The Right Mindset To Live A Purposeful Life

What comes to mind when you hear the word mindset? A way of thinking? Beliefs? Habits? The Oxford dictionary defines it as a set of attitudes or fixed ideas that somebody has, which is often difficult to change.

We all have a certain mindset, and it surely determines how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. It affects the way we respond and react to our surroundings. It influences our way of living and how we handle the challenges life throws at us. It also determines our future.

Sadly, there is a positive and negative mindset. A positive one will empower us to grow and move forward towards our purpose, while a negative one will always limit us.

Philippians 4:8, NLT says to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable and to think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

You may think how is it even possible to always think of the good things when bad things happen, problems arise, people irritate us and hurt us, things don’t go as expected, and we are disappointed, angry, frustrated.

So, how can you have the right mindset?

• Be aware of the negative things you say to yourself or the negative thoughts you tend to dwell on. It may be small things like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m stupid,” or “I can’t do it because I will fail.” Stop them and replace them with what the word of God says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God” (psalms 139:14) or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
  
  
• If you tend to compare yourself to others to assess whether you are better or not, realize that each one of us is unique and has different paths. God created every person beautifully with different gifts, talents, and purpose. Each person has his own journey. Rather than being threatened by other’s success, be inspired to follow your own dream and goal.
  
  
• Don’t see challenges as a sure way to fail but as opportunities to grow. Rather than letting fear control you, choose to move forward with God’s strength.
  
  
• If you tend to be critical about everything and nitpick on every little thing, how about trying to see something good and positive instead? And just let go of the illusion of perfection. Nobody is perfect. Only God is.
  
  
• If you fail at something, do you feel like a failure and start beating you up? Realize that it is just a setback. It hurts, but you are still beautifully made by God, and it doesn’t mean that you will continue to fail. Remind yourself that life is all about learning and growing. So, learn from your mistakes.
  
  
• If you always see yourself as a victim, thinking that the world is out to get you, feeling sorry for yourself, please understand that you have a choice to think differently. Romans 8:37 says that in all things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. You are a conqueror.
  
  
• If you are having a hard time with difficult people, what usually happens in your head? Complain? Blame? Instead, turn to God, give Him all those emotions and ask for His wisdom to make the right decisions. Take some time for reflection. Bless those persons and refuse to ruminate.
  
  
• If you are facing problems of any kind, it is common to worry and fret, but it only steals your joy and peace. Instead, focus on God as He is greater than every obstacle, and He has the solution for everything. Stop thinking about the future and trust God to guide you through it all. Psalms 23:4, NLT says, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” God is faithful; He won’t let you down.
  
  
• Be grateful every day. Life may be difficult, but there is something you can be thankful for. Find it or ask God to show you.
  
  
• Be with positive people who will encourage and support you. Being with them will impact your life in the right way.

It is a daily battle to keep our mind on the right things. Negativity always tries to find its way into our minds. But we have control over our thoughts. It is essential to keep our focus so we can grow, become better, move forward towards our purpose, and live life to the fullest without regrets.

If, as a woman, you are struggling with a negative mindset and want to focus on the right thoughts, I’d love to connect with you. Book a free discovery session on Cindy@anewforpurpose.com