When my friend asked me to write a devotion for her collection, I was excited. Then I immediately started doubting my words and second-guessing what to say and how to say it. I had a topic top of mind and wrote it out, but I didn’t feel settled or confident in what I had written. I questioned what I could possibly say to help someone else. Then I prayed and started over, simply writing from the heart. Below are the words that were given to me, and I want to share them with you.
Do you have big ideas, hopes, and dreams that you just can’t seem to get off the ground? Have you ever found yourself struggling to get started? If this is you—or someone you know—please know you are not alone. Oftentimes, fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and endless “what ifs” prevent us from taking steps in the right direction. Sometimes we simply need to get started and remember that perfection is not the objective.
In the spring of 2023, I spearheaded a huge conference for work. It was wonderful, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. As proud as I was, my heart became burdened to help others beyond the workplace. I had long desired to coach and develop others outside of work, but I was always too busy or waiting for the “perfect” time. While planning the conference, I was reminded of all the valuable things I had learned through my experience in Corporate America, and I truly wanted the opportunity to pour into others because many of those resources and lessons are not widely accessible outside of those environments.
I immediately began praying about the path forward and how to develop those in my community and network. God then blessed me with the vision—and every single puzzle piece needed—to launch a passion project in the fall of 2023: Ready, Set, Grow Women’s Career Conference.
Just as quickly as the vision came, so did the doubt. I started thinking of all the reasons it was not a good idea:
“It costs too much money.”
“How will I get sponsors?”
“Who is going to buy tickets?”
“Who am I to think people would want to come?”
“Everyone is hosting conferences.”
Then one day, while sitting in a gym at a basketball game watching the players get “READY, SET, GO” the event title immediately came to me: READY, SET, GROW. Those words became action, and the vision started taking shape.
God placed a mentor in my path who had prior event experience. She provided incredible insight, resources, and wisdom that helped me execute a successful event. He also blessed me with a dear friend who helped me see what was already inside of me. During a conversation, she introduced me to technology and tools that lightened the burden. She walked alongside me and became the best sounding board.
God then gave me the vision for the speakers—fellow believers, including some of my closest friends—who were willing to share, support, and help others grow. He placed many amazing volunteers in my circle with hearts to serve and help save the day. Every time I doubted a step, the Lord sent the right person to encourage me and reassure me of the path forward.
When I stumbled over myself trying to make everything perfect, He gently reminded me that progress over perfect was enough. He reminded me that no one else would notice every small misstep and that I simply needed to keep going. The event sold out, the speakers were incredible, and even years later, I am still hearing stories about the impact the conference had on others’ growth and development.
This devotion isn’t perfect, but it is from the heart. I’m reminded that the Lord planted me where I could blossom along my journey, and as I shifted from a perfection-focused mindset to a progress-focused one, things began falling into place. I am forever grateful for those lessons and would love to pass them along to you:
- Everything and everyone is not your mission. Pray and ask the Lord to guide you toward the mission He has specifically for You!
- Your network is your net worth. Maximize your relationships because you were never meant to do life alone. People are willing to support and pray for you if they know there is a need—but don’t let pride stand in the way - JUST ASK!
- Life and work balance matter. You cannot be everything to everyone. Make sure your home remains your first ministry, and find ways to bring your family along on the journey.
- Work is a resource, but God is the Source. Remember that, especially when you are faced with difficult decisions.
- Progress over perfect will always move you further than you were when you started! Use that progress to bless others.
Reflection
- What is preventing you from making progress toward your goals?
- How is God tugging at your heart to use your gifts?
- What steps can you take today to shift from being perfection-focused to progress-focused?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for the person reading this devotion. Help them to trust You, even in the seasons of waiting. Let them be present in that season no matter what. Father, help them to plant where they can bloom and progress intentionally. Remove the goal of perceived “perfection” and instead make the ultimate goal to be honoring and pleasing to You. Remove doubt, fear, and worry, and replace it with prayer, wisdom, and confidence.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
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