As Christian women in business and leadership, we strive to grow spiritually while balancing the demands of our work, family, and personal lives. We seek to honor God in everything we do—building businesses and working with integrity, making an impact through our calling, and nurturing our faith along the way.
But what if some of the spiritual habits we’ve been practicing, the ones we thought were strengthening our relationship with God, were actually working against us?
What if these spiritual habits led us into exhaustion, self-doubt, or even a sense of distance from God rather than drawing us closer?
The truth is, not all spiritual practices are beneficial when done in the wrong way or with the wrong heart posture. Sometimes, we unknowingly slip into habits that are more about duty than devotion, more about perfection than presence, or more about people-pleasing than true worship.
Instead of deepening our faith, these habits can leave us feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or disconnected from God’s true design for our lives.
Let’s explore four specific spiritual habits that may be hindering your growth and keeping you stuck in frustration or burnout.
- Uncovering why relying on a one-size-fits-all faith approach might be limiting your personal connection with God
- Showing how perfectionism in your spiritual life can steal your peace
- Why serving for the approval of others can drain your joy, and
- How waiting for absolute clarity may be holding you back from walking boldly in faith
But this isn’t just about identifying the problem—it’s about discovering the solution.
For each of these spiritual habits, we dive into practical ways to shift your mindset and approach, so your spiritual life becomes one of freedom, intimacy, and alignment with how God uniquely created you.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things but still struggling to feel spiritually fulfilled, this is for you. Let’s take a closer look at what might be holding you back and how to realign your faith journey in a way that truly transforms your life.
1. Relying on a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Faith
Many of us have been taught that spiritual growth only happens in specific ways—praying at a certain time, reading the Bible in a structured plan, or attending church every Sunday without fail. While these are valuable disciplines, God designed each of us uniquely.
If you feel spiritually disconnected despite following these traditional methods, you may need a more personalized approach. Your faith should align with how God wired you, not just a checklist of spiritual duties.
Consider how your personality type influences your connection with God—are you more reflective, action-driven, relational, or intellectual in your faith? When you embrace how God designed you, your spiritual life flourishes in ways that feel natural and life-giving.
Shift this habit by Identifying the ways you naturally connect with God based on your personality and daily rhythms.
- If you’re a deep thinker, try meditating on a single verse instead of following a rigid reading plan.
- If you thrive on action, incorporate prayer into movement, like walking or exercising.
- If relationships energize you, engage in faith discussions with a close friend or small group.
Align your spiritual practices with how God uniquely designed you, rather than forcing yourself into routines that feel restrictive.
Want to find out more about your God-given design to connect with Him? Take the Faith Shape Quiz. Let it show you how you best connect to God.
2. Striving for Perfection Instead of Presence
Perfectionism can be a sneaky spiritual trap. You might think that being “good enough” for God requires performing perfectly—praying the right way, studying the Bible deeply every day, or serving in multiple church ministries.
But striving for perfection in your faith can actually lead to exhaustion and guilt when you inevitably fall short.
God doesn’t want your performance—He wants your presence. Luke 5:16 tells us that even Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to simply be with the Father. He invites you to do the same, resting in His grace rather than working for His approval.
Shift this spiritual habit by incorporating spiritual practices that align with how you naturally engage with God.
- If you process thoughts internally, try journaling your prayers or meditating on Scripture.
- If you connect through action, turn daily tasks into worship by listening to Scripture or praying as you work.
- If you’re relational, set aside time for conversational prayer or faith discussions with a mentor.
The key is to cultivate an ongoing awareness of God’s presence in ways that feel natural and life-giving, rather than striving for a perfect spiritual routine.
3. Serving to Please Others Instead of God
As Christian women, we often feel pressure to serve in every opportunity that comes our way. We say “yes” to every ministry request, mentor others, and volunteer in ways that stretch us too thin. While serving is a beautiful act of faith, it becomes harmful when done out of obligation or fear of disappointing others.
God calls us to serve from a place of love, not for the approval of people. When we overextend ourselves, we risk burnout, resentment, and losing sight of our true calling. Jesus Himself modeled healthy boundaries—He didn’t heal everyone or meet every need but followed the Father’s specific mission for Him.
As entrepreneurs and business professionals, we must also recognize that our work is a ministry. The businesses we build, the clients we serve, the co-workers lead, and the impact we create are ways we honor God.
Serving doesn’t always mean saying “yes” to every church opportunity—sometimes, it means stewarding our gifts within our businesses, where God has placed us. When we shift our mindset to see our work as a form of service, we release the guilt of not doing “enough” in traditional ministry and embrace the unique calling God has given us.
Shift this habit by defining your top three God-given values—such as faith, family, impact, or creativity—and use them as a filter for making decisions. Before committing to an opportunity, ask yourself, “Does this align with my core values and the calling God has placed on my life?”
If it pulls you away from what matters most, give yourself permission to say NO with confidence, trusting that God will direct your energy toward the right opportunities.
4. Waiting for Clarity Instead of Walking in Faith
Many Christian women hesitate to step into their God-given calling because they are waiting for absolute clarity. We keep circling the same questions, overanalyzing every step, and looking for a perfect sign—like being stuck in a roundabout, unsure of which exit to take.
But faith doesn’t always come with a detailed roadmap. Sometimes, God calls us to exit the roundabout and move forward, even when we don’t have all the answers. Trusting Him means taking a step, even if it feels uncertain, knowing He will guide and course-correct along the way.
Abraham was called to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Peter stepped out of the boat before he knew he could walk on water (Matthew 14:29). God often reveals the next step after we take the first one.
He’s always asking us, “Do you trust Me?”
Shift this spiritual habit by choosing one small, actionable step toward your calling this week—whether it’s reaching out to a potential client, launching a simple version of your idea, or setting aside time to pray specifically for direction.
Instead of waiting for perfect clarity, commit to taking that step in faith, trusting that God will reveal the next one as you move forward. Keep a journal to track how He is guiding you, so you can see His hand at work even in the small beginnings.
Breaking Free and Growing Deeper in Faith
Spiritual habits should draw you closer to God, not leave you feeling drained, stuck, or discouraged. If you’ve been caught in the cycle of rigid routines, perfectionism, overcommitment, or hesitation, it’s time to break free and step into a more fulfilling and authentic faith journey.
Here are a few ways to stop sabotaging your spiritual growth and start experiencing real transformation:
- Identify your Spiritual strengths
- Redefine what it means to Serve
- Create space for God’s presence daily
- Take action in Faith, not fear
God has designed you uniquely, and your faith journey should reflect that. If you’re ready to stop the cycle of spiritual frustration and step into a faith life that aligns with who God created you to be, check out the Personalized Faith Plan (PFP). It will help you discover the spiritual practices that fit you best, so you can grow in faith with confidence and peace.
Which of these spiritual habits have you struggled with the most? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your journey!
Be filled to overflowing,
DeneenTB
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