The Mindset that Get’s You Out of a Mess – It’s One O’clock

There is a mindset that get’s you out of a mess. It’s not easy, but if you can handle it, you safe a lot of time and emotions. When used correctly, this strategy helps you focus instead of getting caught in a web of drama and confusion. It’s called “It’s One O’clock.” You can read more about it in my book, How to Make Your Business Your Ministry. 

I looked at the clock. It was 12:45 pm. I took a deep breath and clarity flooded my mind. I made a mental note that I only had 15 minutes left to stay in the bed wallowing in my hurt.

“I wonder who knew this was happening?”

I rolled over and looked at the clock; it was 1:00 pm. That’s when I got up, took a shower and got dressed. I put on full make-up, styled my hair and moved forward with my life. Why? Because it was One O’clock.

(Excerpt from How to Make Your Business Your Ministry; Chapter 2)

This strategy allows you to step through your emotions and make decisions that move you forward. I won’t repeat what’s in the book, but I will elaborate on why this is so important.

The ability to make a sound decision to stop, start, wait or move is the cornerstone for business growth. It’s One O’clock allows you to take control of your options and make tough decisions, apart from feelings, fears and shadow beliefs – even when it hurts. You make the decision because it is the right choice, honors God and supports the truth.       

Shadow Beliefs

One reason people get stuck with poor decisions is because of shadow beliefs. This means believing something that is close to the truth, but bears a hint of fantasy – just enough to make it false. You want something that simply is not there. But you want it so badly, you create a shadow around the truth, that resembles the truth, but is a lie.

Shadow beliefs happen when you won’t allow yourself to see or hear the truth. Instead, you fantasize and create false images in your mind. You distort reality and try to make your situation match the truth, but it is only a shadow and eventually, the truth prevails.

Here are some examples of shadow beliefs: 

• A person starts a business and believes he will be rich in one year even though he lacks a work commitment and business management skills. True success (success that honors God) requires a strong work ethic and adherence to sound business strategies.
• You want to make more money so you can quit your job to start a business. You have a good idea, but your plan will not sustain your lifestyle. Business success does not happen automatically, even if you have a great product or idea. Yes, success is attainable, but (most times) a well-planned strategy is a must before you quit your job.
• You desire a relationship or marriage, so you overlook obvious flaws in your partner and move forward, hoping it works out later. What you see in the relationship is a flash of what happens in the marriage. It doesn’t go away. It intensifies. 
• You write a book or start a business and expect your family and friends to make purchases and bring success. Yes, loved ones are often helpful, but it takes more than an inner circle for business success. You still need to attract new people. Please be careful to respect your family and friends’ option to buy (or not buy) what you are offering. Instead of focusing on family and friends, let your marketing, advertising and creativity promote your product or services. 
• You start a non-profit with no plan to get donors. My heart aches for well-meaning non-profit organizations that lack funding. Getting the 501 (C) (3) is an accomplishment, but it’s just the first step. Raising money to fund your idea takes time and skill.

Back to It’s One O’clock

With this strategy, there are no shadow beliefs. You embrace the truth instead of letting your tears make decisions for you. Cry if you must, but still move forward. Release people’s expectations. Embrace the truth. Honor God and make the big decision at any costs.

Whew!

Then what happens?

In time, you see the benefits of your decision. You will also see the unfortunate results of people who failed to make the big decision.

The Bottom Line

It’s better to experience an “It’s One O’clock” decision now, than to endure the consequences of embracing a shadow belief. Perhaps your time won’t be one o’clock. Whatever time you choose, give yourself a while to adjust, set a time (that is not based on emotions) then make a move. This is not ignoring your emotions. It is refusing to allow your emotions to control the narrative.

Find your circle of support, give yourself the time you need, then make the big decision.

How Does this apply to Marketplace Ministry?

Having the wrong person in your life is a huge liability for you and your ministry. The wrong person is draining and requires unnecessary energy. On the opposite side, a healthy relationship helps you thrive and brings value and support for you and your ministry. Make the tough decisions now and save yourself and your ministry from unnecessary delays.

Is it One O’clock for you?

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Blessings!