Today is Ash Wednesday! Not many people may be aware of this, but since 2018, I have observed Lent every year by giving up things like alcohol, takeaway, sweets, chocolate and pastries, to name a few.
Lent has long been associated with sacrifice, self-discipline and spiritual reflection. Traditionally, it was a period of fasting and abstinence observed as a way to deepen one’s faith and prepare for Easter.
In the modern day, while many still honour its religious roots, Lent has also evolved into a time of personal growth, mindfulness and positive change. As I embark on this 40-day journey for 2025 today, I’ve realised that Lent offers lessons far beyond religious practice.
It has provided an unexpected blueprint for personal branding, professional growth and the discipline needed to build a strong presence in the world. Here are six ways it has shaped my approach and how it can help you do the same.
1. The Power of Intentionality
Every decision we make shapes our path. Whether it’s a habit we choose to adopt or something we decide to eliminate, it requires being intentional, very much similar to personal branding.
To establish yourself as an expert, every LinkedIn post, blog and networking opportunity should align with your brand message. Intentionality is what separates those who build authority from those who remain unnoticed.
2. Consistency Builds Trust
Long-term efforts lead to lasting results. Building credibility doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of consistent action.
Whether you’re seeking a new role, building a freelance career, or positioning yourself as a thought leader, showing up regularly, sharing valuable insights and engaging with your audience builds trust and authority.
3. Eliminating Distractions Leads to Clarity
Many people give up distractions during Lent to refocus their energy. In personal branding, distractions can take the form of trying to be everywhere at once, spreading yourself too thin across multiple platforms or saying “yes” to opportunities that don’t align with your long-term goals.
Prioritisation is key. Knowing what aligns with your long-term goals and letting go of what doesn’t is essential for growth.
4. Reflection Fuels Growth
Lent is a time for self-examination. Similarly, personal branding and professional growth require regular reflection.
This is the time when you ask yourself:
- What’s working?
- What’s not?
- Have you positioned yourself as the go-to expert in your field?
- Have you been consistent with your messaging?
Reflection allows you to refine your strategy and ensure you’re progressing in the right direction.
5. Sacrifice Yields Results
Whether it’s sacrificing time to bulk-create content, investing in professional development or stepping out of your comfort zone to network, meaningful growth requires sacrifice.
The best brands, both personal and corporate, are built through effort and perseverance. The temporary discomfort of discipline always leads to long-term gains.
6. Community and Accountability Matter
Lent is often observed in the Christian community, with people sharing their commitments and supporting each other.
Personal branding isn’t a solo journey, either. Although the branding is personal to you, having a network, a mentor or an accountability group can make all the difference in the world.
Whether it’s engaging with fellow entrepreneurs, collaborating with peers or seeking guidance from industry leaders, community accelerates growth, and like how the saying goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Final Thoughts: A Mindset Shift Beyond 40 Days
Lent may last 40 days, but the habits and lessons it instils can have a lasting impact. Personal branding and professional growth require the same principles: intentionality, consistency, clarity, reflection, sacrifice and community. By applying these lessons, you don’t just build a brand, you make a reputation that lasts well beyond the season.
You may not want to give up all your favourite treats and vices, but finding a balance is key to maintaining both enjoyment and well-being. Sometimes, you have to let go of certain things to make space for more positive habits and opportunities.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed about personal branding or growth, maybe it’s time to approach it with a 40-day focus. What would happen if you committed to showing up, refining your message and being intentional for the next 40 days? The results might just transform your career. It might even transform your life.
Wish me luck over the next 40 days, and see you next week!
[…] During Lent, I was committed to also focusing on my overall health and took part in a 60-day workout…. It meant carving out time when my schedule felt full and staying consistent when I honestly didn’t feel like it. Some days were a struggle, but I kept going. That challenge reminded me that showing up, even imperfectly, is where the real growth happens. […]