The Opportunity Is Coming. Will You Be Ready?

There have been seasons in my career when I prayed for growth, greater responsibility, expanded opportunities, and the chance to have more impact.

When I was praying for something more, it was easy to focus on why it was taking so long for God to answer those prayers. Now, I can see what I did not fully appreciate in the waiting seasons – I was being prepared to sustain the opportunity when it came.  

As my professional responsibilities expanded, other parts of my life were changing too. My children needed me in different ways. My parent relied on me more than they used to. I faced a cancer diagnosis. My faith was being tested and deepened.

From the outside, I was handling it all. Internally… I was stressing. The ways that I had always managed my responsibilities were no longer meeting my needs. As badly as I wanted the next level, I realized that if I was going to be successful there, I had to prepare for how I would sustain myself in that season.

I kept praying for what I wanted, but I also took the time to ask myself: What will this next level require of me that my current level does not?

Sometimes the preparation is obvious. You may need a new credential, stronger financial knowledge, better presentation skills, broader exposure or experience.

Other preparation is less visible. Will you know how to properly prioritize or delegate when more people depend on you? Can you set boundaries when the demands on your time increase? Have you built systems that allow work to move without your constant involvement? Can you distinguish between what actually requires your attention and what you have simply become accustomed to carrying?

When I asked myself those questions, I realized I needed better systems and processes at work. I needed to delegate more. I needed to become more intentional about rest and about how I managed stress.  Without making those adjustments, I have no doubt that I would have struggled – personally and professionally – when the long-awaited promotion finally came.

Here’s what I know, the waiting season is where God grows our skills and our faith. It takes trust in God to begin preparing for what you’re currently praying for. I believe that God has a perfect plan for each of us, but I also believe that we can influence the plan with our action – or inaction.

It’s like the parable of the talents. Do we bury our talent, waiting to be entrusted with more before we take action? Or do we work with and build upon what we have and demonstrate our faithfulness with the little?

Friend, if you are praying for more in your career, don’t just ask God for the promotion. Ask Him for the wisdom and discernment to see what the opportunity will require of you and how you need to prepare for it.

Some questions to reflect on:

• What skill needs to be strengthened?

• What habit(s) will not serve you at the next level?

• What system(s) need to be created?

• What responsibility do you need to release?

• What kind of leader will you need to become?

• What do I need in my circle of influence?

The opportunity may not be here yet, but your preparation should begin today.

Be Well,

The LIPSTICK Coach