The Quiet Strength of Ambition

Lynnecia S. Eley
3 min readFeb 9, 2024

As we enter the heart (love and Black History) of February 2024, February brings with it an air of reflection. This month, I draw my inspiration from a verse that speaks to the core of a calm yet powerful approach to life: 1 Thessalonians 4:11, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.”

Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash

The Power of a Calm Quiet Life

We have been conditioned to equate success with a constant hustle and visible achievements, this verse asks us to embrace the power of a quiet life. It’s a life where ambition is not about external accolades but about personal fulfillment and inner peace — calm. This month, let’s redefine what it means to be ambitious, focusing on goals that resonate deeply with who we are and what we truly value, and doing what we love.

Mind Your Business: Focus on Personal Goals

The call to “mind your own business” is powerful, especially for women. It’s an encouragement to focus on our paths, to set goals that are authentically ours, and not be swayed by comparison or external expectations. This month, revisit your goals for the year, make sure they are a reflection of your true self, your passions, and your aspirations.

Working with Your Hands: Do Your Job!

Whether it’s building a business, take care of a family, creating art, or contributing to community service, there is huge dignity and confidence to be found in doing our jobs. This verse reminds us that there is honor in the work we do, and our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, they are valuable and worthy of respect.

The Confidence in Self-Reliance

One of the most empowering aspects of this verse is the confidence that comes from self-reliance. By focusing on our own goals and working diligently towards them, we build a sense of self-assurance that is grounded in our abilities and achievements. This is not saying for us to do everything ourselves. This is a confidence that is not loud or boastful; it’s the quiet certainty that comes from knowing we are capable, resilient, and can do all things with God.

As we pursue our goals, let’s also prioritize inner peace and strength. A quiet life is not just about external tranquility but also about cultivating a calm and centered inner world. This inner peace becomes a source of strength, helping us to navigate challenges and stay true to our goals.

In a quiet life, many achievements may go unseen by the world, but they are no less significant. Let’s remember to celebrate these unseen accomplishments — the personal milestones, the quiet acts of kindness, the small daily victories. Each one is a testament to our strength and ambition.

Looking Ahead with Faith and Confidence

As we move through February 2024, let’s embrace the essence of 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Let our ambition be for a life that is quietly powerful, grounded in faith and self-assurance. Let us set goals with the confidence that comes from knowing our worth and our capabilities.

As a working mom and entrepreneur, I know first hand how tough it is to balance family, passions and work while also maintaing feelings of self-assurance. Sometimes we just need a reminder of what we’re capable of. Inspiration, empowerment, and support is waiting at www.shecaninspire.com.

Visit my YouTube Channel, subscribe and save Morning Affirmations for Confident Women 40+ | Start Your Day with Positivity to your playlist.

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Lynnecia S. Eley

Founder of She Can Inspire, Two Queens Media, Soigne' + Swank Magazine and Eta Rho Sigma Sorority, Inc., best-selling Author, wife and mother. shecaninspire.com