or one who deals with insecurities often, you would probably give the same answer to that pastor’s question.
We can’t be all financial experts and have no clue about communication.
We can’t be all business coaches and leave the kids without education.
So it’s a good thing that God intentionally created unique individuals. Wonderfully creating you with various kinds of gifts and talents was so you could be an essential, valuable, functioning part of the body of Christ (Psalm 139:13-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-27).
What does it mean for your business to be wonderfully made?
Business-wise, that means you can run your business in a way that is authentically you. After all, no one can execute their work exactly as you do.
Have you ever thought about that?
God gave you a specific personality that you can use for running your business.
You should own that.
Consider it a strength.
Implement it in your business:
How do you talk to clients?
How do you position yourself?
What marketing strategy suits you?
How can you reflect your personality in your services or products?
What values come out of that?
Etc.
But what if you doubt yourself?
Unfortunately, I can relate too well to doubting myself, my personality, and my way of running a business. Way too often I compare what I do to other solopreneurs or entrepreneurs, forgetting about how God designed me.
I basically doubt my place in this world, as a functioning body part, and my ability to do things my God-designed way.
Then I need to realize: If God knitted me to take my place and use my God-given talents and skills, it’s an absolute waste of time to compare myself with others.
Other solopreneurs are NOT me.
Other people are wired in a different way.
Others don’t deserve my envy for being better at something—or pitied for lacking skills in areas of business that I’m an expert in.
We’re simply different parts, vital in contributing to one body, but designed to do it in a way that is fit to our design.
Should you focus solely on yourself?
No. That’s not the point I’m trying to make.
It’s good to know yourself and how God created you. In fact, it’s essential.
God was intentional about your design so it would be disrespectful to ditch it and follow a blueprint from someone else who God created in a different way. I see it as my obligation to God to know myself in order to use my talents wisely.
God commands us—on purpose—to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Although I’m not enforcing the whole “self-love” movement at the cost of others, I do believe we need to love ourselves or else it will be hard to love and serve others.
Does that mean you should never look at other body parts?
Sure you can. Just not for comparison on what you’re lacking or being better at.
You can draw inspiration from others, helping your business grow or better serve customers.
You can collaborate and do more extraordinary things for God’s kingdom together, creating more impact.
You can hire someone if you are not excellent in financial management for example, or just don’t have the time to do it yourself. That’s the perfect functioning of the body.
Dont forget, insecure solopreneur,
Never doubt the way God designed you.
Never think you are less worthy of success than others.
Never compare yourself to other entrepreneurs, desiring what they have and you don’t.
Know who you are. Know your identity in Christ.
Know how that also applies to running your business.
God destined you to use your authentic approach for His glory and the good of others.
Embrace it, and take your place with confidence!
Blessings,
Jane
