By Kingsley LARBI( Rev. Prof.)
In our fast-paced world, success often seems linked to immediacy, get there first, win big, outpace competitors. Yet, as life and business pressures escalate, the wisdom of divine timing, patience, and purposeful growth becomes ever more relevant.
In Born to Win, Chapters 23 and 24 highlight my journey and the unfolding of God’s plans, showcasing how setbacks and delays can reveal pathways to deeper purpose.
These chapters are a testament to the idea that true success is about more than achieving milestones on our own timeline; it’s about aligning with timing and purpose greater than our own.
This story explores how young leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses can leverage the lessons from these chapters, turning the wisdom of divine timing into practical strategies that foster resilience, integrity, and a vision that transcends short-term gains.
Embracing God’s Perfect Timing
The narrative of Ecclesiastes 3:11 resonates deeply with many: “Everything God does is beautifully timed.” This powerful truth emphasizes that there is a divine rhythm guiding each step of our lives, yet understanding this rhythm often requires patience and humility.
In 1983, when my plans to study in the UK did not materialise, I faced profound disappointment. But by 1991, God’s purpose became clear. Not only did circumstances align perfectly for my doctoral studies, but they were also accompanied by unanticipated support, an ideal learning environment, and freedom from the usual bureaucratic obstacles.
For young professionals, this story underscores the value of trusting the timing of life’s opportunities. While ambition is vital, allowing room for divine timing fosters a deeper alignment between personal goals and a greater purpose. Leaders today can benefit by pausing to assess if they are truly prepared for the next step rather than rushing in prematurely.
Preparing for Purposeful Success
Young leaders often feel the pressure to achieve quickly, aiming for rapid promotions or immediate entrepreneurial success. However, the journey in Born to Win is a reminder that divine timing not only helps us avoid missteps but allows us to grow into roles and responsibilities at the right pace. When we embrace patience, we equip ourselves with the skills, networks, and experience needed to excel when the opportunity arrives.
- Leverage Times of Waiting for Growth:
Instead of feeling frustrated, view periods of waiting as opportunities to upskill, develop character, and strengthen networks.
- Build Patience into Your Strategic Plans:
Recognise that not all opportunities need immediate action. Waiting can lead to better timing, richer experiences, and opportunities for legacy-driven decisions.
- Develop a Growth Mindset:
Approach setbacks as part of the preparation process rather than a barrier to success. Adopt a learning attitude, seeing every delay as a step toward personal and professional readiness.
Applying Timing to Business Strategy
Businesses, particularly startups and young companies, can apply these lessons of timing and patience in strategic ways. For instance, in Ghana’s competitive market, entrepreneurs often rush to launch before fully understanding the economic environment or customer needs.
Delays and thoughtful consideration, however, can lead to more sustainable success by allowing leaders to prepare for the unique challenges of the local and global business landscapes. Reflecting on my experiences, had I traveled to the UK prematurely, my readiness to handle the academic and professional rigor would have been limited.
- Conduct Thorough Market Research:
Just as divine timing allows individuals to grow, strategic patience can allow businesses to better understand their audience, refine their products, and maximize impact.
- Focus on Sustainable, Purpose-Driven Growth:
Businesses can benefit by prioritizing growth that aligns with their mission and values rather than seeking to simply “beat” the competition.
- Create Purposeful Partnerships:
Look for partners and mentors who align with your long-term goals. Much like the support I received from mentors and colleagues in my journey, meaningful partnerships can provide guidance and insight for long-term success.
Purpose and Long-Term Success
In Born to Win, Chapters 23 and 24 also highlight how faith and purpose are central to navigating life’s uncertainties. Faith, in this context, is not only a spiritual anchor but a means of resilience in the face of setbacks. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and organisations can draw strength from the belief that there is a higher purpose to each step of their journey, a purpose that often only becomes clear in retrospect.
For entrepreneurs and businesses, this translates into creating companies that serve beyond profit, offering value and impact that benefit the larger community. Faith can be the stabilizing force that allows leaders to endure difficult times, understanding that every delay has a purpose, every challenge a lesson.
Conclusion
The timeless wisdom of divine timing, patience, and purpose from Born to Win offers a blueprint for success that transcends immediate gains. For young leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses, these lessons are a call to embrace setbacks, cultivate resilience, and strive for sustainable growth.
By aligning with a higher purpose and trusting in the rhythm of divine timing, we open doors to opportunities that not only elevate our professional lives but enrich our communities.
As we each navigate our unique journeys, may we find strength in the certainty that, with patience and purpose, success will come, in God’s perfect time.
