We Can train our Minds to do Better!

My mind is my laboratory. ~ Albert Einstein

What a powerful statement from one of the most influential scientists that ever lived! I woke up this morning thinking about the mind and how we can sometimes be lazy and not allow ourselves to think as we ought. If we can take the time to think about situations and our lives, we will find ourselves with solutions to things that we thought impossible.

"The mind has exactly the same power as the hands; not merely to grasp the world, but to change it." —Colin Wilson

The human mind is the largest, grandest nation of all nations that exist in the physical. Why do I say this? The word 'imagination' means, among many other things, "the ability to form pictures in the mind" according to the Cambridge Dictionary. The way I see it, imagination is a combination of two words; 'image' and 'nation'. A picture in the mind or an idea of how something or someone is, in a country, a large group of people living in one area with their own government, language, traditions, etc. Our minds have their own governments within, we make decisions and choices in our lives, and have the ability to change everything about ourselves because we have the powerful ability to form our preferred future in the mind. Think about that for a moment.

‘If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” —William James

Everything we see in the physical, whether good or bad, started in the mind. One decides they will be successful and keeps on trying despite the many failures because they have convinced themselves in the min that they will succeed, while another, fails and gives up and decides to live a mediocre life because their mind has refused to try again.

We give up on relationships, marriage, jobs, our health, and even opportunities because we have allowed our minds to think that it can't be done or have chosen to listen to negative voices. But, we can actually train our minds to do better and not be lazy!

The difference between where you are now and your next level, beyond anything else, is your mindset.

Note that when God created man, He created us in His own image, (Genesis 1:26) meaning that we have the same creative power, and no wonder today we see so many innovations and the world is constantly changing around us, because of the images that we form in our minds and actualize!

Nothing is impossible if we set our mind to it. It can be done!

How do we stretch and train our minds to go for it? How can we develop mental discipline and utilize this God-given gift?

Challenge yourself:

It is common that once we get to our comfort zone, especially a job we enjoy and are paid well, we tend to relax. We want to stay there longer than normal because, after all, I'm earning a good salary, my family is happy, I enjoy my job, and so our mind relaxes. But the question is, what is it that you have accomplished in the last 6 months that you're proud of, that made you break the limit? Nothing? You have been on this mountain for too long.

Why don't you set some goals that will push you out of that comfort zone, some big audacious goals for the next 5 months? One way you can do this is by taking on projects that are slightly beyond your current abilities, that will challenge you to think and go beyond the norm.

Develop a learning habit:

Set aside time for learning, and research on new areas and topics. Read materials that are outside of your career, explore various subjects and challenging texts that stretch your understanding including research papers on various subjects. This stretches your mind beyond your usual comfort zone. It expands your imagination. I love reading biographies, and fun facts, and watching national geography or amazing stories about countries and places because they take my mind on a vast journey beyond where your feet have stepped.

Enroll in a course to learn a new skill or language. Be a learner.

Journal and Engage in Discussions:

This is one of my favorites, journaling and so I carry a notebook everywhere and anywhere I go. Whether it's a thought or idea, a song, a poem, or a thought, I write whenever the inspiration comes.

Another great way to stretch your mind is engaging in discussions, something I do often with my husband. We discuss anything from governance, leadership, politics, family, and ministry, and it can be quite engaging. Sometimes we don't agree, but we always have a peaceful conclusion.. hahaha..

Engage in intellectual conversations, whether it is in book clubs or just meeting with your buddies to engage on different topics. It helps to broaden your knowledge.

Question Assumptions:

Don't listen to the person who has the answers; listen to the person who has the questions. ~ Albert Einstein

Don't believe everything and make it the gospel truth that you live by. So many people have been scammed because they did not question or they were intimidation when they questioned. Question the status quo, question your own beliefs, and seek truth.

When we were growing up, we were taught to listen and never to question, but to follow every instruction. Today, I know better, and I teach my children better. Everyone has a mind of their own, and nobody can think for you except if incapacitated by a medical condition. Teach your children to question, respectfully. This is what brings in new ideas, and a better way of doing things.

Question your organization's processes to provide solutions and make processes simpler; this develops into better and more innovative ways of working.

What are other ways you have practiced stretching and training your mind? Please share in the comments.

Blessings,

Terry

#LeadingDaily