How Entrepreneurs Develop Spiritual Maturity (Plus, Why It Matters)

Too often in our world, young professionals are focused on hopping from position to position, trying to inch forward and claim immediate "success!" But working at a job or in a career is not the only marker of success...far from it.

To be successful and fulfilled, one must also focus on personal development and growth in other areas outside of their occupation.

This is especially true for those who want to become SPIRITUAL ENTREPRENEURS.

One of the most striking things that Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook/Meta, said (among many) was "build your skills, not your resume." She was trying to encourage people to focus on learning and developing real skills, not just collecting working experience.

I've been a CEO and entrepreneur for 25+ years. Throughout my career, I've learned that the key to building a successful company is sticking with what you're the best at and hiring a great team to support you in the areas you're not as strong.

It is these skills, potentially introduced in the workplace but honed every day in every situation, that can turn you from an average entrepreneur into one that has long-lasting success financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Your cup will always be full, and you will be adding more to the world each day than you take from it.?

You will have to discover some of these skills on your own. Many cannot be taught through formal education but must be experienced and practiced. You will find that as you work on developing yourself, your business will develop as well.

Faith

The word faith sometimes does not encompass everything that He is and needs you to be. There are moments when you will feel an encapsulating knowing, and times when you will walk with what seems like sheer will and determination. You will need to be okay with both.?

There are also things that you will never understand, no matter how much you grow or how close you think you are to God. This is not a lack of faith on your part; it is the result of being human.?

You must learn to accept this and live with the tension it produces in your life. That way, you can leverage your faith when you need it the most and recognize when it is time to let go.

Integrity

Finding spiritual maturity is not about becoming perfect; it is about becoming real. To be a person of integrity, you must first be honest with yourself. This includes your thoughts, emotions, and motivations. You cannot grow or change if you do not know where you currently stand.?

Being honest also requires that you keep your word - to yourself and others. This means following through on your commitments and resisting the urge to make excuses when things get tough. People of integrity are reliable and can be counted on to do what they say they will do.?

Risk-taking

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.” –T.S. Eliot

Without the willingness to leap, you will never know what is possible. At some point, you have to be willing to put everything on the line - your reputation, your comfort, and even your life. This does not mean that you should be reckless; rather, it means that you should not let fear keep you from living fully or pursuing your dreams.?

Risk-taking also requires faith. If you want to achieve something great, you have to believe that it is possible - despite all evidence to the contrary. This is what allows people to climb mountains, start companies, and change the world.?

Discernment

The greatest CEOs in history have all had something in common: they can make decisions - fast. In our constantly changing world, the ability to see what is important and make a decision based on that is more valuable than ever.?

Of course, not all decisions are easy. That is why discernment is so important. This is the ability to see clearly and make wise choices, even amid chaos. It comes from a deep understanding of yourself and your first principles.?

Focus

This does not necessarily mean the ability to work for hours at a time, though for some that may be a part of it. Rather, focus is the ability to direct your attention where you want it to go and resist the pull of distractions.?

In our society, we are bombarded with constant stimulation - from phones to email, to social media, to news headlines. It can be difficult to find moments of peace and stillness.?

But if you can learn to focus your attention on what is most important - short and long-term - you will be better able to serve others and create what you want in the world.?

Service

If you are only ever chasing self-serving goals, you will never reach spiritual maturity. Learning to serve others is one of the most important things you can do for your growth. It requires that you put aside your ego and think about what someone else needs - whether it is your time, your energy, or your resources.?

Service also requires a certain level of vulnerability. You must be open to receiving help from others and admitting when you need it. This can be difficult for entrepreneurs who are used to being in control, but it is a necessary part of the journey.

Consistency

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

One of the most important things for any leader is reliability and consistency. This does not mean that you never make mistakes - we all do. What it means is that people can count on you to show up and do the work, even when it is hard. It also means being honest about your limitations and admitting when you need help.

Consistency requires discipline, which is something that must be learned and practiced. It is not always easy, but it is essential.

Courage

If you are to take those risks, if you are to serve others, you must have courage. This virtue is not the absence of fear; it is the ability to face your fears and act despite them. You will need courage when you are feeling insecure when you are doubting yourself, and when you are facing difficult decisions.?

Courage does not mean that you never feel afraid - it means that you do not let your fear dictate your actions. It is the willingness to step out into the unknown, even when it is scary.

Enthusiasm

If you are not excited to go to work, if you are not passionate about your business, then it will be difficult to find the motivation to keep going. Enthusiasm is what fuels you when the going gets tough and is a major key to success.?

When you love what you do, it shows. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and it will inspire those around you to do great things as well. It is also one of the most important qualities for a spiritual entrepreneur - if you do not believe in what you are doing, how can you expect others to?

Resourcefulness

So many successful entrepreneurs have an origin story that follows a similar path. They were not experienced enough for a position, they did not have the financing for an idea, or they were blocked by some other obstacle that would have stopped so many others.

Somehow, they found a way. They were resourceful.?

This is a quality that you must cultivate if you want to be successful. It is the ability to see what you have and use it to its fullest potential. When you are resourceful, opportunities appear out of thin air and problems become solvable.?

You will find that being resourceful also allows you to help others more effectively. When you can leverage your resources for good, it creates a ripple effect that has the potential to change lives.

Listening

The reason that silent retreats have become so popular is that:

• In our fast-paced world, we rarely get the chance to just sit and be still.?
• We are so used to talking, that we have forgotten how to listen.?

Listening is an active process that requires you to pay attention not just to the words being said, but also to the tone, the body language, and the unspoken messages. It is easy to hear what someone is saying and completely miss the point.?

To be a successful spiritual entrepreneur, you must learn to listen to others and yourself. This means being present at the moment and being open to hearing things that you may not want to hear. It also requires patience and practice. The more you do it, the better you will become at it.?

Leading Yourself

You are the only one who can change you. You are responsible for your growth, and no one else can (or should) do it for you.?

This is not to say that you cannot get help or guidance from others - this is often essential but ultimately, it is up to you to decide what changes you need to make and then take action.

This also means that you need to be honest with yourself. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to change it. Be flexible and adaptable, and always be learning. You cannot grow if you are not willing to change.

Leading Others

As a spiritual entrepreneur, you will likely be working with a team of like-minded individuals. It is important to learn how to lead and motivate others so that you can achieve your goals together.?

This means being able to communicate effectively, provide support and feedback, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.

It also means learning how to resolve conflict. When people are passionate about their work, disagreements are bound to happen. It is up to you to help find a resolution that works for everyone involved. This can be difficult, but it is essential if you want to create a cohesive and productive team.

Vision Casting

You must be able to see the big picture and articulate it in a way that others can understand. This means having a clear vision for your business and being able to communicate it to others. It also means being able to see opportunities and challenges before they arise so that you can be prepared to deal with them.

This skill is not always easy, but it is essential if you want to create something truly special. It takes practice, but the more you do it, the easier it will become. Eventually, when you leave a room, everyone will be ready to buy into whatever you have explained.?

Trends

The world is constantly changing, and it can be difficult to keep up. As a spiritual entrepreneur, you need to be able to anticipate trends so that you can adapt your business accordingly. This means being curious and open-minded, doing your research, and always learning.

It also means being comfortable with change. If you are rigid and set in your ways, you will struggle to adapt when the world around you shifts. Be flexible and willing to experiment. This is the only way to stay ahead of the curve.

Brand & Marketing

There is a difference between selling your product and selling your brand. You need to be able to do both.

Your brand is what people think of when they hear your name. It is the feeling they get when they see your logo or interact with your business. It is the sum of their experiences with you.?

Marketing, on the other hand, is how you communicate your brand to the world. It is the strategy you use to reach your target market and promote your product or service.?

A successful spiritual entrepreneur understands how to create a strong brand and market it effectively. This requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of human psychology.

Product Development

Creating a successful product is about more than just having a great idea. It takes research, planning, and execution.

You need to understand your target market and what they are looking for. What are their pain points? What are their goals? How will your product solve their problems??

You also need to be aware of the competition. What are they doing right? What could they do better? How can you set yourself apart??

Finally, you need to be able to bring your product to life. This requires creativity, attention to detail, and a willingness to iterate.

Product Management

After you have launched your product, you need to be able to manage it effectively. This means understanding your data and using it to make informed decisions.

It also means being responsive to customer feedback and always working to improve the product. You need to be proactive about identifying problems and finding solutions.?

And of course, effective product management requires strong leadership skills. You need to be able to motivate and inspire your team, set clear goals, and give feedback that is both constructive and positive.

Effective Communication

To be a successful spiritual entrepreneur, you need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely. This means being able to distill complex concepts into simple language that others can understand. It also means knowing your audience and tailoring your message accordingly.

You also need to be comfortable with different forms of communication, from writing and speaking to more nonverbal methods like energy work and meditation. The better you are at communicating, the easier it will be to connect with people and guide them on their spiritual journey.

Strategy

Setting goals, creating plans and taking action. Strategizing means being patient and persistent, as well as flexible and adaptable.

You will need to learn how to balance your head and your heart, using both logic and intuition to make decisions. You will also need to learn how to trust your gut instinct and follow your intuition. This can be a difficult skill to master, but it is essential for spiritual entrepreneurs.

Executing your strategy means being organized and efficient, as well as disciplined and focused. You will need to learn how to delegate tasks, set boundaries, and manage your time effectively. All of these skills are essential for creating a successful business that makes a difference in the world.

Culture

Ultimately, you are responsible for the energy and culture of your organization.

This means creating an environment that is conducive to growth, creativity, and connection. It also means being aware of the different energies that people bring into the space and how they interact with each other.

You will need to be able to read people and situations quickly so that you can make adjustments as needed. This is a delicate balance - you want to create a safe space for people to explore their spirituality, but you also don't want to enable bad behavior.?

Business Model

When you enter a room full of investors, you better know your business model and financials inside and out. This is not an area where you can fake it until you make it. You must be confident in your numbers and your ability to execute your vision.

You will also need to be able to have difficult conversations about money. This includes knowing when to ask for investment and how to talk about price points with customers.?

Financial Discipline

This one goes hand-in-hand with business model and financial planning. You must be disciplined with your finances to run a successful business.

This includes things like creating a budget, sticking to it, and knowing when to say "no" - even if it means forgoing something you want in the short term.

It also means being honest about your income and expenses with yourself and others. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with money.

Systems

Without preparing yourself, a growing business can often lead to personal failure. You must put systems in place to manage your time, energy, and resources. This includes things like setting boundaries and delegating tasks.?

It also means having the discipline to stick to your processes, even when things are tough or you feel like you can't do it anymore. This is what will help you scale your business and maintain a high level of quality control.

Problem-Solving

When someone has an issue, they should feel comfortable coming to you with it. You should be able to listen and understand their perspective, as well as offer suggestions for how to solve the problem.?

Be proactive in solving problems that you see. This includes both personal issues and business-related ones. By taking care of problems early on, you can prevent them from becoming bigger issues later down the road.

Attention To Detail

The most successful among us are the ones that can see the smallest details and take care of them. This includes everything from catching typos in an email to making sure all the products you sell are top-notch quality.?

It also means being able to pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, as well as those of others. This allows you to catch things early on and prevent them from snowballing into bigger problems.

Sales & Enrollment

This doesn't mean that you have to be pushy or manipulative; it simply means that you need to be able to communicate effectively and get what you want.?

You will often be called upon to sell your ideas, products, or services. This can be difficult if you are not used to it, but it is a skill that can be learned with practice. In addition, you must be able to negotiate terms that are favorable to you and your business. This includes things like salary, contracts, and deals.

Stress Management

No matter what precautions you take, stress will follow any entrepreneur.

The key is to learn how to manage it in a way that doesn't lead to burnout. This means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It also means knowing when to take a break and recharge.

Many techniques can help you do this, including meditation, yoga, and journaling. Find what works for you and make sure to integrate it into your daily life.

Time Management

Just as you need to manage your stress, so too must you manage your time. This is especially difficult for entrepreneurs, as they are often pulled in many different directions at once, and believe that if they just work more, they will get more work done. That's not necessarily true, as burnout can quickly set in if you're not careful.

Instead, focus on quality over quantity. Work when you are at your best and take breaks when you need them. This will help you be more productive overall and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.

Innovation

Never settle for the status quo. Be constantly looking for ways to improve your business and yourself. This means taking risks, trying new things, and being open to change.

It can be easy to get stuck in a rut, but it's important to keep moving forward. If you're not growing, you're stagnant, and that is not an entrepreneur's mindset.

Challenge yourself daily to come up with new ideas and implement them in your business. You never know where they will lead you.

Networking

No matter how successful you become, there are always others that can help you reach a new level. Constantly search out these people and add them to your network.

You never know when you will need their help, and they may need yours someday as well. The more people you have in your network, the stronger it becomes.

Also, don't forget to give back. As you grow, help others in your network to do the same. Pay it forward whenever you can.

Influence

The ability to influence others is a powerful tool that can be used for good or for ill. You must learn to use this skill wisely and for the benefit of those you lead.

Never seek to influence others for your gain or to control them. That is not true leadership. Instead, focus on helping others reach their potential and achieve their goals. When you do that, they will naturally want to follow you.

Excellence

Aim for excellence in everything you do, even if it's something that doesn't directly contribute to your business. Why? Because excellence is a habit. When you're used to doing things excellently, it becomes second nature to apply that same level of quality to your work.?

Excellence is also contagious. When people see you constantly striving to be better, they will be inspired to do the same. As a result, the people you work with will be more engaged and productive, and your business will benefit as a result.

Humility

Never forget that all of your success is a gift. This doesn't mean that you should sell yourself short or think less of yourself than you deserve. Rather, it means having a healthy dose of perspective and understanding that, at the end of the day, we are all on the same journey.?

There will always be someone who is smarter, wealthier, or more successful than you - and that's okay. Don't compare yourself to others; focus on your journey and what you can do to help others. When you stay humble, you open yourself up to opportunities and relationships that you would have otherwise missed.

Resilience?

Finally, you will need to be resilient. You will make mistakes; you will fail. But don't let that stop you. Get back up and try again. Remember why you started on this journey in the first place and what you are hoping to achieve.?

There will be times when it feels like everything is against you, but remember that He is with you, and don't give up. Stay the course and know that, in the end, it will all be worth it.

Final Thoughts

Developing yourself is an endless road that leads to greater fulfillment and success. By focusing on your personal growth and becoming the best version of yourself, you will be able to achieve anything you set your mind to - in business and life. Remember to stay pure, work hard, and never give up on your dreams.

?? By the way...tomorrow at 4pm PST / 7pm EST you're invited to join our FREE Expansion Experience workshop where you'll learn how effective Spiritual Entrepreneurs create massive momentum in their lives and business for the new year. Register for free here: https://altercall.com/expansion/?utm_campaign=exp&utm_source=3&utm_medium=lip&utm_content=swas&utm_term=rli