“The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work” (Prov. 12:24, Peterson)

I can’t tell you have many times I’ve been inspired to start writing a book or some articles and later found the partially finished work in a folder somewhere. Of course, there are also folders of completed projects done with great confidence, but the half-finished ones are quite frustrating. It makes me wonder if I’m being consistently diligent enough to get to the finish line when I’ve set a goal?

When you’re an independent professional in the process of building an independent business, being diligent is a prime key for success.

This above scripture was relating to the person who worked for others. But what would it look like for the independent business woman?

“The diligent find freedom in their work”

Proverbs 12:24 teaches us that those who diligently persist and do good work will find freedom.

A entrepreneur who is diligent takes pride in their work. They are confident and dedicated to paying attention to details so what they do is of the highest quality, which is seen in the outcomes of their work. That person is determined, focused, and unyielding in reaching her goal.

They can work hard but still find joy in life. They are confident in business while being persistent and strategic to reach an intended goal.

The verse says the diligent will experience freedom. That freedom can come in several ways:

Financial Freedom: The diligent person builds a solid base for a confident business or professional position that generates economic stability with growth opportunities. Her strategic business path is clear and each day brings her closer to her goal. Bills are getting paid and there is money in the bank for other needs.

Professional Freedom: Diligent people pursue new markets and work hard to diversify their products and services. This person works on expanding operations as her high-quality reputation attracts more growth opportunities in the marketplace. She is seen as a professional in her niche and starts to be sought out for opportunities that bring more exposure to her business.

Personal Freedom: The diligent woman is able to live life on her own terms, showing leadership even outside of the workplace by enjoying hobbies and quality time with others. She enjoys an overall healthier lifestyle with recreational time and personal growth activities. the programs and services she offers are selected according to her own terms and she doesn’t overwork to make ends meet.

“The lazy are oppressed by work”

In contrast to the diligent person is the business person who does not seem to put their best efforts into their work. They don’t enjoy their work, might not have any confidence in what they are doing, and find no joy in what they do. Work is something that is done for survival, not for expression of the life calling.

Their work is not up to expected standards, deadlines come and go too often, and little if anything can be accounted for after a full work day. That person often doesn’t show enthusiasm and has no inspiration to excel.

Lots could be going on with the person who seems this way that others don’t understand.

Unfortunately, there can be dire outcomes for those who falter in completing their work in a diligent manner:

Financial Oppression: This person could struggle financially to just make ends meet. They may make mistakes in buying too many unnecessary programs, courses, or technology that drains their already limited finances. Instead of creating an income stream, they slip into the overwhelming oppression of financial debt and feel like a failure.

Professional Oppression: The person might be pursuing a path that is not theirs to take. Because of constant worry, the person could be easily influenced to try one idea or program after another, going done paths not suitable for their skills. With too many things on their plate at any time, they are exhausted, burned out, or depressed.

Personal Oppression: With constant worry in their work life, there could be little to no time to just relax. Personal relationships can suffer, as well as their health and well-being. The emotional toll and lack of productivity can contribute to a downward spiral of negative emotions and low self-esteem resulting in an overall sense of dissatisfaction in life, lacking a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Rethinking Those Called the Oppressed

It’s easy to judge those who don’t seem to be as enthusiastic in their work, especially when things are going well in our business. But when we look back with honesty, we can remember our own struggles to start earning money on the internet.

Multiple factors affect the success or failure of any type of business as even the largest and most prosperous operations have fallen on hard times in past years. Many will still face difficult times in the future due to the economy, new innovations, societal changes and more forces that are out of the hands of the independent business professional.

In fact, before considering someone as “lazy” when working, try changing the word “lazy” to a new term such as confused, overwhelmed, nervous, unsupported, tired, or just weary.

Nurturing Freedom in Work to the Oppressed

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

What if those who feel discouraged in their could be a target market for the diligent?

Is there something you can do to help the discouraged or trouble business person?

Could this possibly be your target market to help as you develop programs and services that address the needs of those struggling to find a way to use their talents to create an income.

For a Christian business women it’s important not to look down on those who struggle to develop their skills in the marketplace. We’ve all been in that place at one point in time and might be there in something again.

A person might be struggling to fit into a niche that isn’t right for them making it a struggle to implement a workable strategy. Perhaps their struggle with web development or other internet tools.  Mindset and confidence could need a boost. Maybe a community of like-minded professionals instead of working in an isolated situation which is difficult for the person accustomed to working around others.

A multitude of other situations might be hindering the unsuccessful business person that keeps them from success. You might have the support they seek to get the breakthrough they need.

Could your expertise be exactly what the struggling online business person needs to get her break through to success?

Keep your eyes and ears open to see if you can be the one to assist those who are struggling. You could be the one to provide the joy of  finding Freedom in Work for those who need you the most.