Episode 17: Building Endurance & Character in Your Business:   This morning during my quiet time, my scripture reading was from Romans 5:3-5, “… but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”   Talk about straight at me! Wow I really needed this verse right at that very moment! It doesn’t matter what business you’re in or how well your business is run… It may be a well-oiled machine but we all face adversity, affliction, and just “stuff”. But one thing that I have discovered over the years is that this verse holds true. Through adversity and affliction, we find endurance and as this verse says, endurance builds character and character produces hope. Boy I should be FULL of character by now!   But with each adverse moment or situation, we learn and grow. Sometimes these experiences are easily learned and others are learned the hard way. So here are some steps to help you charge through adversity in your business.   Take a time out! Sometimes we just need a time out… Stop, find a quiet place and take a deep breath, meditate, or simply be. There are lots of meditation guides out there if you need help, just ask Alexa! I pray consistently throughout the day and make sure I take time to meditate and calm my body and mind each day as well. Evaluate the situation. Take a look at the situation you are in. What decisions did you make to place you in this situation? Were they well thought out decisions? Were they made in a hurry or rushed? Sometimes I make decisions and I’m not really paying attention or seeing the situation clearly because let’s be honest we all have a 100 things going on at one time. Take the time to be thoughtful before making decisions. Is there anything that I could have done differently or went about things in a different way? We should always take time to evaluate where we are and how we arrived there. This helps us in making decisions in the future. Often times we put ourselves in these situations and sometimes adversity comes and it was beyond our control. Talk to someone who has been there before. Let me tell you, I look to others who have been in similar situations. Remember I’ve talked about having a mentor or coach… Well I have several older women who have been mentors to me in my personal life and professional life. But in your business, this is where a coach comes in useful. Often times they’ve experienced the same things that you are experiencing and can give guidance in any situation. Run the race! Through each adverse moment, difficult situation, enjoy the process. Yes I said to enjoy the difficult. During these times, we can learn many great lessons. For example: When I was in education, teaching. I thought I wanted to teach at a particular school. I mean I was hell bent on teaching there and tried my best to get on as a teacher at this school. After several years of it just not working out and God saying “No Emily, I want you at this school.” I quit trying and settled into the school I was at. Little did I know (Of Course God always knows best), this job was exactly where I needed to be, my children needed to be. This job led me to the home of my dreams, the job of my dreams, and also if I had not still be teaching at this school we would have never adopted our son, Jose’, who needed us. So enjoy the moment, sit back and take it all in. Through all the tears, hardships, etc. God has a plan for you and your business.   I look forward to chatting with you again. If you would like to hear more of our adventures and grow your business with us then be sure to follow or subscribe to this podcast Business Building by Design with Emily Janzen McGrath.   I want to say that if you’re looking for a business coach,