In the life of a Catholic woman in business, beginnings can feel painfully uncertain. Surrounded by announcements, launches, promotions, and success stories, we can begin to treat formation as an obstacle to our “real” work rather than as part of God’s work within us.

I believe we must say yes to situations that are uncomfortable. Truly living as a Catholic in today’s society can be pretty uncomfortable, but I believe we can learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and maybe that is truly how God created us to be.

My mom regularly threatened my siblings and me with cotillion. Weekly, it seemed, our manners would horrify her at the dinner table, and she would tell us she was going to sign us up for the dancing and etiquette class that’s so popular in the south.

The book Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs that Limit Your Potential by Muriel M. Wilkins was a book I struggled to read. As a naturally introspective person who feels like I already have a strong awareness of my strengths and weaknesses, I was humbled to realize how much growth I still need in many areas. However, that realization was not discouraging, but instead inspiring.

Jealousy is perceived threat to something valued, the fear of losing something precious, someone we love — or at least their favor and approval. And whose, in this instance? God’s.

Although this may not be a consoling thought as you prepare for an upcoming interview, there are concrete steps you can take to ensure you make a good first impression. Taking the time to prepare and practice your responses to common behavioral-based questions will increase your confidence and set you apart from the competition.