Stay Awake in Your Business: Lessons from the Story of Eutychus

In the Bible, Acts 20:7-12 tells the story of Eutychus, a young man who, while listening to Paul’s teachings late into the night, fell asleep and fell from a third-story window. Though he was pronounced dead, Paul, by God’s power, restored him to life. This story offers profound lessons—not just for believers but also for business owners.

As entrepreneurs, there are times we might metaphorically "fall asleep"—becoming complacent, inattentive, or overwhelmed by the demands of our business. Here’s how we can relate this story to staying proactive, alert, and engaged in our entrepreneurial journey.

1. Stay Alert: Avoid "Business Sleep"

Eutychus’ fall reminds us of the dangers of drifting into passivity. In business, this happens when we get too comfortable or distracted, allowing opportunities to slip away or threats to catch us off guard.

• Key takeaway: Always keep an eye on your business metrics, customer feedback, and industry trends. Regularly assess your business strategy to ensure it aligns with your goals. Staying alert means being prepared to adapt and innovate.

2. Don’t Let Exhaustion Lead to Complacency

Running a business often involves long hours, just like Paul’s extended teaching. However, burnout can cause us to lose focus and make poor decisions. Just as Eutychus fell into physical sleep from exhaustion, a business owner who neglects self-care may lose sight of their vision.

• Key takeaway: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. A rested mind is more proactive and creative. Schedule breaks and delegate tasks to avoid exhaustion.

3. Learn from Mistakes and Rise Again

Eutychus fell, but his story didn’t end there. Paul intervened, and he was restored to life. In business, setbacks and failures are inevitable. The key is to learn from these moments and bounce back stronger.

• Key takeaway: When mistakes happen, don’t dwell on them. Seek solutions, adjust your approach, and move forward. Just as Eutychus was given a second chance, businesses can recover and thrive after failures.

4. Proactive Steps Prevent Falls

Eutychus’ fall was a literal one, but for business owners, a “fall” could mean losing a major client, missing a crucial deadline, or failing to seize an opportunity. Being proactive helps you anticipate challenges before they happen.

• Key takeaway: Have contingency plans in place. Monitor cash flow, review contracts, and maintain strong communication with your team and clients. Being proactive ensures you stay ahead of potential pitfalls.

5. Surround Yourself with Support

Eutychus was not alone when he fell. He was surrounded by a community of believers and a leader like Paul who intervened to restore him. Similarly, business owners need a network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance and support during challenging times.

• Key takeaway: Build a strong support system. Join business networks, seek mentorship, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. A thriving community can uplift you during your most challenging moments.

6. Keep the Vision Alive

Paul’s declaration, “He’s alive,” is a powerful reminder that hope and restoration are always possible. As a business owner, keeping your vision alive requires faith, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.

• Key takeaway: Revisit your mission and values regularly to stay inspired. Celebrate small wins and focus on the bigger picture, even when the path gets tough.

Final Thoughts

The story of Eutychus challenges us as business owners to remain vigilant, active, and proactive in managing our businesses. While setbacks may happen, the key is to rise, learn, and move forward with determination. Stay alert, stay engaged, and surround yourself with the right people. Just as Eutychus was restored, your business can thrive when you remain watchful and proactive.

Let this be a call to action: wake up, step up, and take charge of your business today. Your success depends not just on working hard but on staying awake to the opportunities and challenges ahead.