Author: Henry Murphy

I am an entrepreneur, but I am a believer first. I love entrepreneurship because I feel with all my heart that it is the calling God has placed on my life. I love developing new skill sets, learning, teaching, and working on my mindset.

Honestly, I have a ton of ambition and I have to make sure that I am submitting my plans to God so He can direct my steps. I wholeheartedly believe that as we submit our plans and desires to God, He grants us the desires of our hearts—provided they align with His will.

God has given me a measure of faith just as He has given you. I am a big dreamer, and I have been able to accomplish a lot as an entrepreneur in my decade-plus of experience. One of the achievements I am proud of is starting at home, moving to a small office, acquiring multiple offices in that building, and eventually moving into our first standalone building. We then moved to a space I had only dreamed of, equipped with nine offices, including a print shop, warehouse, showroom, lounge room, game room, podcast room, kitchen, and a room for teaching other entrepreneurs.

Now, being in California and starting over has been difficult, but I know the pivot came from God. After spending two years in Los Angeles, God began to press upon my heart to dream bigger. My next goal is so big that only God can do it. I won’t share everything on my list, but just know that my previous accomplishments pale in comparison. Make your dreams so big that only God can do it and ensure that in your pursuit, you are serving others and aligning with His will.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, the journey often unfolds as a series of pivots. It’s a narrative of constant growth, a realization that settling or seeking comfort might not be the end goal. This journey, anchored in submitting oneself to a sovereign purpose, demands a commitment to sovereignly rule over the tasks we are created to undertake. As I reflect on my entrepreneurial path, I’ve come to recognize that God, in His infinite wisdom, consistently urges us to expand our thinking, encouraging us to push the boundaries of our own capabilities.

Declarations carry weight only when paired with dedicated action. Claiming to be a writer isn’t merely about putting words on paper; it’s a testament to the time, dedication, and self-investment poured into the craft. My journey began with a humble commitment of one blog a month, evolving into a weekly routine, and eventually reaching four blogs a week. Building systems proved instrumental in this progression, illustrating that with discipline and dedication, growth is not only achievable but inevitable.

Similar principles apply to my pursuit of public speaking. While I may not have secured bookings at this juncture, I recognize the value of proactive engagement. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come knocking, I leverage social media to share my insights, going live to discuss various topics. This proactive approach, akin to my writing journey, signifies a commitment to living out declarations, even before external validation. It’s a testament to the belief that the work put into our aspirations is a direct reflection of the commitment we have towards them.

So, I challenge you – declare your ambitions boldly, but let your actions echo even louder. The path to success isn’t a straight line; it’s a journey of consistent effort, constant refinement, and unwavering commitment. As you embark on your own endeavors, remember that declarations are not mere statements but commitments to a journey of growth, where every step forward is a testament to the faithfulness of your actions.

I made so many mistakes as an entrepreneur that I feel obligated to share my lessons, both the good and the bad. It baffles me to think that in the end, what I needed was a coach. To make it worse, I wasn’t reading about other entrepreneurs, so I missed opportunities to learn. Learning is essential on this entrepreneurial journey. I’ve become a coach so that I can help others get past many of the pain points I have experienced. I tell stories like these so that people don’t miss the opportunities that I missed. This was a very great day, and I was so proud of that day and so proud of my team, but it was afterwards that I considered what it cost me. It doesn’t have to apply the lesson.

So, is it possible to make $10,000 in a day yet lose $500,000? 🧐 If somebody had told me that, I’d be like, “Boy, you crazy. Boy, you lying. Ain’t no way you can make $10,000 in a day and lose $500,000.” Why? Because the math is not mathing, but actually it is. I made $10,000 in a day at an event, but I did not get anyone’s information. I was so happy that the sales were rolling in. Do you know how much that Shopify register had to go off for you to make $10,000 in a day? That thing was like, ding, ding, ding, ding, going crazy. But I wasn’t future-proofing and thinking that this could be a lifetime customer that I could take on a journey. Those $10,000 worth of sales cost me $500,000 because I did not capture the client information.

Situations like these are why I started my podcast and The Ground Up Academy. You know the old saying, a wise person learns from their mistakes. A wiser person learns from others’ mistakes.

If you took a risk and lost on the business investment, congratulations, you found out what not to do. However, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Extract all of the lessons, then go back at it again and again and again.

It’s amazing that we expect our children to walk after a while and we also expect for them to fail repeatedly as they are trying to learn. We can learn a lot from children because we also see the same thing when they are tying their shoes. Be honest, we all become masters at those two things—we don’t think about walking and we don’t think about tying shoes anymore. If we are honest, we probably don’t even remember that we did it this morning. The same goes for any skill set that you are trying to learn, and the same goes for business. You don’t understand business when you get started, and honestly, it’s a journey. You will make a lot of mistakes, but mistakes just show you how not to do it until you find the way to do it. We cannot let fear stop us from trying. I always commend people who try, fail, and then try again.

God gave us a powerful gift when He gave us imagination because imagination allows us to dream. We all have things we desire to do. The real sin is not trying. So I just want to encourage you that when you do fail—because you will, as that is normal—get up again and again until mastery takes place. There are blessings beyond belief on the other side of mastery.

Only fools don’t prepare for the famine. Now, what do I mean?

Back when we were generating $70,000 a month at Unapologetic, business was booming. We were investing heavily into our growth—doing more photoshoots, upgrading the building, and pouring our profits back into the business. It seemed like the right move. However, we overlooked a crucial biblical principle: saving a fifth of our earnings.

In the Bible, Joseph was tasked with preparing Egypt for a coming famine. Under Pharaoh’s guidance, he collected one-fifth of the produce during seven years of plenty. When the famine struck, Egypt was not only able to sustain itself but also provide for surrounding nations. This wise preparation not only saved countless lives but also strengthened Egypt’s position in the region.

This principle of setting aside 20%—the “one-fifth”—is something I emphasize at The Ground Up Academy. It’s vital to put up that 20% for a rainy day. Why? Because business will fluctuate, and only those who prepare will weather the storm.

We learned this the hard way. By not saving, we left ourselves vulnerable to unexpected downturns. The biblical principle of saving a fifth of your income can change your life. It’s not just about surviving tough times but thriving and being prepared for whatever comes your way.

In summary, don’t be a fool. Prepare for the famine. Save diligently, invest wisely, and ensure that you have reserves for the lean seasons. This foresight can mean the difference between collapse and continued success.

As an entrepreneur, but a believer first, I want to share something that’s at the core of my journey. You might wonder why I emphasize this, why it’s my tagline, and why I’m so passionate about it. It’s because God is the source of our strength and success. He grants us the power to prosper, blesses the work of our hands, and bestows upon us the creativity that fuels our endeavors.

Of course, discipline and effort are essential—we need to put in the work. But, my friends, remember this: every day, let your focus be on your relationship with God. Begin your day by asking Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, to grant you wisdom, and to meet your needs. Often, we fall into the trap of thinking we’re making things happen on our own. The truth is, our achievements are not just our doing. All blessings flow from Him, and nothing happens unless heaven allows it.

Never forget that, bro.

Success – a concept universally coveted, but could there be a hidden adversary lurking in the shadows? The fear of success, often dismissed as absurd, becomes palpable when one realizes their potential and envisions the journey ahead. It’s not about the desire to fail but rather an unexpected anxiety that accompanies the prospect of achieving greatness.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, the initial struggle is often marked by the fear of failure. Juggling a full-time job while trying to launch a business can feel like overcoming insurmountable odds. However, as the journey progresses, and success becomes a tangible possibility, a new player enters the arena – the fear of success. This blog is dedicated to those on the cusp of their business taking flight, offering insights that resonate even with those navigating the earlier stages.

Elevating our mindset becomes paramount in overcoming these hurdles. The fear of failure may hinder the inception of our endeavors, but the fear of success surfaces when we witness our efforts bearing fruit. The perpetual cycle of challenges, disruptions, and intentions is an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey. It’s a reminder that as we ascend towards our goals, there will always be obstacles vying to impede our progress.

Continuous investment in mindset and a commitment to learning from those ahead of us become invaluable tools in navigating this paradox. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who surpass our intellect ensures a steady flow of inspiration and guidance. The blog advocates for a proactive approach, urging readers never to stagnate in their pursuit of knowledge and growth.

The notion of a fear of success may appear whimsical, yet it’s a tangible force that surfaces when endeavors begin to flourish. It’s a call to acknowledge and address this psychological hurdle, fostering a mindset that not only embraces success but thrives in its wake. After all, understanding and conquering the fear of success is an essential stride toward realizing our full potential.

I used to hate discipline. But here’s the thing—you don’t want to reach the end of your life and realize that’s your legacy. Think about it. Did you ever start that business you always talked about? Did you get that consultation business off the ground? What about your coaching business, beauty salon, or barber shop? Did you ever launch that e-commerce brand you were so passionate about?

Too often, we let our desires get in the way. We want to sleep in, watch TV, take that trip, buy the new purse or those new shoes. But here’s the hard truth: without discipline, dreams stay dreams.

Don’t let your legacy be that you hated discipline. Make the choice today to prioritize your goals and build the future you’ve always envisioned.

Discipline isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

In the various facets of my journey – be it through podcasts, blogs, social media, books, or speaking engagements – you might have gleaned that my eyes pose a challenge. Consequently, I’ve shifted to absorbing the Bible through audio, a practice I’ve found enriching. Listening to Scripture as I drift into sleep allows my mind to absorb its wisdom consciously, while my subconscious continues the journey through the night.

Recently, a phrase echoed in my waking moments, revealing a profound truth: “Rich towards God.” This simple yet weighty expression resonated deeply, prompting reflection on the evolution of my spiritual wealth. While I believe I’m now more “rich towards God” than ever, it wasn’t always the case, and I acknowledge it might not be for everyone at this moment.

In a world fixated on success, there exists an undeniable need to get the order of priorities right. This blog asserts that the foremost order is God first. Yet, acknowledging God’s priority is easier said than done. It necessitates time, dedication, and a commitment to building a genuine relationship with the invisible yet omnipresent force that guides our lives.

God desires more than mere credit for our blessings; He seeks a relationship. Being “rich towards God,” as mentioned in Luke 12:21, entails prioritizing spiritual and moral values over material wealth. It advocates for investing in relationships with God and others, fostering a mindset of generosity and compassion that transcends worldly possessions.

While ambition and goal-setting are commendable, their significance diminishes if pursued in the wrong order. This teaching underscores the marathon nature of our spiritual journey, urging us not to rush through the Bible but to dwell, question, and sit with the scriptures. God desires to lead our lives as a good father, a caring shepherd.

So, what does it mean to be rich towards God? It means making God a priority, investing time, affection, and all that is within us. It might cost us something, but in the grand tapestry of life, the true richness lies in being deeply connected with the divine, making it a priority that outweighs all else.

Receiving the news that my retina was detaching in my left eye, leading to immediate surgery and the declaration of legal blindness, was a seismic moment. The prospect of never driving again weighed heavy, and the journey to process this unexpected reality was challenging for both me and my wife.

In the midst of grappling with this life-altering news, a divine prompting led me to embark on writing my book, “God Bless The Entrepreneur: The First Decade.” Armed with my iPhone and a determination to transcend visual limitations, I recorded voice notes, trusting that there was a purpose in this creative endeavor.

Living as a visually impaired individual in Los Angeles, the fast-pace metropolis, presented unique challenges. The city’s relentless pace demanded a deliberate slowing of my mind to navigate its streets. Frustration became a companion, yet the overarching desire to move forward persisted.

Amidst the complexities, I found grace in being able to accomplish various tasks despite visual impairment. I authored two unpublished books, maintained a consistent schedule of four weekly blogs, and continually embraced opportunities to learn new skills.

As my vision further declined, a visit to the eye doctor revealed the presence of cataracts in both eyes. A prior conversation echoed, where the doctor mentioned the role of oil in stimulating cataract growth. Acknowledging this reality, I scheduled an appointment with a surgeon to address the issue.

Life with visual impairment is a journey marked by resilience. Faced with the challenge of cataracts, I choose to press forward. Every day brings its share of frustrations, yet the determination to fulfill my calling propels me. We all confront circumstances, but within each challenge lies a divine calling that beckons us to endure.

This blog stands as a testament to the encouragement for others facing adversity: keep going, carry your burdens to the One who called you, and embrace the very purpose for which you were created.