When Backing up is NOT Moving Backwards

Have you ever felt the need to stop and regroup? Yet it was coupled with pressure to perform? If we’re not careful we’ll get caught up in the “appearance” of progress only to realize we are so busy we’re not making any progress. Another term for that is “busy work”. We as leaders cannot afford to push out quantity over quality! How do we control that? I’m glad you asked… You first have to recognize that every now and again we have to stop, look and listen. Stop what we are doing. Look (assess) where we are at. Then adhere (listen) to the necessary instructions and steps to get us to where we are going.

Many times we’re so close to something that we don’t have the proper perspective until we back up and put enough distance between it and us so we can see all of what we need to. Let’s pause right here for a simple exercise. Put your hand in front of your face about a half inch away and look at it. Now in that position did you notice you couldn’t see any definition in your own hand? Now do it again but back it up some until you can see the definition. That simple but profound exercise is a demonstration of how it is when we are too close to anything. We can’t be productive when we don’t have proper perspective. Therefore from time to time in this entrepreneurial walk we are in, we must make and take time to back up and gain perspective.

Another way backing up is NOT moving backwards is when we realize we must pull on the strength, knowledge and skills of others. No man is an island. Yet so many attempt to be, only to find themselves, frustrated, overwhelmed and burned out. The sad part is that it is unnecessary. The first thing you must realize is that your status is not diminished just because you utilize the help or assistance of someone else! As a matter of fact it’s quite the opposite. Allow me to give an example of what I mean. If you notice a Pilot is the one who fly’s a plane however he is NOT the one who pushes it back from the gate. Yet in order to “take off” he must depend on the skills and knowledge of those who are “equipped” to push him back so he can get in position for “take off”! Here is the thing; when they are pushing him back, he doesn’t use any power instruments. In order to do that he must submit to them telling him what is clear and what’s not. He has to trust their knowledge and not be arrogant in the fact that his training may have been more extensive. No matter how much knowledge he has, no matter how skilled he is in the air or even with taking off and landing, he is powerless without them positioning him for his “take off”.

With that being said, have you submitted to the Spirit of God in order to help you be in position for your “take off”? Remember the pilot’s task is to take those on board their plane safely to their destination. Who is counting on you to get them safely to their destiny? Remain sensitive, for truly The Holy Spirit knows how to position you so that you and everyone and thing you are carrying have a successful takeoff and landing. Whatever you do, don’t let the pressure of wanting to look productive stop you from the genuine process of being productive. As this year is coming to a close, I challenge you to stop, reassess and then strategically move forward again.

Much Love,
God’s Girl Chiquita