resilience

You Didn’t Struggle For Nothing

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Some of the challenges this year felt more like “Lord, are You sure I’m built for this?” moments than “I’m so thankful” moments.
This year might’ve handed you a few struggles you didn’t see coming.
Bills, surprises, decisions, mistakes, lessons — the whole package.

Even so… you’re here. And that says something.

I won’t pretend the tough moments were pleasant. Nobody sits there saying, “Wow, this financial setback is really blessing my spirit today.”
But those same moments changed you in ways comfort never could.

Because it grows you.

As much as we don’t like it, the hard seasons teach us more about money and ourselves than the easy ones ever will.
Nobody learns discipline when the paycheck is overflowing.
No character is built when the bills are light.
And nobody cries out to God for guidance when everything is smooth and easy.

It’s in the struggle that we learn things we wouldn’t have learned any other way.

Being thankful for the lessons doesn’t mean you enjoyed the struggle.

It just means you refused to let it break you.

Maybe this year forced you to take budgeting seriously.
Maybe a financial surprise pushed you to rethink your priorities.
Maybe you had to let go of something you weren’t ready to release.
Or maybe you finally realized you were tired of repeating the same cycle repeatedly.

Whatever your story is, every challenge added something to you: strength, clarity, or courage.

James 1:2–4 says to “count it all joy” when we face trials because those trials shape endurance.
Endurance isn’t pretty, but it will carry you financially further than any “perfect plan” ever will.

The hard stuff teaches:

1. Discipline over impulse

When money is tight, you learn the difference between needs, wants, and “maybe I’ll just walk away before I talk myself into this.”

2. Patience while you wait for better

Waiting for progress teaches you to stop comparing your life to everyone else’s highlight reel.

3. Courage to face your numbers even when they scare you

You learned to open the banking app and check that balance more regularly.
(Yes, your heart raced, but you did it.)

4. Wisdom that keeps you from repeating old mistakes

Nothing will make you wiser than a financial lesson that slapped you once.
You don’t need it slapping you twice.

There’s nothing like a hard-hitting mistake to make you say, “Oh, I’m never doing that again.”

5. Gratitude for the progress you have made

Small wins count.
Tiny steps count.
And survival counts too.

Maybe you didn’t hit every goal, but you’re not where you used to be.
Small steps still move you forward.

As Thanksgiving gets close, take a moment to be thankful, if not for the struggle itself, maybe for the strength it produced.

You’re more aware of your habits.
Your boundaries are clearer.
Your goals make more sense.
And the person you’re becoming is stronger than the person who started this year.

Sometimes God lets us walk through the hard places so we can finally see what we’re capable of and so we stop thinking about money the same old way. Sometimes the struggle is what finally pushes us into real financial change – the kind that lasts, not the kind that fades after three weeks of motivation.

So if this year stretched you… good! Be thankful you’re not who you used to be.
Be thankful for what you learned.
Be thankful that the next version of your life is being built on solid ground.

Be thankful you’re heading into the new year with sharper skills, better habits, and a whole new level of confidence.

Let the credit go to God for carrying you, and let the credit card stay in your wallet while you build on everything you gained.

That’s something to be thankful for.

And if you feel like you’re not quite there yet but would like to be, start the new year strong by scheduling a call with me. It’s free! It’s never too late to get on the right path.

Schedule Here

Mistakes: The Real Foundation of Success

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Mistakes are inevitable, yet how often do we view them as critical steps in our journey rather than roadblocks? If we’re honest, mistakes are often met with frustration, regret, or even shame. We all encounter situations where things don’t go as planned. But what if our missteps held more value than we’ve been conditioned to believe? What if mistakes aren’t failures at all but powerful turning points, forcing us to pause and reflect? It’s time to consider: how much are we missing by running away from mistakes instead of embracing them?

No one is born knowing everything. We learn through trial and error, which means mistakes are part of the journey. When was the last time you really learned something without a mistake involved? Growth doesn’t come from repeating what you already know but from venturing into the unknown, stumbling along the way, and figuring things out. Each mistake offers an invitation to evolve and grow—intellectually, emotionally, even spiritually. But only if you’re willing to ask the hard questions: What went wrong? Why did it happen? And most importantly, how can I use this experience to move forward with greater wisdom?

It’s not about simply fixing the error; it’s about expanding who you are because of it. Because if you let it, with each mistake, you become more knowledgeable, adaptable, and resilient.

Think about the hardest challenge you’ve faced. Did it break you or make you stronger? Mistakes test our resilience, forcing us to decide whether we’ll let them define us or strengthen us. When you’re knocked down, do you get up because it’s easier to stand than to stay down—or do you rise because you know that getting up is what builds character? Resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s how you rebuild yourself after you’ve fallen.

Innovation rarely emerges from getting things right the first time. How many breakthroughs were the direct result of failure? Thomas Edison didn’t succeed because he had the right answer; he succeeded because he was willing to embrace 1,000 wrong ones. How many of us would have the patience to try again and again in the face of failure? Yet, that persistence is where creativity lives. The unexpected outcomes of our mistakes force us to see problems from new angles, explore unconventional solutions, and think beyond what we already know.

If every mistake is a doorway to fresh insight, what possibilities are you missing by avoiding them?

There’s something about being wrong that strips away our ego, isn’t there? It forces us to face the truth that we are imperfect, that we don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay. Mistakes are a reminder of our humanity, and there’s immense power in that realization. When you can look at a mistake and admit, “I got it wrong,” you open yourself to learning and growing. Humility doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise.

How many of your goals are shaped by society’s expectations, and how many truly reflect your values? It’s often through mistakes that we uncover the truth. A career move that seemed like a good idea falls flat, a relationship that looked perfect turns sour—and suddenly, you’re left questioning everything. Mistakes force us to confront what isn’t working and why. They offer a unique clarity about what truly matters, if you’re willing to listen.

It’s easy to admire someone’s success, but how often do we reflect on the mistakes they made to get there? Look closer, and you’ll find that success isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of missteps, corrections, and growth. If every success story is built on a foundation of errors, why do we expect our own path to be flawless? Each mistake you make lays a brick in the road to where you want to be.

Mistakes are unavoidable, but avoiding responsibility is a choice. When was the last time you truly owned up to a mistake without making excuses? Accountability forces us to confront ourselves, not just the situation. It demands that we acknowledge our role in the error and commit to doing better next time. True accountability isn’t just about making amends; it’s about self-reflection and growth. The question is: are you willing to face yourself and be accountable for your own growth?

What if we stopped looking at mistakes as something to fear or avoid and instead saw them for what they really are—necessary steps toward progress? Mistakes are the places where we learn, where we stretch beyond our comfort zone, and where we challenge our old beliefs. They hold the keys to innovation, resilience, and deeper understanding, but only if we’re willing to embrace them fully. So the next time you’re faced with a mistake, ask yourself: Will you shy away from it, or will you lean into it, knowing that it’s guiding you toward your next breakthrough?

The Power Of Failure

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Failure is an inevitable part of the human experience that often carries a negative connotation. It’s associated with disappointment, defeat, and setbacks. And while it may be discouraging, it can also be a powerful catalyst for growth and success. Failing forward is a mindset that turns setbacks into stepping stones, and adversity into opportunity. It’s about turning failures into valuable learning experiences. This mindset not only encourages resilience but also encourages growth, innovation, and personal development.

Failing forward is not about celebrating failure for its own sake; instead, it involves learning from mistakes, adapting, and using setbacks as a springboard for future achievements. The concept was popularized by author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell, who argues that embracing failure as a part of the journey to success is crucial for personal and professional development.

One of the key aspects of failing forward is recognizing failure as an inherent part of the learning process. Instead of viewing it as a dead-end, individuals embracing this mindset understand that failure offers unique insights and lessons that success often cannot provide. By analyzing the reasons behind the failure, individuals can identify areas for improvement, refine strategies, and enhance their skills.

Many of the greatest innovations and breakthroughs in history have emerged from failures. From Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin to Steve Jobs’ ousting from Apple followed by his amazing return, history is full of examples of individuals who turned failure into innovation. Thomas Edison, often regarded as one of the greatest inventors, famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison’s persistence and ability to learn from his failures eventually led to the invention of the light bulb.

Resilience is a crucial trait that enables individuals to bounce back from adversity and continue moving forward. Failing forward fosters resilience by teaching individuals how to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and adapt to changing circumstances. Rather than being paralyzed by the fear of failure, individuals with a failing-forward mindset develop the resilience needed to face setbacks head-on and persevere in the face of adversity.

Failure is not just a teacher in the professional realm but also a guide on the path to personal growth. Embracing failure allows individuals to confront their limitations, push boundaries, and discover their true potential. Each failure becomes a stepping stone, propelling individuals toward self-discovery and the realization of their capabilities. Overcoming failures requires self-reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Failing forward is not just an individual mindset; it can also shape the culture within teams, organizations, and communities. When failure is destigmatized and viewed as a natural part of the journey, it encourages a culture of experimentation and innovation. This positive culture promotes collaboration, risk-taking, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. The ability to fail forward is closely tied to effective problem-solving. Individuals who can analyze failures, look to identify root causes, and take corrective actions become adept problem solvers, contributing to their overall success. Promoting an environment where individuals feel safe to share their failures without fear of judgment creates openness, encourages transparency, and facilitates collaborative problem-solving.

In a society that often emphasizes success over failure, the concept of failing forward is a refreshing perspective. It challenges individuals and organizations to view failure not as an endpoint but as a critical part of the journey toward success. By embracing failure, learning from mistakes, and building resilience, individuals can navigate challenges with greater ease, unlocking their full potential for growth and achievement. Failing forward is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a testament to the courage and determination required to reach new heights.