Refocusing on God: How to Shift from Self-Fulfillment to God's Glory in Life and Business

 

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of self-fulfillment. Whether in our personal lives or business ventures, the drive to succeed often stems from a desire for personal gain, recognition, or satisfaction. While there’s nothing wrong with aspiring to succeed, it’s crucial to pause and ask ourselves: Who is at the center of our endeavors? Is it all about us, or are we striving to bring glory to God through what we do?

Shifting from self-fulfillment to focusing on God’s glory doesn’t mean we abandon our goals or aspirations. Instead, it involves reorienting our intentions, aligning them with God’s will, and seeking to glorify Him through every decision, action, and pursuit.

Three Dangers of Self-Fulfillment

The world tells us to “follow our hearts,” chase our dreams, and prioritize our happiness above all else. However, when we focus solely on self-fulfillment, a few issues can arise:

1. Burnout

Constantly chasing personal fulfillment can lead to exhaustion. We may find that no matter how much we achieve, it’s never quite enough. The pursuit of personal glory leaves us feeling empty because we were designed to find true satisfaction in God.

2. Discontentment

When our focus is on ourselves, we tend to compare our success to that of others. This comparison often breeds discontentment, envy, and frustration. We begin to believe that success is only real if it matches or exceeds the success of others.

3. Misalignment

When our lives are centered on ourselves, we may miss God’s purpose for us. We might succeed in worldly terms but fail to fulfill the purpose He has laid out for our lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6, reminds us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." The verse calls us to trust in God and rely on His understanding rather than our own limited perspective. This surrender allows us to live and work for His glory, not our own.

Five Steps to Shift Your Focus from Self to God's Glory

How, then, do we make this crucial shift from focusing on self-fulfillment to bringing glory to God? Below are some practical steps to help refocus your life and business on God’s plan.

1. Start with Prayer

The foundation of any life focused on God’s glory is prayer. Before making any decisions—whether in your personal life or business—invite God into the conversation. Ask Him to reveal His will and to guide your steps. Remember, God’s plans for you are far greater than anything you could plan for yourself.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Let prayer become a regular part of your decision-making process.

Let’s Shift: Make a habit of starting and ending your day with prayer. Ask God to give you clarity, wisdom, and direction in all areas of your life and business.

2. Realign Your Goals with God's Purpose

Take time to reflect on your current goals, both personally and professionally. Ask yourself: Are my goals centered on personal gain, or are they aligned with God’s will for my life? It’s important to remember that God’s plan for us often involves serving others and expanding His kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 encourages us, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we align our goals with God’s kingdom, everything else will fall into place according to His perfect plan.

Let’s Shift: Write down your personal and business goals. Next to each goal, evaluate how it aligns with God’s kingdom. Adjust or refocus any goals that seem centered on self rather than God.

3. Serve Others with Purpose

One of the greatest ways we can glorify God is by serving others. In both life and business, we are called to love and serve the people around us. Whether through customer service, leadership, or mentorship, we have the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to others.

Mark 10:45 tells us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus, our ultimate example, modeled servant leadership in everything He did. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of God.

Let’s Shift: Look for ways you can serve others in your business or community. This could mean mentoring a colleague, giving back to your community, or going the extra mile for a customer. Make service an integral part of your daily routine.

4. Trust in God's Timing and Provision

We often want immediate results, especially when it comes to success in business. However, trusting in God’s timing and provision is essential when shifting our focus from self-fulfillment to glorifying Him. We must remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations.

Jeremiah 29:11 provides comfort, reminding us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has a perfect plan for your life and business, and He will provide everything you need when the time is right.

Let’s Shift: When you feel impatient or discouraged, remind yourself of God’s promises. Trust that He knows what is best for you, and rest in the assurance that His provision is sufficient.

5. Reflect God's Character in Your Actions

The way you live your life and run your business should reflect God’s character. This means being honest, showing integrity, and treating others with respect. In every interaction, consider how your actions and decisions can bring glory to God.

In Colossians 3:23-24, we are reminded, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” By working with excellence and integrity, we honor God in all that we do.

Let’s Shift: Evaluate how you conduct yourself in business and personal relationships. Are there areas where you could better reflect God’s character? Make any necessary changes to ensure that your actions point to Him.

Living for God's Glory in All You Do

Transitioning from a mindset of self-fulfillment to one that focuses on God’s glory requires intentional effort and a heart-centered on His will. As you walk this path, remember that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, guiding, providing, and equipping you to glorify Him through your life and business.

Take time each day to focus on His greatness, seek His guidance, and make choices that honor Him. As you do, you will discover a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment—far greater than anything the world could offer.

Affirmation

"Today, I choose to focus on God’s glory, not my own. I trust His plan for my life and my business, and I believe that as I seek Him, He will guide my steps and provide everything I need."

By shifting your focus from self-fulfillment to honoring God, you open the door to greater joy and success—not as the world defines it, but as God has intended for you. Let His will be the driving force behind all that you do, and watch as He leads you into a life that truly reflects His glory.

It's time to BOSS up and take your power back as you journey to empowerment and success by walking in your God-designed purpose. I hope this blog post has inspired you to take action and begin to live your dreams out loud! Remember to spread the word and share this blog. Together, let's build a community of powerful, unstoppable women. So hit that like and share button, and let's start a revolution of women who Boldly Overcome Struggles and Setbacks, as we positively transform ourselves Body, Occupation, Soul, and Spirit.

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Be Encouraged!

Dr. Breanna BOSS James

Psl. 37

Break Free and Discover the Real You and Achieve Your Desired Success! www.BreakingFreeBoldly.com

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"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." -W. Wilson

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