Author: Henry Murphy

In the ebb and flow of life, there are seasons that shape us, test us, and ultimately lead us to growth. One such season for me was a period of financial struggle during the early years of parenthood. My wife and I faced challenges until we started figuring things out. It was during this time that I had to remind myself of a valuable lesson – the importance of contentment in every circumstance.

Reflecting on my journey, I noticed a pattern of repeating cycles, especially in relation to money. As I began to earn more, I realized that my financial decisions were crucial in breaking the cycle of financial instability. In a blog titled “Blow $2500 a Day,” I shared the realization that, had I been more responsible with my earnings, the financial outcomes could have been exponentially better.

As the money started flowing in, our lifestyle changed. Vacations became more lavish, self-care routines were indulgent, and we treated ourselves to various luxuries. This shift was, in part, a reaction to remembering times of financial constraint. We reveled in having more and embraced the newfound abundance.

However, life is cyclical, and seasons change. I find myself in a different phase now, where resources are not as abundant, but the wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years is substantial. A conversation with a friend named JOHN often revolves around the promise that, when the next opportunity arises, I am determined to do something truly impactful.

Understanding life’s seasons is crucial – there are times of plenty and times of scarcity. Money comes and goes, and contentment becomes the anchor in navigating these diverse seasons. Paul’s words resonate deeply with me: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” It’s a reminder that true contentment isn’t contingent on external circumstances but is cultivated from within.

Personally, I express this sentiment as having learned to be content because I’ve experienced financial lows. Growing up without substantial wealth meant that the adjustment to financial challenges wasn’t the most devastating, but it was indeed a significant shift. Our financial status varies, but the key is to find contentment irrespective of the external circumstances.

In times of plenty or scarcity, another of Paul’s teachings echoes profoundly: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Regardless of the season, leaning on faith provides unwavering support and guidance.

Our journey concludes with the understanding that life’s diverse seasons, with their lessons and growth opportunities, contribute to a fulfilling and purposeful existence. Embracing the cyclical nature of life, finding contentment within, and drawing strength from faith lead to a meaningful journey.

Growing up in the culture, especially when influenced by hip-hop, can profoundly shape our values and priorities. For those of us who didn’t grow up with much, these influences can often steer us in the wrong direction. It’s not just harmful to us as individuals; it’s detrimental to us as business people. This is where the concept of the “bad teacher” comes in—how we’ve been shown the wrong path and how we continue to perpetuate it without realizing the damage we’re doing.

I remember, like it was yesterday, being at the park in Savannah. Someone would always be out there, sitting in their jeep with 15-inch woofers blaring the latest mixtape fresh from New York. That scene shaped me, just like it shaped so many of our children. The culture had a grip on us, making us fall in love with the wrong things. Your favorite rapper tells you about the cars, the jewelry, and the trips, and you start to idolize that lifestyle. There’s nothing inherently wrong with those things, but what’s missing is the other side of the conversation.

We don’t talk about financial literacy. We don’t discuss investments. We don’t learn how to start and run businesses or create generational wealth. It’s not just about blaming rappers; maybe they don’t know any better themselves. But that’s the problem. They’ve become bad teachers, and in turn, we’ve become bad stewards.

It’s time to change that narrative. We have social media at our disposal, a powerful tool that can help us reshape the culture and infuse it with financial literacy. Imagine the day when rappers start talking about how to set up a trust or how to leverage a business to buy a car and write it off as a tax deduction. That shift in focus could impact an entire generation.

Everyone might not take the information and run with it, and that’s fine. But it’s our responsibility to put the information out there as we learn it. My hope is that you’ll not only learn these principles but also apply them to stabilize your financial life. And once you’ve done that, teach them to others so that we can stop being bad teachers and bad stewards.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I know for a fact that I sleepwalked through life, especially when it came to money and eating. Many of the things we do are simply habits formed in our upbringing. If we don’t actively change those patterns, they become ingrained in us, shaping our lives permanently. My mom used to cook Sunday dinners every day and Thanksgiving feasts on Sundays. If you’ve read my blogs or listened to my podcast, you’ve probably heard me mention this before. The problem was, even though I remained athletic, I wasn’t truly healthy.

I’ve always been the type to go all-in when I find something I like. Lately, it’s been these gluten-free chips with amazing calorie counts, dipped in red pepper hummus. Innocent, right? The only issue is that I was eating those chips and hummus every single day. I had to put myself on a routine—something I could stick to daily. I tried to eat 5 to 7 ounces of protein with 2 to 3 cups of veggies three times a day if possible, but at least twice a day. I also aim to eat fruit or smoothies throughout the day and walk three miles daily. It’s one of those things that’s simple to do but just as simple not to do.

Now, let’s talk about money. With money at our disposal, it’s easy to buy whatever catches our eye, whether it’s ordering from Amazon or throwing something into our shopping cart without a second thought. We tell ourselves, “I like it, I want it,” and before we know it, five years have passed, and all that unnecessary spending could have been invested in savings, the stock market, or even into a business.

The inspiration for this blog came from The Compound Effect. I love this book because it’s packed with wisdom, but the first time I attempted to read it, I had to put it down because it challenged me so much. I don’t want you to go through life unconscious like I did for so many years. Honestly, I’m fed up.

I’ve started my journey, and I want to encourage you to start yours. Right now, I’m sitting in a park in downtown Los Angeles, California, eating juicy cantaloupe chunks, and finishing this message to you.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I wanted to offers a powerful reminder that knowledge alone isn’t enough—it’s the application of that knowledge that truly makes a difference. You’re already on the right path by seeking wisdom from YouTube videos and Audible books, but it’s essential to ensure that the principles you’re learning don’t just stay in your head but are put into practice.

By setting aside daily time for learning, you’re already showing discipline. But it’s equally important to reflect on whether you’re truly absorbing and applying these lessons in your life. Sometimes, it’s okay to pause and let the knowledge sink in before taking action. The key is to not just consume information but to act on it.

The real challenge is to translate that knowledge into actionable steps and have the discipline to follow through. Without action, the knowledge you gain won’t bear fruit. Keep pushing forward, stay disciplined, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your goals. This blog is meant to encourage you to not just learn but to act on what you learn. You’re on your way—keep going!

God Bless The Entrepreneur

Have you noticed how some people excel at what they do? They didn’t get there overnight; they put a discipline in place that is usually never seen. The type of discipline most people don’t talk about.

I knew content was a necessary part of my journey as an entrepreneur. I wouldn’t say that I’m naturally good at it, but I am putting the discipline in place. I take notes on my phone and develop complete thoughts, then go back and listen to them repeatedly. I do this consistently before I actually record. By the time I start talking into the camera, I’ve thoroughly thought it through and am ready to go. After recording, I immediately begin editing and add necessary inserts. Once that’s done, I put the titles on my calendar and upload daily to various social media platforms. I don’t use a scheduler right now because I want to experiment with different titles and captions. I need to understand each platform better before I eventually use a content schedule and delegate the task. But right now, this discipline is a crucial part of the process.

I became more efficient once I brought on a social media strategist. It took discipline to show up to the meetings and to implement the strategies I was taught. I realized that we don’t know what we don’t know, so I took that discipline and turned it into action. One thing about discipline is that over time, you will see the results. I watch the numbers go up—sometimes in a big way and sometimes just slightly. When something is doing well, I pour more into it. The process requires patience.

Are you ready to put in the discipline needed to achieve your goals?

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

Obedience to God is about living by the teachings, commandments, and guidance from the spirit of God.

Before we dive in, let’s clarify obedience. I created a shirt that says “obey God” . It is a daily call to action. This saying is a reminder that following God isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. We, as humans, live in time, but God exists in eternity, seeing the big picture.

As King Solomon wisely said, “Commit your ways to the Lord, and he will guide you.” Almost every day, I find myself giving my plans to God. I can be ambitious, but remembering God is the boss of my life lets Him guide me where I need to be.

Relying on God, our good Shepherd, leads to amazing outcomes. Doing His perfect will brings joy, and the journey of obedience is like sowing seeds—you reap what you sow. The harvest is ours just by being obedient and following His Word.

Think about Abraham’s journey, leaving his home without knowing where he was going. My move to Los Angeles had its tough moments, but comparing it to Abraham’s faith journey is humbling. He set a high standard as the father of our faith.

Staying close to God is crucial. Picture it like this: Jesus is the vine, God the Father is the caretaker, and we are the branches. Being connected to the vine brings fruitfulness. Let’s submit to God’s plan, bearing fruit that impacts others.

Commit to the journey of obedience. Trust that by giving your life to God, you become a force for good—a positive influence on the world around you.

I set this huge goal—a goal so massive that only God could orchestrate it. It’s the kind of goal where everything has to fall into place, where the right pieces must come together, where the finances must align perfectly. I know that when you set a goal this big, you have to work backward, building from the ground up. And in doing so, it always challenges your faith and tests your patience.

Building something new is hard, and it sometimes feels even harder when you’ve tasted success before. I’ve started new ventures and watched them thrive many times, but what I’ve realized is that each new endeavor still requires the same patience, the same dedication, and the same consistency as the last.

Sure, with experience comes some advantages. You gain connections you didn’t have before, and you grow in character and stewardship. Whether it’s about continuing to do well or losing everything and having the opportunity to start over, it all comes back to patience.

There are days when I have to remind myself that this is a marathon, and it will take time. The key is small, consistent efforts. Every day, I have to give a little more, learn from the previous day, and get excited about the day ahead. But I also need to remember to enjoy the day I’m in.

Whatever you set out to do, enjoy the journey, but let patience be your best friend.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

At the core of ‘God Bless the Entrepreneur’ lies the understanding that God is the source of our ability to create wealth. It’s not by our power alone that we achieve success, but through the gifts and talents He has entrusted to us. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This verse is a constant reminder that whatever our hands find to do, we should do it with all our might, not just as a means to an end, but as an act of worship. We are called by God, equipped with unique gifts, and given the power to fulfill our purpose. When we understand this, we realize why it’s essential to give our all—because our work is not just for ourselves but for the glory of God.

Work ethic is crucial, especially since we are bound by time, never knowing our expiration date. This sense of urgency is something I deeply admire about Tupac. His work continued to impact the world even after his passing. This thought motivates me daily, whether I’m writing blogs, recording podcasts, or working on any project. I strive to leave a legacy that endures, driven by consistency and dependence on God.

However, it’s important to remember that our work is not just about producing results; it’s about working as unto the Lord. The world might tell you to grind relentlessly, but God commands us to take a day of rest, to make that day holy. While we work diligently with everything we have, we must also recognize that it’s God who gives us the power to create wealth. Our success is a partnership—God provides the power, and we respond with submission and effort, working as though every task is an offering to Him.

Perspective is everything. When we view our work as a holy endeavor, it changes how we approach every task, every challenge, and every opportunity. Remember, it’s not just about working hard—it’s about working with a heart fully committed to the Lord.

God Bless the Entrepreneur.

When we talk about success, growth, or reaching our goals, one word often comes up—mindset. But what exactly is mindset, and why does it play such a crucial role in unlocking your potential?

At its core, mindset is a set of beliefs that you hold about yourself and the world around you. These beliefs are powerful because they directly shape your behaviors. Think about it: if you constantly tell yourself that you’re not good enough or that you’ll never succeed, those thoughts will start to manifest in your actions. You may procrastinate, engage in negative self-talk, or even find yourself caught up in people-pleasing, all of which are forms of self-sabotage.

The problem with these behaviors is that they keep you stuck. They create a barrier between where you are and where you want to be. If you don’t address them—if you don’t consciously work to break free from them—you could spend years, or even a lifetime, falling short of your true potential.

But here’s the good news: You have the power to change your mindset. It starts with recognizing the self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back. Once you’re aware of them, you can begin to challenge and replace them with beliefs that empower you rather than limit you.

For example, instead of saying, “I’m not good enough,” try telling yourself, “I am capable, and I am growing every day.” Instead of falling into the trap of procrastination, remind yourself that taking action, even small steps, is better than doing nothing at all. And if people-pleasing is a habit, start setting boundaries that prioritize your goals and well-being.

This shift in mindset doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, you’ll start to see changes in your behavior. And as your behavior changes, so will your results.

So, what’s the takeaway? Be mindful of your mindset every day. Your thoughts and beliefs are the foundation of your actions, and your actions determine your outcomes. By cultivating a positive, growth-oriented mindset, you’re setting yourself up for success in all areas of your life.

Remember, your potential is limitless—but it’s up to you to unlock it. Take charge of your mindset, break free from limiting beliefs, and step confidently into the person you were meant to be.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

It took me quite a while to truly understand my gifting. Just when I thought I had a grip on it, God would pivot me in a new direction. I realized that we often don’t fully know what we’re capable of until we step out in faith and start doing something—at least what we believe God has gifted us to do. Once we grasp that, the next step is to take our gift and submit it to Him, working diligently and with purpose.

I didn’t always have this perspective. There were times in my life when I was, to be honest, quite lazy. Reflecting on those periods, it’s somewhat disgraceful. I always had a knack for making money, but it wasn’t always in the most ethical ways. For many years, I was content to coast through life, taking the easy route. I even spent an entire year shooting dice to pay the rent and make ends meet. Some might say there’s nothing wrong with that, but in my humble opinion, it’s not honorable to God and certainly not living up to the potential He created me for.

Life is short and unpredictable, so our work ethic is crucial. It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it—the effort and excellence we bring to whatever we put our hands to. We have many examples in our culture that we can draw inspiration from. For me, as a young adult, it was Tupac.

Tupac Shakur’s work ethic was nothing short of legendary. He was incredibly prolific, often recording multiple songs in a single day. His approach to music was intense and focused—many of his songs were done in just one take, reflecting his dedication to getting the work done efficiently and effectively. He was consistently writing, constantly creating, and never wasting a moment when it came to his craft. His relentless commitment to his work is something that deeply inspired me.

I personally love music and always wanted to be an artist, so it was easy for me to draw inspiration from Tupac’s life and try to replicate his work ethic. Before I became a follower of Christ, this was my go-to model for how to hustle and grind. I didn’t yet understand the work ethic that the Lord requires of His followers, but I knew that I had no excuse. We can pull inspiration for work ethic from anywhere and apply it to our lives.

Now, I want to be known for many things, but most importantly, I want to be known for my work ethic and for the fact that I worked as unto the Lord throughout my lifetime. Tupac taught me the importance of pouring everything you have into your work, but it’s my faith that has shown me why that matters so much.

God Bless the Entrepreneur.