What motivates you to get up each day and work your business? Everyone has their reason WHY that is their driving force. For some, it is pride in a job well done. For others, it’s money, for yet others, it’s love of family. Here’s another question: whom are you seeking to glorify in your business? For the believer, there’s a line to toe so we make sure that what we are doing brings glory to God instead of to ourselves. So, what’s your motive in business?
Motive means a reason for doing something, and motivation means a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. Doing something focuses on one specific act, whereas acting or behaving in a particular way focuses on a more general pattern of action or behavior. (From www.grammarly.com)
Why Do You Do What You Do?
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5 NIV
We have a choice every day how we are going to live.
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:6-9 NIV
The Believer’s Dilemma
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15 NIV
Our “default” setting is the old man nature. We will automatically operate that way UNLESS we make a conscious decision to be led by the spirit.
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Romans 8:14 NIV
Our Choice
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 KJV
If we choose God’s way, He will help us and strengthen us to do it. If we choose the way of the world, God can’t help us until we again go to Him for help.
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 KJV
So, what’s your motive?
webly says
That such a powerful topic. I’ve seen so many business owners take God out of their business for fear of pushing away some customers. I cannot do my business without God for all that HE has done for me. My motive is to serve other business owners to shine online. My motivation really is my family and the humanitarian help I want to provide for children in my country.
Great blog!
carundle says
Thank you for the kind words, Webly. I, too, believe you can’t take God out of your business if He’s an important part of your life.
South Florida Savings Guy says
Good motto! Thanks for sharing Carol!!!
carundle says
You’re welcome!
Krissi says
I needed to hear this today. Thank you 🙂
carundle says
You’re welcome, Krissi!
Avil Beckford says
Sandi Krakowski has done an excellent job of blending faith and business!
carundle says
That’s good to know.
Roslyn Tanner Evans says
It has honestly taken me some time to get comfortable with combining faith and business, and the more I see it on Facebook, the more familiar it is. It even gave me the freedom to mention my holidays in posts & blogs. I love what I do and the reasons are many. If one of my creations enhances how you feel about yourself when dressed, then I’ve done a good job, or if it brings out your natural beauty, I’ve fulfilled my goal.
carundle says
Roz, I was glad to see you mention your holy days because it lets me know you’re a woman of faith! And your motivation to help women feel better about themselves is wonderful! Thank you for sharing.
Lisa Mason says
What a wonderful topic! Even if we think we know why we do what we do when we start our business, it’s always good to re-evaluate as time goes on. I’ve done exactly that recently and found that some of the reasons I do what I do have changed.
carundle says
That’s a great idea, Lisa. We should definitely reevaluate on a regular basis. It will keep you focused on the right things.
Coach Natalie Palombi says
My WHY is:
1. I want my family to have the freedom of how to spend their time
2. Helping others realize that they too can get healthy, AND if they want, improve their financial “health” too
3. Being able to move my parents nearby, and spend as much quality time with them as possible
4. No more DEBT!
5. If we can have little ones, being able to care for them myself without having to choose a daycare. 🙂
carundle says
You have some great “why’s,” Natalie! So clear, and listed. Keep them in your face everyday and I have no doubt you’ll get there!
Kristen Wilson says
Sadly, I get up every morning to make a living, for the money. I have my own biz because I couldn’t get a job in Houston, when I moved here. It has been the only really good thing since moving here, so I guess I was blessed with Texas not sucking 100% lol I’m trying, but I miss my family and friends in Va… wish I never left, still to this day.
carundle says
That’s sad, Kristen. Is there a possibly of returning to Va?
Jackie Harder says
I think the most important way to discover your “why” is to determine how you will feel when you get it. If money is your motivator, keep asking “why” until you to get to the foundation — is it feeling secure? Is it being worry-free? Once you figure that out, when you stumble in business or get stuck, reconnect with the feeling that goes with your “why” to get back on track. Great topic!