Success can be intimidating. Sometimes it can feel like our goals require a laundry list of activities in order to be somewhat attainable. However, seemingly small changes can make a big difference. In his bestselling book, Atomic Habits, James Clear writes: “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.”
How do you define success? You will reach your definition of success by first shifting your mindset and then shifting your actions. A shift is not drastic; it’s gradual. I grew up in a small Minnesota town, and my grandparents lived on a farm. I have fond memories of begging my grandpa to take us on a ride on his Ford Tractor. He’d give his iconic laugh and say, “Get on in.” So, we piled on the seats and took off on the bumpy gravel road. It was slow to start, but once my grandpa shifted into gear, it was smooth sailing. We zoomed down the road, hair flowing in the wind. Now, we never switched vehicles or made any drastic changes. All we did was shift into gear at the right time.
Are you stuck? Does it feel like you’ve hit a glass ceiling? Is your day-to-day grind bumpy rather than smooth? Sometimes all you need to move into the success you envision for yourself is a small shift. This blog and corresponding episode of The WealthBuilders Podcast highlights five small changes that make a big difference.
1. See Success on The Inside
This may seem simple, but what we imagine is absolutely critical. Seeing success on the inside means raising your expectations. It’s coming into alignment with Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Success is an inside job. Prayerfully ask God about His dreams and desires for your life. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you are right.”
2. Fear Not
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“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Fear is the opposite of trusting God. However, we are tempted to fear each and every day. For example, in the business world, there is always the element of risk. In order to attain the specific success that God has in store for your life, you are going to have to step out in faith and take a risk. So, one of the most important small changes that can make a big difference is the choice to trust God and fear not!
3. Be Confident
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)
Confidence is attractive. It can help you attract high-level business partners, customers, or, if you’re not married yet, a potential spouse! As Christians, we’re not confident in our own strength—we’re confident in Jesus. So, before you step out into anything in business, it’s important to discern if God is leading you to that space. Then, you will be able to step out with full confidence in the plans He has for you. We can be strong and courageous when we are confident that God has called us to do what we’re doing.
4. Know That You Have the Tools
Let me explain this. When you approach something new or walk encounter a challenge, it is normal to question, “Am I even supposed to be doing this?” Resistance can cause us to question whether or not God has called us to do something. However, our walk with God will require us to do things that are impossible without relationship with Him. Resistance will occur. If you and I were to be able to accomplish everything in our own strength, our pride would grow and we would miss out on seeing the greatness of God come to pass in our life.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “But you shall earnestly remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, that he may establish His covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is, this day.” You have the tools; God has given you the power. And if that wasn’t enough, check out 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (AMP):
“For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building.
According to the [remarkable] grace of God which was given to me [to prepare me for my task], like a skillful master builder I laid a foundation, and now another is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
When you reach a point where you’re unsure what to do next, remember that God has given you the grace for the task ahead. He has given you the tools to succeed in His purposes for your life. Where God guides, He provides.
5. Be Willing to Let Go and Move Forward
Have you ever carried the pain of a past failure into a new season of life? One of the most important small changes that make a big difference is letting go. When a reporter asked Thomas Edison, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” If you’re not seeing the success you want in your life, ask God, “Is there something from my past that I need to let go of? Is there anything you want me to surrender to you in order to create a new pathway forward?” When we let go of our past failures, we have the space to embrace God’s will for our current season.
What are other small changes that make a big difference? Let us know what you think in the comments!