Show Notes
Have you ever achieved something you thought would change everything, only to find yourself asking, “Is this it?” Success can sometimes feel strangely empty, leaving you restless and searching for more.
In this episode of The Estherpreneur Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on a truth most people miss about ambition, success, and purpose. It’s a conversation that will challenge how you see your goals, your business, and even your calling.
If you’re ready to explore what might be holding you back—not externally, but within—this episode is for you. You’ll leave questioning what truly drives you and feeling inspired to uncover a deeper, more fulfilling way forward.
Are you ready to rethink the path you’re on? Let’s go deeper.
Connect with Edna:
📧 Email: hello@favorandwealth.com
Say hi on social:
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednaharding
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IG: https://instagram.com/theestherpreneur
YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/EdnaHarding
Show Transcript
Edna Harding [00:00:03]:Welcome to Estrepreneur, a podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders doing business and life God's way. Each week, we discuss biblical and practical tips to improve your mind, business, to improve your mind, business, spirit, relationships, and finances. Listen along as I speak with special guests on how to thrive in all aspects of life. Hi, I'm Edna. Like many of you, I wear many hats. I'm a military wife, mother, author, certified John Maxwell business and executive coach, trainer, and founder of Favor and Wealth where we help the good guys win. So tune in as we bring on the light. Well, hello, everyone.
Edna Harding [00:00:47]:
Thank you for tuning in for another episode of The Esteepreneur Podcast. My name is Edna Harding speaking from Madison, Alabama down south. Excited to be here this day. And I look forward to sharing this episode with you because I think it's going to make you question your your stance in your life, meaning, and I'll, before I go into like what the topic is about, I just want to welcome to all my newbies. Those who never heard me before you're tuning in for the first time. My name is Edna Harding and I'm nothing but a messenger of life. I speak business and life God's way. This is something that you enjoy learning about, especially learning the principles of God and applying it to modern day times.
Edna Harding [00:01:37]:
This is what I do in this episode and in every episode that I share. So, I can't believe I've been consistent all these years and we are now in season 10. So to all my faithful listeners, even during that time when I took a little bit of a break due to being a full time mother with 2 little ones under 2, that was a challenging season. Thank you guys for sticking it out and continuing to, bless me with your words, with your listens, with your comments, with your prayers and praises. So I really truly appreciate it. Alright. So I want to ask you guys something. Have you ever achieved something that you desperately wanted only to feel that you're still empty? Right? Maybe it was a major career goal, like maybe a promotion or even a big business milestone, making your first six figures or even 7 figures, or even like achieving some sort of financial status, like for example, being debt free, you know, being able to retire all that good stuff, or even reaching a personal dream, like, you know, climbing Mount Everest, for example, or just something that you thought will fulfill you, but you're still quite empty.
Edna Harding [00:02:53]:
Maybe you worked hard, right? And you sacrificed and you gave it your all. But instead of joy, you found yourself feeling lost, restless, and wondering was this really worth it? Does that sound familiar? Does that sound that Solomon question that they have that in the scriptures and saw in Solomon, when he had everything in the world can offer and he was still empty, You know what, my friends, you're not alone. This is something that I deal with on a regular basis when I speak to clients, even friends, family, you know, both the successful and the unsuccessful. There's always a there it's like, there's always this void. Right? Especially they don't know who they are in Christ. They don't know the value that that Jesus is in them. And I know you're like, why does this sound I'm trying to understand, but help me comprehend. So that's what we're gonna talk about today.
Edna Harding [00:03:52]:
You know, I I worked with a client and she was a 7 figure business owner who looked like she she had it all. She had the financial success. She had the influence, very well recognized in her sphere. But she was disconnected. She felt overwhelmed. She felt unfulfilled. It's like nothing was fulfilling her, and she they just feel empty. And, I know this story might sound very extreme, but you'll be surprised where there is a lot of people all over the world who's been there in that some way or are there right now, you know, pursuing what they thought they want.
Edna Harding [00:04:29]:
In fact, I remember I was listening to, what's his name? Dave Ramsey, his radio show. And there was this guy who, was completely debt free. They had, I think, $15,000,000 saved, and, you know, the kids are grown. And he just said he just said, you know, before what driven him to do stuff was to get debt free and then to generate income for, you know, his children and his grandkids. And then having savings and having multiple homes, but he still feels empty. You know? And that was an amazing concept. Like, wow. How many people that we look up to, like, oh my gosh.
Edna Harding [00:05:09]:
They must have an amazing life, but then they're still empty. But still in the world's term, they have everything. So, you know, today, I want to focus on that. We're going to completely unpack something that could completely transform your approach to success. And that's the difference between being driven. Hear me guys in a way with spirit by personal ambition or directed by God. Again, there is a difference between driven by personal ambition and being directed by God, because this is a shift that would not only bring you peace and clarity, but also align your work with something far greater than yourself. Right? So if you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you.
Edna Harding [00:06:00]:
Okay. Are you guys excited? And I really hope I am recording right now because last time I forgot to press record. Alright, here we go. So let me take you back to my early career. I was ambitious, hustling day and night to build my name, my brand, my bank account. I pretty much chase every opportunity. I said yes to everything and then stayed busy because that's what success looked like to me. But let me tell you what came with it.
Edna Harding [00:06:29]:
Exhaustion. I was constantly stressed about outcomes, comparing myself to others, making decisions out of fear, fear of failing behind, fear of not being good enough. And so on. I remember hitting a major milestone. It was my first six figures that I thought would bring me peace and pride, but instead I felt hollow. K? That's the cost of being driven by a bishop without alignment. Hear me, guys. That's a cost of being driven by a bishop without alignment.
Edna Harding [00:06:58]:
Because the thing about the thing about it was that, you know, the 6 figures you get there and you're like, okay, I'm gonna make double you know, multi 6 figures. And then you get there and you're like, okay, maybe I'll shoot for a 1,000,000. But in reality, as we really listen to our thinking and listening to other people who already are there, that stuff doesn't satisfy you. So let's talk about science first on to know like, science to know if you're being driven. Number 1, you're constantly anxious about outcomes. Do you care about the outcomes for your specific actions and choices? Number 2, you're struggling to rest or be fully present with your loved ones. Oh my gosh. I, this is a, this is a preaching to the choir.
Edna Harding [00:07:44]:
Like, this is what I deal with. And I have to catch my flesh and be like, dude, calm down. Be nice. Number 3. Your decisions are often influenced by fear or competition. Are you always fearful? Are you trying to compete with your competitors? And, also, even if when you succeed, for example, you land a big client, it still doesn't feel satisfying. So if this resonates with you, my friends, you're not alone. And here's the good news, my guys, my guys, my friends, there's a better way, a way that doesn't leave you drained and disconnected, but instead fills you with peace and purpose.
Edna Harding [00:08:28]:
And it starts with again, being directed rather than driven. Okay? Imagine this. I just imagine this picture. You're driving a car and you're trying to get to the destination as fast as you can. And it doesn't matter who you run over. You're just trying to get there. And but you have no you have no idea where you're gonna end up because you're just driving. You're not you have no sense of purpose.
Edna Harding [00:08:58]:
You have no idea. It's like, go ahead and drive, but you don't know where your destination is. Hear me by way of the spirit. So it's like, I get on the freeway from Houston. I'm just driving, driving, driving, driving, but there's no end. There's no finish line because I don't know where I'm going. But when you're being directed by the holy spirit and he knows where he's taking you because he's gone before you, hear me by way of the spirit, my friends. And he's telling you turn left, turn right, stop, slow down, go fast, go slow, stop.
Edna Harding [00:09:29]:
You know, you'll get to your destiny or wherever it is that he knows he created you to be and be fulfilled a lot quicker than if you were driving aimlessly. Do you hear me, my friends? Okay? That's the difference between being directed rather than being driven. Okay? So let's talk about Moses. You know, one of the most powerful examples of this is Moses. Remember his earlier story? He was driven. He was so driven to what? Save his people that that he killed an Egyptian. Okay? His ambition, hear me guys, led to what? Exile and failure. But when God called him years later, Moses was no longer driven by his own will.
Edna Harding [00:10:16]:
He was now being directed by God's power. He led with what humility, trust, and obedience, and what happened? What was the impact of his obedience, his trust, and humility? An entire nation was set free. Do you hear that guys? When you're led by God, the impact is far greater than being driven by your own personal gain. K? I remember, I was working with a client who was struggling to grow his business. He felt like he had to force every result and was constantly battling burnout. I remember one day, he made a decision to surrender his timeline to God. How easy is that for people? They're like, okay, God, I don't trust my timing. I trust your timing.
Edna Harding [00:11:07]:
You know what happened within weeks, doors began to open opportunities that he couldn't even imagine. So instead of forcing his way in, he trusted God to make the way for him. Not only did his business grow, but he also experienced a piece he's never known. That's the difference between, being driven and directed. Right? When you're directed, it's easier for you. It's gonna be like floating in the air with a feather. Like, I can't tell you how many times, and this is a true story. My clients would find me.
Edna Harding [00:11:52]:
They said, I'm interested in coaching and I'm not pursuing them. I'm just trusting God to bring the harvest. And he did on his own. Yeah. You know, I'll, I'll share inspirational stuff on by people, you know, to a free training or free webinar, you know, just do my part. But am I actively cold calling, emailing, doing all these things At one point in my life, I did. And then I realized that I don't have time for that. I just have to do my part, serve my clients well, trust God with the outcome as long as I'm preparing for the increase, as long as I'm, you know, putting his message out there, not like a hard sell, but a soft sell.
Edna Harding [00:12:33]:
If that makes sense, God is going to bring forth the harvest and guess what he always does. Okay. So let's talk about, we talked about the characteristics of being driven. Let's talk about the characteristics of being directed. Here's what it looks like. Number 1, you'll have peace even when the future is unclear. Number 2, you'll be patient. That's something I struggle with, you know, trusting God's timing instead of rushing ahead.
Edna Harding [00:12:59]:
That's really hard for me sometimes. Cause I'm a go getter. I've always been a go getter. I'm very competitive. It's not a race against anybody else, but it's a race against me. Like I'm proving myself wrong. If that makes sense, we need to be able to trust that God's timing is always perfect. Does that make sense? All right.
Edna Harding [00:13:18]:
The third thing is power. And when you rely on God's strength rather than your own, that means you're being directed. Like, I can't tell you how many times I've cried this month asking God for wisdom, asking God for this sermon, asking God for strength. Because being a mom of young children, 1 age 5, the other age 3, being a military spouse, it's challenging because my husband is out of town a lot. I have responsibilities, you know, within the church responsibilities. As far as ministry, I have responsibilities when it at my business. I have responsibilities with the chamber. I'm an ambassador.
Edna Harding [00:13:53]:
I have responsibilities as a board member. I have responsibility as a mom, I'm responsible as daughter and friend. I have a lot of responsibilities. Right? And then on top of that, I'm writing like 5 books. I'm preparing for a half marathon. I created my workbook. I just finished my online program and I'm working on my next project. So my point is I'm a busy woman and I cry to God.
Edna Harding [00:14:15]:
I'm like, God, I cannot do this on my own. I need your power. I need the Holy spirit to strengthen me because I feel weak right now. That's what being directed is. And then the last thing is purpose. I know that everything that I'm doing lines up with God's higher calling for my life. I have no doubt. No one can make me question my identity in Christ as far as what my assignment is, what he called me to do.
Edna Harding [00:14:41]:
Cause it's been confirmed by many prophets, many of my spiritual fathers, friends, even like spiritual mothers, my own parents. I mean, I'm talking about everything points out that I am walking in the purpose that God created me to be. And I know it because I there's no way in hell that could do everything that I'm doing without like meeting at this level of excellence. Thank you, holy spirit. It's not to my own credit, but the level of excellence that I am doing without him, because I know the reason why he's giving me the grace for it is because he took me here. Right? I didn't, I didn't make this happen for me. If that makes sense, God made it happen for me. And he's equipping me with everything I need for me to finish the work, regardless of how stretched I feel.
Edna Harding [00:15:33]:
You know, how many have any of you guys felt stretched? That's what I've been feeling all these years. And by God's grace excuse me. Excuse me. God has been enabling me to get the work done. Okay? Now I know what you're thinking. Well, this sounds amazing, Edna. But how do I actually make this shift? Okay. So let's go ahead and get practical.
Edna Harding [00:15:58]:
Alright. Remember, I'm a practical person. So how do you go from being driven to directed? Number 1, you gotta have a daily surrender. You really need to start your day by giving your plans to God. Pray something like, Lord, I release my agenda to you, direct my steps today, and then practice letting go of control throughout the day, which, again, I struggle with. That is the hardest thing. So what I've done is I just did this today. I don't do this regularly, but I probably should is I would leave my phone, leave my electronics downstairs while I go upstairs to our master bedroom, and I just pray.
Edna Harding [00:16:38]:
And I read the Bible. I read my journals. I sing. I worship. I dance for the Lord. Like, I'm just, like, in there with God without anything that's gonna take my attention away from spending time with him in the middle of the day. I obviously I always start the date with him. I try to end my day with him, but sometimes, you know, I get so tired.
Edna Harding [00:16:59]:
I mean, that's the truth. I'm so tired. I'm like, I just wanna go to bed, but I always try to start the day with him. I always try to end the day with him. I try to acknowledge him throughout the day. But to one thing that I'm adding to the mix, which I've never really done on a consistent basis, which I feel like where God has taken me, he wants me to do that, is to have a midday time with him if I don't have any lunch going on. Right? But I do talk to him on my car in my car a lot or if I'm going to the gym and all this stuff. But bottom line is having, like, for example, lunch with him breakfast with or before breakfast with him.
Edna Harding [00:17:35]:
And then after dinner with him, if that makes sense, like constantly spending time with him. Okay. Number 2, the decision filter before moving forward. You want to ask yourself, does this align with God's word? Number 1, is this motivated by faith or fear? Number 2, and this I'm telling you guys is going to really help you. Are you motivated by faith or you motivated by fear? Because a lot of times what I found and especially me, I I'm speaking to the choir. I'm speaking to myself. Okay. I make decisions based on fear versus faith.
Edna Harding [00:18:06]:
So you need to ask yourself, are you being motivated by faith or you'll be motivating by fear? The third thing you wanna ask yourself is, do I have peace about this? This is such a huge thing, which is why number 3 is the peace test. Because God's peace is a powerful guide. If you feel unsettled, if something feels off, it might be a sign to wait or seek more clarity. Because understand this, guys, that when you when you wait on God, it's never wasted time. Do you hear me? If you don't know the answer, don't move forward. Wait on God because when you wait on God, it's never wasted time. So I want you to think about a business decision right now, whatever that may look like. Maybe it's hiring a new team member.
Edna Harding [00:18:51]:
Maybe it's launching a new product, or maybe it's scaling your operations. How could surrendering that decision to God shift your approach? How how can you do that? And you're like, well, how do I do that? How do I let him lead? How do I ensure that the outcome is is because of him, not because of me? And that's the fine line, right? Like how do you bridge that timeless with a timely, right? Which part do I let him do? And which part do I do? How do we know what that is? Right. Because a lot of times I noticed when God does it, when he leads the outcome often exceeds what you could have achieved on your own. Right? And I realized this. I'm like, how did that just happen? Like, that is not me. Like, even like, for example, when I get, like, these leadership positions or, like, these board member positions or favor in the marketplace, favor in this, favor in that, being selected for this, winning these awards for that. Like, those things was not Edna. Like, I'm like, I don't even know people recognize, you know, like, when it happens, like, oh, I got awarded, for example, at the Rotary International.
Edna Harding [00:20:03]:
I was not expecting it. When I was Paul Harris fellow entire the number one Rotary Club in, in Houston, and I was awarded the Paul Harris fellow award, which is a huge because one of that pin was a $1,000 that they put on my, on my, on my shirt, on my, on my suit. That's insane. I'm like, how did this happen? Okay. That's when you know God is the one leading because the outcome is way better than what you could have done, for example. Right? And and so I say all this to say that when you let him lead, the outcome is usually something that you cannot have done for yourself. K? Now let's transition to the next part because here's the thing. The journey isn't about you.
Edna Harding [00:20:46]:
Okay? I hear you guys. You're like, what do you mean it's not about me? You just said it's about me. No, it's not. It's there's a bigger purpose at play. Your part plays a bigger part when the grand scheme of things, because God doesn't just care about your success. He cares about the impact of your success. Do you hear me? God doesn't care about your success. He cares about the impact of your success.
Edna Harding [00:21:09]:
So your business is a platform for his glory. It's a tool to bless others. And it's a part of his greater story. Does that make sense? So your business, my friends is a platform for his glory, a tool to bless others and a part for his greater story. I really like that. That did not come from me. That came from the Holy Spirit. But I'm gonna say that again.
Edna Harding [00:21:31]:
Your business is a platform for his glory, a tool to bless others and a part of his greater story. So what does that mean? That these are the unexpected benefits. Are you guys excited about to hear this? When you align with God's direction, this is what happens. Number 1, you gain greater influence, not just over your clients, but in their lives. They value you. Right? They're like, Edna, what do you think about this? Even outside of business? Like, what are your thoughts about? They start to respect you. They start to include you as part of the family. That makes sense.
Edna Harding [00:22:06]:
They, they look at you as a mentor. They look at you as a best friend. They look at you as a, you know, a counselor, a, as a, trusted advisor, for example, like these are things that happens when you are allowing God to use you in your purposes and his purpose, right? Cause I believe there's multipurposes, right? Number 2, your success becomes sustainable because it's built on God's strength, which means no matter what happens, whether if it's hell, whether if it's storms, hurricane, tsunami, or good stuff, your business is still standing because of the strength of God. Number 3, you experience deeper fulfillment because you're living out your calling. I can't tell you sometimes I have my good days and my bad days. Sometimes I have some stressful days. I'm like, oh my gosh, I gotta do with this. I get upset, especially when it comes to technology technology, when it comes to, you know, things outside of my control, because I'm such a control freak.
Edna Harding [00:23:03]:
Right. And I I get so upset at, you know, the the technical parts or, like, issues with systems, that part. Like, that's, like, my biggest pet peeve. And but even though even though I am not always happy with every little thing that I do from a business, I'm still fulfilled and I still have joy because I absolutely love what I do. Teaching people strategies from God, for the Bible from the Bible really makes me so energized. And I hope you could hear my passion. When I spoke to P when I speak to people of my clients, they know, like I'm so passionate about this stuff. Like I can talk about this all day and every day for free, even if they didn't pay me, because this is what I love to do.
Edna Harding [00:23:47]:
It's so natural for me. Right? So you have this deep sense of fulfillment, like, wow, good, bad, or ugly. I love what I do. Right. And you leave a legacy that lasts for generations. So, you know, my children are starting to pick up on things. Like, they'll say clients or they'll say, are you teaching, what does it say? God's ways or wisdom. Like, he'll they'll use words that they're here listening to me on my podcast.
Edna Harding [00:24:12]:
There's listening me on my coaching calls. They've seen me trained women in the classrooms, you know, about God's ways and being able to see that and show so I see that my girls are learning from the insights and they're they're seeing mom's work. Like, for example, when I speak at different events, it's like, Oh, are you going to be in your speaking engagement? Like they say stuff I'm like, Oh my gosh, they're paying attention. And the fact of the matter is they know I'm teaching God's ways to business people that dumbfounds me because they're only 35. And the fact that it's already making a lasting impact in their lives because they're like, okay, you're not supposed to lie. You're like, you that's lying. I would hear Alaya, which is my oldest, who's 5, would correct my youngest. You're lying.
Edna Harding [00:24:57]:
You're cheating. And you should not say that. That's not nice. Or like, you know, things like that. It's amazing to me. You know, it's amazing to hear them speak things, speak lessons, or teach each other things that me and my husband would teach them. Right? So, anyway, in the name of Jesus, I'm not sick. This cold has to go.
Edna Harding [00:25:22]:
So I had a client who went from barely making ends meet to running a thriving business that honors God. Okay. Now here's the best part I wanna hear. I want you guys to hear this. He says that his greatest joy isn't the revenue, but the lives he's impacting and the peace he has in his heart. That's what happens when you let God direct your path. Okay? This could truly be your story. When you're no longer being driven by your own ambition, but you're being directed by God, that's when things started changing, k, and will start changing.
Edna Harding [00:26:03]:
Right? So let's do a recap. This is what we learned today. Being driven leads to what exhaustion, anxiety, and hollow achievements, emptiness, right? Lack of fulfillment. Being directed brings peace, purpose, and power. And what do you what do you do? You just have to make the shift by what? Surrendering daily, filtering your decision, and following God's peak. Not peak. Peace. I'm sorry.
Edna Harding [00:26:32]:
Peace. I was like, what did I just say? Alright. So this week before you make your big decision, I want you to pause and ask God to direct your steps. Trust him that he will lead you. Now let's say you don't know Jesus. And I truly believe there are some of you who are like, I'm just curious about this whole Jesus thing. And you never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior is very simple. There's no magic in words, but, essentially, it's a b c.
Edna Harding [00:27:01]:
Just go admit that you're a sinner. Admit that because of our sin, meaning because of our imperfections, because of our natural sinful, personalities or or just being human, we are all sinners. All of us. I don't care if you grew up in a nice home. We're all sinners. All of us lie, cheat, steal. We are we're born from man and man are a 100% sinners for all has been frustrated with the glory of God. We just admit that you believe that Jesus Christ died on a cross for our sins.
Edna Harding [00:27:43]:
God sent him as his son, as a payment for our sins. Do you believe in that Jesus Christ is Lord and you ask him to be Lord and savior of your life, right? You asked him to save us from your sins and that's it. Then you commit your life to Jesus. Again, admit, believe that Jesus Christ died on a cross rose again on the 3rd day for our sins. So we could have a relationship with him, the father and the holy spirit, and you commit your life to Jesus, then you're saved. Very simple. You just have to say it out loud. No one even has to be there.
Edna Harding [00:28:16]:
Jesus hears you. Let me tell you guys this, that when you say that prayer, the all of heaven is rejoicing and praising God for another soul has is is part of God's family. And I wanna celebrate you. If that is you, please connect with me on LinkedIn. Let me know you listened to this episode. You could connect with me on my website as well, estrepreneur.comorfavormonth.com. Let me know you got saved and I can introduce you to maybe a church in your local area, that you can be discipled in if I know anybody. But, I truly believe that there is going to be at least one person listening to this.
Edna Harding [00:28:57]:
Who's going to make that decision. And I just want you to know that God is so pleased with you and he can't wait to show you what's on the other side of your yes. Alright. I'm gonna go ahead and pray for the rest of the listeners. So father, thank you for each person listening today. I pray that you give them clarity, peace, and the courage to surrender the plans to you. May they and me walk boldly in the purpose you've called us to. Amen.
Edna Harding [00:29:26]:
Alright. So if this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message or connect with me for deeper support through our mentoring programs. I have 1 on 1 and group coaching all on my website on favorwealth.com. I also even have a self paced program. If this is something you're interested in, feel free to look it up under services. It's under group and growth mentoring. I also have a free training intensive.
Edna Harding [00:29:52]:
If you want to get an introductory lesson on what it's like to do business and life God's way, there is, training called the prosperity blueprint, where it's talking about igniting unshakable success in business and life. It's a 3 hour training intensive. I know it's long, but I, I, I don't, you can't limit God's strategies, the domain important ones in like 10 minutes. That's unrealistic and that will be a lie. Okay? Because God is way bigger than that. Okay? It's absolutely free. I would love for you guys to learn more about that again on my website. Now don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone, who needs encouragement today.
Edna Harding [00:30:35]:
I'm so excited you guys tune in today. And until next time, just remember that you are loved, remember that God is faithful and is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we could ask or think. God bless you guys, and I'll talk to you next time. Thanks for joining us this week on Estapreneur. Make sure to visit our website, favorandwealth.com, for more information on our services. While you're at it, if you found value in this show, we'd appreciate a rating on iTunes. Or if you simply tell a friend about the show, that would help me out too. Also, check out my book, The Old East Side of Sales, available on Amazon, where I share 7 of my secrets on how to win and grow business the right way.
Edna Harding [00:31:18]:
Until next time, keep shining.
