Many people dream of becoming successful, and one’s definition of success might be different from others. By strengthening your relationship with God, you can discover how to live a better life.

Today’s episode is a little different as Seek Go Create’s host Tim Winders is interviewed by Ryan Haley of A Better Way Podcast. Tim talks about the struggles he faced in business and how self-awareness, faith, and improving his relationship with the Lord helped him rise above the struggles. At the end of this episode, you will discover the importance of investing in rest and quiet time for success.

Tune in to the episode to find inspiration as we all go through this incredibly trying time.

3 Reasons to Listen:

1. Learn how to uncover self-awareness by finding a mentor and investing in quiet time.
2. Discover Tim’s rise to success, pitfalls, and his climb back up the success ladder.
3. Tim shares advice on acknowledging God's provisions, discovering manna, and turning them into miracles.

Resources

• A Better Way Podcast by Ryan Haley

Episode Highlights[08:07] Defining Success

• We should be cautious when defining success.
• For some, success is how much money they make.
• Tim considers his hands, mind, hard work, and speaking skills as keys to success.
• He also gives credit to his spiritual growth and looks back on their involvement in the prosperity gospel.

[14:07] Challenge of Bearing Success

• Several people assume that where they are in life is in God's perfect will. We have to be wary of external factors like money.
• One of the challenges Tim faced is there would never have been a time that he'd reach a level wherein he can relax. There's always a level above it.
• It’s part of the deceitfulness of riches, which the Bible talks about.
• It can be especially challenging for people who are wired for growth, fixing things, growing businesses, and reaching out for their goals.

[18:15] Mentors

• To check ourselves, we need the support of real friends who will call us out when we’re working too much or going too far.
• We need relationships with real friends who are reliable and genuinely care for us to tell us the truth.
• Mentors: People who are willing to teach you or disciple you with the truth. They should also have a background of the situation or circumstances we face.
• Having personal time to listen to the Holy Spirit may also help us in this challenging journey.

[21:26] Facing the Fall

• In life, it is either humble yourself or be humbled.
• Tim had several business ventures in real estate, marketing, and coaching. They've also been living a lavish lifestyle. Like many people, he was not prepared for what the Great Recession caused.
• They lost their real estate business, their businesses found foreclosure, and they got evicted from their home.
• Listen to the full episode to hear Tim’s story.

“You can either humble yourself in life, or if you don't, life has a way of doing it for you.” - Click Here to Tweet This[27:24] Dealing with the Struggles

• You need the willingness to become humble and to change your perspective.
• Struggles are a critical part of the journey, along with God's will.
• These struggles are like our spiritual paddles, guiding us.

[28:31] Prayers and Prophetic Words

• After their constant struggle, Tim and his family led a minimalist lifestyle. 
• Looking back, the Lord never left them, and even gave them financial "provisions," as Tim called them.
• He and his wife look back on their prayers and prophetic words spoken over them, which included money matters.
• They had deadlines, but they found themselves afloat and well even as the deadline passed.

[31:29] The Burden of Debt

• It is best not to get tangled in debt. Do not try to outsmart the system, as it will find ways to get you.
• Having debt feels like another person has ownership and control over you.
• Debt feels like a burden lingering over your shoulder.
• It feels so much of a burden that it changes the way you think even after you've paid.

[36:18] A Relaxed State

• Despite having people to pay, Tim believes they are at a place of rest.
• They are living in an RV and traveling to where they believe God wanted them.
• People on their journey need to ask the Lord, “What is a better way to live?”

“We're physically being and going where the Lord is leading us to because we don't even have a physical location currently, right? I live in an RV, which is part of our story and all that. So we really are at a place of peace and rest.” - Click Here to Tweet This[37:44] Investing in Real Estate

• When investing in real estate deals, appreciation and historical income are uncertain.
• The one constant thing is the monthly payment and dues.
• It was the best decision at that time, but business people must be wary of what they invest in as markets change.

[38:52] Investing in Relationships and Rest

• Aside from debt, another problem to tackle are things that hinder your relationship with God.
• You need to take care of your relationships, including those with your business partners.
• We often think we are supposed to do something, but we must consider if this will hinder our quiet time with the Lord.
• Our lifeline is hearing from the Lord.
• People must learn to invest in rest. Should their actions and activities hinder their quiet time, it is no longer a demonstration of peace.

[49:27] Remaining at Rest

• After reaching a state of rest or peace, Tim discovered the hardships of remaining at rest.
• Spending time in the word allows us to draw closer to God and understand His plans for us.
• Tragedy or setbacks teach us lessons, used by God in a pattern of good.

[53:04] Manna to Miracles

• The Lord sometimes drops these little provisions for us—manna. It may be the work you have or the jobs offered to you.
• Tim accepted and received this manna by being at rest.
• They were living in the blessing of going to Bible school, and they had to lower their standard of living. 
• We need to invest in rest and seek repentance for trying to get things in life instead of letting them come to us.

“We make a concerted effort to make a change and allow someone into our lives that can teach us, disciple us.” - Click Here to Tweet This[01:00:16] Investment with New Meaning

• Often, we say “yes” to opportunities without batting a lash.
• People will generate so many ideas, find many opportunities, but He asks us to pause for a moment. Listen to Him in quiet stillness without any distractions.
• Pause and consider opportunities and ideas with the Lord. He gives us subtle nudges toward or away from things.
• You need to say “no” to some of these opportunities, so you can say “yes” to the things God has in store for you.

[1:05:47] Faith and Self-Awareness

• There are different ways to gain self-awareness, like taking tests or taking time with the Lord.
• Some people often over-function and overwork. Meanwhile, other people have rest as their default behavior. Active people find their faith in rest while the latter's faith anchors itself on trusting God’s grace inside them to take action.
• Self-awareness is discovering how God and the Holy Spirit are communicating with you and how your mentors help you find out more about yourself.
• These divine empowerment and wise counsel will guide you to discover yourself.

“I want to emphasize the goodness of God here. He doesn't use tragedy and setback to teach us lessons, but he will use them in a pattern for good.” - Click Here to Tweet This[01:09:00] Stewardship

• Stewardship is the ultimate leadership, and once chosen, you can't run away from it.
• It means being a steward over the everyday leader with things, places, and talents He's blessed you.
• Unfortunately, some stewards are not aware of their strengths and weaknesses. There are a lot of tools to help them find and lead themselves.

“Our tether line—our life force—is hearing from the Lord.” - Click Here to Tweet ThisEnjoy the Podcast?

Seek Go Create is for leaders, entrepreneurs, ministers, and everyone seeking excellence, moving towards success, or creating something new.

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To growing and becoming all we are created to be,

Tim

Mentioned in this episode:

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