Mindset

If I aspire to fulfill all the plans God has for me, I must overcome the main opposition. This person constantly plants lies into my mind. He tries to bring down my self-worth. He doubts that my efforts are worthwhile. He convinces me that my goals are unreachable.

This biggest opponent I’m talking about is “MYSELF”.

I recently wrote the goals I intend to achieve for next year. I was so excited because they were all faith-stretching goals. Achieving them would increase my potential, encourage more people, and honor God daily.

Then negative thoughts came into my mind. How can I balance all these? Am I kidding myself? Are these setting me up to failure? Are these even realistic?

The best way to battle this negativity is to replace them with God-honoring thoughts. I wrote down some personal declarations to combat this.

These bold declarations allow me to start the day with a proper mindset. Even when discouragements occur later on, I remind myself of these statements. Reciting them aloud helps dispel the negative thoughts in my head.

1. “I declare that the Past won’t Dictate my Future.”
Some experiences in my past are painful to recall. I should acknowledge that this is part of my past. Then I let go of it. I take hold of the lessons instead. Who knows, they could be the foundation for me to serve others more.

2. “I declare that Criticism won’t Slow my Pace.”
I cannot please every person. Attempting to do so will only leave me exhausted. If I receive criticism, I must discern and accept any truth it has in it. It will make me a better person. I discard everything else, and move on.

3. “I declare that Fear won’t Overwhelm Me.”
Fear imprisons me to shrink back from my dreams. Then it attacks me with deep regret for not taking action. I must realize that being fearful is a great sign that I’m going out of my comfort zone. Stretching myself increases my opportunities to impact the lives of more people.

4. “I declare that Emotions won’t Decide for me.”
Feelings are a large part of my being. But if I allow my emotions to run my life, I will be very unstable. I must stick to doing what’s right even if my emotions don’t feel like it. In my experience, positive emotions eventually align when I make the right decisions.

5. “I declare that Circumstances won’t be my Excuse”
It’s so easy to come up with excuses for not meeting the grade. I can easily say that it was “beyond my control.” I must be honest and own up for my responsibilities. Then I make adjustments so the same mistakes won’t be committed again.

6. “I declare that Delays won’t Discourage my Progress.”
There are surely instances beyond my control that delay my intended timings. However, I shouldn’t get frustrated. While I wait in one aspect, I must assess other aspects I can work on and progress. A delay in one area doesn’t mean delays in every area of my life.

7. “I declare that Sin won’t be Justified as Acceptable.”
My worldly mind persuades me that compromise is acceptable on some occasions. I must resist and hold my convictions. I cannot take shortcuts. Selling my integrity isn’t worth any goal. Besides, my ultimate goal is to please God moment by moment.

The verse in Philippians 4:8 encourages me what should fill my mind:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

If I recite these declarations everyday, it will slowly but surely develop a determined mind. Achieving my God-given goals won’t be too far off.

Discussion Question:
What other declarations would you suggest to develop a determined mind? Share your inputs below.