How to Maintain a Positive Mindset in Negative Circumstance
True story.
Day 1 back from vacation, leaving the house for the office.
2019 ended with me feeling burned out. The work facing me in 2020 appeared overwhelming. Yet two weeks of re-connecting with family, then relaxing and re-envisioning 2020 in a mountain cabin retreat worked wonders (as I mentioned in last week’s blog post).
Now, the official start to the New Year! Time to practice the calm rather than overwhelm. Move with clarity! Follow calendared plans to keep me on track!
“Click, click, click, click, click” chirped our car as Bud turned the key. Battery dead! A few quick phone calls rearranged the morning’s appointments as we jump started the car and drove to the dealer for a new battery.
“Wow,” I thought as we left the dealer for the office. “I must really be relaxed and refreshed. The whole battery fiasco didn’t faze me at al!”
I walked into the office to find our business e-mail and my personal e-mail had just been hacked. Scores of scam emails went out under our email address. Yikes!
“Well… those things happen,” I thought to myself. “No big deal. We will get that fixed.”
The day rolled on. The usual stresses and challenges. Then a phone call in the evening about a little family conflict, chaos and problem.
I won’t deny it: by the end of the day I felt that old sense of anxiety well up inside of me and threaten to engulf me. The waters of overwhelm started rushing in!
The image of myself in my head changed. I had been seeing myself boldly surfing a wave of purpose toward a greater vision. Now suddenly I viewed myself struggling to keep my head above water!
I realized, “I need to calm my mind. Manage my anxiety. I must regain that sense of purpose, passion and power I was feeling.”
So I did!
Here’s how. It all comes down to mindset. Though the events that tend to throw you into a less than positive mood and the thoughts you need to correct may differ from mine, and perhaps be far more consequential, the underlying solution remains the same. Here’s what worked for me:
First, I refocused on Jesus. I reflected on the fact that Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith. I remembered that He is in charge of my life!
Second, I refocused on the Big Picture.
When I planned my year a few weeks ago, I identified the three main work roles I need to play. (I develop therapists, act as CEO of Christian Care Connection and create helpful emotional intelligence related content for pastors.)
I can’t allow small distractions to hold my attention. Those are the three “biggies” on my radar. Staying focused on them reduces my sense of overwhelm and increases my clarity.
By the way, here’s my question for you: what is the “Big Picture” for you this year? Can you identify your top priorities?
Third, I refocused on calming self-talk, truths of scripture and positive images. I love the image of hind’s feet on high places! Have you seen photos or film of these delightful little animals peacefully climbing impossibly steep cliffs with nimble sure-footedness? Well, God promises that I can do the same.
You can calm your own mind and emotions, too! We are able to maintain a “mountaintop mindset” even in the valleys.
Here’s my challenge to you (and to myself). Let’s train ourselves to stay focused on Jesus, our biggest priorities and positive, inspiring thoughts every day this coming year. If we do, we will enjoy energizing emotions that help us and others maintain our passion, power and purpose!
—-
If you enjoyed this article, please “like” or share on your favorite social media using the icons below.
___
