Podcast Episode 142 - Overcoming Fear pt 2 - Develop your mindset
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Do you fall into the Not Enough Mindset when you think about your dreams?
How about the Coulda–Woulda–Shoulda Mindset?
Or the Who Am I to Do X Mindset?
In part 2 of our 5-part series on overcoming fear, we’re breaking down how to Direct Your Imagination to work for you instead of against you. That is one of the key facets to Live Fearlessly Free. If you missed the three lessons on how to Live Fearlessly Free, check out episode #141.
Today, we’re talking about one of the keys to getting that ole’ imagination to work for you–develop the right mindset.
So today is for you if:
If you’re tired of being stuck.
If you feel powerless to change.
If you’re ready to shift your mindset from Can’t to Can.
Mindset is the habitual mental attitude that determines how you interpret and respond to life.
It’s the filter we look through when opportunities come our way. It reveals what we think we’re capable of.
My mindset for decades was Not Enough, Coulda–Woulda–Shoulda, and don’t forget the I Can’t mindset. So when opportunities came my way, I passed…because who am I to do those things? I was looking through the wrong lens instead of “What if?” What if I could speak? What if I could write? What if I could step out into the unknown and do that awesome scary thing for God?
To get our imagination working for us instead of against us where it’s holding us back from what God’s called us to do, we must Develop Our Mindset.
1. It all starts with a thought
Our thoughts are powerful!
We Think > We Feel > We Act > We Become
We think a thought that leads to specific feelings. Then we act on those feelings. When we act the same long enough, that’s who we become.
When I thought, “I can’t,” it caused feelings of shame, anxiety and defeat; I acted on those feelings and missed opportunities because I acted with inaction. And because I acted with inaction long enough, I became someone who couldn’t do that thing that God put in my heart to do.
But what if we use this formula to get our imagination working for us?
Now we can become whoever we want to become! But it’s up to us. And it all starts with a thought.
Who do you want to become?
2. You’re not a victim of your thoughts
Just because the thought comes doesn’t mean you have to keep it. And just because a thought comes doesn’t make it true, either.
We get to choose our thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Paul wouldn’t have told us to think about these awesome fabulouso things if we couldn’t.
We get to choose our thoughts.
We get to choose what stays and what goes.
3. Change your thought to change your future
If you want a mindset of I CAN, you’ve got to swap out that thought of I can’t to I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It takes time and work to change your thoughts, and it takes even longer for positive thoughts to be automatic if you’ve been stuck in a negative thought rut for years.
But you can do it! It’s called renewing your mind. You’re exchanging a negative thought for a positive thought.
Change your thoughts to change your future.
When you develop your mindset, then you will interpret and respond to life in faith instead of fear.
Now, when the opportunities, we can say, “I got this–and Father’s got me!”
In the next episode, I’ll share how you need to Develop Your Discipline, so you can keep your imagination working for you instead of reverting to being against you.
I want to remind you that you have a call on your life. Your mess gets to become your message. But maybe fear is still holding you back. No more! It’s time to shift so you can do that thing in your heart!
Maybe you tried and failed. Perhaps you’re too afraid to step out and try.
I’ve created something special just for you… it’s called the Courageous Club.
Over the next couple of episodes, I’ll share what the Courageous Club is and see if it’s that missing puzzle piece you need to finally stop hiding, show up fully yourself and fulfill your God-given purpose.
In the meantime, reflect on your mindset. What is it? Become aware of your mindset and whether your thoughts are serving you.