“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the Lord… He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
— Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
Picture that: a tree planted by streams of water.
Rooted. Anchored. Nourished.
No matter how dry the season, no matter how fierce the wind — it still stands. And not just stands — it bears fruit in season.
Isn’t that what we all long for in our careers, too?
A life and work that is not tossed about by trends, fears, or the opinions of others… but deeply rooted. Resilient. Fruitful.
But here’s the challenge: in today’s fast-changing world, it’s easy to drift.
One year you’re pulled by this “hot new skill.” The next, by what seems most urgent. Then a shiny opportunity pops up — and suddenly, your energy is scattered.
I’ve seen it happen — to me, to friends, to promising young professionals with so much potential but no anchor. They chase after every wave, only to wake up one day feeling tired and unfulfilled.
The rooted tree is not tossed about by every wind of adversity. It draws from deep streams. The more rooted you are in the timeless principles of God's word, the more fruitful and resilient you become. Share on XThat’s why I believe so deeply in this truth:
Your career — as well as your life — needs to be anchored on timeless principles.
Principles that hold steady when the market shifts.
Principles that keep you grounded when success comes — or when it doesn’t.
Principles that shape not just what you do, but more importantly, who you become.
One of my favorite Biblical examples of this is Joseph.
You know the story — sold by his own brothers. Wrongfully imprisoned. Forgotten for years.
And yet, he never wavered.
He didn’t sit in prison thinking, “Once I get a title, then I’ll work hard.”
He didn’t say, “If Potiphar doesn’t value me, why bother?”
No — he took ownership, acted with excellence, and added value wherever he was.
First in Potiphar’s house. Then in prison.
And eventually — before Pharaoh himself.
Why? Because his life was anchored.
He wasn’t driven by circumstance. He was driven by timeless principles — by faith, responsibility, and a desire to honor God in all he did.
And the same is true for us today:
When you take ownership, act with excellence, and solve problems wherever you are — opportunities will eventually find you.
The results will speak for themselves.
Excellence opens doors that networking can’t. When your daily work is grounded in timeless principles, opportunities find you—even in hidden places. Share on XIn one of our team sessions at The Plenipotent Company, I shared seven principles of career growth that reflect this truth — principles that can anchor anyone’s work and life, in any season, any industry.
I want to walk through each one with you — and invite you to reflect: Where might God be calling you to lean deeper into these truths?
1. Partnership with God — Recognizing Purpose Beyond Yourself
At the heart of everything is this: your work is not just about you.
It’s not just about making money. It’s not about climbing a ladder.
It’s about being a partner with God in bringing goodness, beauty, and value into the world.
Paul writes:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
When you see your work this way — as worship, as partnership with God — it changes everything.
Suddenly even small tasks matter.
Even unseen efforts are valuable.
And you’re freed from the trap of needing constant external validation.
2. Responsibility and Ownership — Taking Initiative in All You Do
Joseph didn’t wait for permission.
He didn’t say, “That’s not my job.”
He looked around and asked: “What can I do to make this place better?”
The same applies to us.
No matter your title, no matter your season — you can choose ownership.
You can:
- Take initiative
- Solve problems
- Improve what’s in your hands
And over time? That kind of ownership builds trust — and trust attracts opportunities.
3. Problem-Solving Mindset — Seeking Ways to Create Solutions
Every workplace has problems. Every project hits roadblocks.
The question is: How do you respond?
Do you throw up your hands?
Or do you become someone who brings solutions — even small ones?
In Proverbs we read:
“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”
— Proverbs 15:14 (ESV)
Wise people are curious. They ask, “Why is this broken? How could it work better?”
And in today’s world, problem-solvers are priceless.
Be one — and you’ll always be in demand.
4. Diligence and Excellence — Consistently Striving for High Standards
You don’t need to shout about your skills — your work will speak for you.
When you bring care, attention, and craftsmanship to what you do — whether it’s a client’s project, a simple report, or an internal process — you build a good reputation.
As Proverbs says:
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
— Proverbs 22:29 (ESV)
It doesn’t happen overnight.
But over time, excellence opens doors no networking can.
5. Resilience and Emotional Intelligence — Managing Challenges Gracefully
Let’s be honest — some days are hard.
Some seasons feel like two steps forward, three steps back.
But what sets great professionals apart is this:
Resilience — and emotional intelligence.
Resilience says: “I’ll keep going, even when it’s hard.”
Emotional intelligence says: “I’ll stay grounded, self-aware, and empathetic — even under pressure.”
And Scripture reminds us:
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
— Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
Challenges are not the enemy. They are the soil where character is grown.
6. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning — Staying Flexible and Committed to Growth
The world is changing faster than ever.
Industries evolve. Skills become obsolete.
But here’s the good news: you can keep growing.
God designed us to be lifelong learners — curious, adaptable, resilient.
As Proverbs puts it:
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
— Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)
No matter your age, no matter your field, stay teachable. Stay curious.
Those who do will always stay relevant and will continue to serve others with wisdom.
7. Strategic Thinking — Acting with Foresight and Intentionality
Finally: don’t just react. Think strategically.
Ask:
- Where is God leading me in this season?
- What should I focus on — and what should I let go?
- How can today’s efforts build toward tomorrow’s vision?
Paul modeled this kind of thinking:
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 3:14 (ESV)
He didn’t drift. He moved with purpose.
And you can too.
So friend, let me ask you:
- Which of these seven principles do you already practice well?
- Which one is God inviting you to lean into more this season?
Remember:
You don’t need to master everything overnight.
But when you anchor your life and career on timeless principles like these, you become like that tree in Psalm 1:
Rooted. Resilient. Fruitful.
In season and out of season.
Purpose-driven work doesn’t come from what you do—it comes from how and why you do it. Share on XHere’s a simple action plan to get started:
1. Reflect on these seven principles.
Which one resonates most? Which one feels like a stretch?
2. Choose one to focus on this week.
What small habit or mindset shift could you begin?
3. Share your journey.
Talk with a mentor, a peer, or your team. Invite accountability.
4. Revisit regularly.
Every few months, ask: “Am I becoming more anchored? More aligned?”
And above all, be kind to yourself.
We are all works in progress.
There will be wins and there will be setbacks.
But with God’s help, as we stay anchored in these principles, we will keep growing.
And over time, our work will bear fruits that last.