It was one of those mornings today. You know the ones where the universe decides to throw a wrench in your perfectly laid plans? My day was fully booked, a stack of productive tasks waiting. But first, a quick run of errands. And then, the dreaded "ding." My car flashed an alert, and a quick glance confirmed my fears: rapidly losing air pressure. On the highway, no less. Yep, a good old flat tire, courtesy of a rogue nail.

The younger me would have been a visible ball of frustration. My temper would have flared at the sheer inconvenience, the disruption to my meticulously planned day. I would have stewed about the lost time, the unexpected cost, the sheer unfairness of it all.

The good news, by the way? It was a simple $15 fix. But it cost me about three hours of my morning. And as I sat there, waiting, I couldn't help but reflect.

This wasn't just a flat tire; it was a profound lesson in patience and perspective.

The Purpose of Our Faith in Business Challenges

In business coaching, we often talk about challenges. We prepare for them, strategize around them, and work to overcome them. But what if many of these "challenges" aren't actually roadblocks, but rather normal experiences that are designed to grow us? Like getting a nail in your tire – it's an inconvenience, yes, but also a common occurrence that requires a calm response.

Our faith provides an incredible foundation for navigating these moments. It’s not just about believing when things are good; it’s about trusting in a greater purpose even when the path gets bumpy. Why is it important to allow these disruptions to grow us? Because they build resilience, deepen our character, and strengthen our ability to lead and adapt.

Consider this powerful truth from scripture: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).

"Sufferings" in this context aren't necessarily grand tragedies, but also the small, everyday inconveniences and setbacks that test our resolve. That flat tire, that unexpected client issue, the marketing campaign that falls flat – these are opportunities for perseverance. And through perseverance, our character is forged. We learn to respond with grace instead of anger, with creativity instead of despair, and with faith instead of fear.

Normal Experiences, Not Always Challenges

In our business coaching practices, we will face unexpected turns. Clients will have tough days. Strategies won't always unfold as planned. The market will shift. But are these always insurmountable "challenges"? Or are they simply normal experiences in the journey of building something significant?

When we frame them as "normal experiences," our perspective shifts. We move from a victim mentality ("Why is this happening to me?") to one of empowered learning ("What can I learn from this?"). A flat tire isn't a sign the journey should end; it's a call to pause, fix the issue, and continue on.

Choosing patience in these moments means more than just waiting. It means:

• Trusting the timing: Understanding that some things unfold at their own pace.

• Embracing the pause: Using unexpected downtime for reflection, planning, or rest.

• Maintaining perspective: Remembering that minor setbacks are just that – minor.

• Leaning on your faith: Believing that even in disruption, there's a purpose and a path forward.

When you choose patience, you're not just enduring; you're actively cultivating a mindset that sees growth in every unexpected turn. You'll watch yourself navigate difficulties with a newfound calm, and your business will grow not just in revenue, but in resilience, wisdom, and character.

So, the next time a "nail" appears in your business journey, take a deep breath. Choose patience. And watch yourself and your business truly flourish.