Intentional direction > intense speed
It’s going to be the fourth year since leaving my full-time advertising job and the headline on this blog is one of the major things I’ve learned. I can be at my most productive going full speed, but if the projects I’m working on doesn’t align with the direction I want to take, it’s meaningless… That’s why I’m so grateful I stumbled upon a Clubhouse room called Kingdom Business Network just before I transitioned out of a structured 9 to 5. GOD IS PERFECT IN HIS WAYS AND TIMING, I’M TELLING YOU!
Anyway, in that room they were doing what they called, “Prophetic planning for your business.” It’s a few minutes of soaking up instrumental music, silencing your thoughts, and pressing in to hear from God about your business. It was facilitated by Prophetess Chanel E. Martin, Pastor Chandler Bailer, Minister Lindsey Walker, and other faith-based entrepreneurs. The concept of involving God in every decision you need to make for your business daily was new to me. But I just kept tuning in… I initially didn’t participate and just observed how things went. But the insights and word from God they’re sharing after every session were starting to strike something in me.
I’m so glad I came across that room… I believe the Holy Spirit was directing my phone use and the algorithms. I am soooo grateful for the impartation I received from those business owners from the other side of the world. It helped sharpen my discernment; it invited me to lean into what God is saying above all the noise.
The company you keep can determine the direction of your life.
We should never underestimate the power of being surrounded by people who will help you walk towards the right direction. Having an accountability partner all throughout this journey is also something I am thankful God blessed me with.
Way back in 2022, while attending a summit for creative entrepreneurs, I met a motion graphic designer and illustrator who then became someone I shared my wins and struggles with, and vice versa. Nowy and I actually started a series of Instagram carousels where we share our experience and stories as creatives journeying through freelancing and self-employment. We’ve been ruminating on our fourth word, direction and our conversations about it has taken all sorts of… well, direction.
I used to love the phrase, “slow is fast.” And turtles are my favorite animal because they remind me that it doesn’t matter how slow we go…as long as we keep going. Going through life without direction is an option but may not be entirely beneficial.
Only dead fish swim with the current.
I coasted through my career kind of like a half-dead fish… (I wouldn’t say completely dead). I said yes to opportunities that were in front of me, albeit not being opportunities I actively pursued. I just went with the flow. It took me failed attempts to go fully freelance, a couple of episodes of existential crisis, and almost giving up on my business to finally start desiring something enough to be driven towards a specific direction.
And this direction is not a goal or a destination. It’s the kind of life I want to live. A vibrant life filled with creativity and meaningful connections, honoring the One who designed me uniquely and purposefully. Was I slow in realizing all of this? Perhaps, but God is molding me into a person who values intentional direction rather than intense speed. God revived this half-dead fish and transformed it into a boat with wind on its sails, and a vast ocean to navigate. And in case storms and tidal waves rocks this boat, I know I’ve got a Lighthouse that will guide me to the right direction.
