Thinking Like a Boss Through Fear, Disappointment, and UncertaintySample

Guarding Our Minds

Day One 

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9, Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 23:7,

The year I turned 13, everyone was obsessed with the Drew Barrymore film, Never Been Kissed. I excitedly made plans to go see it with my friends—only to be told by my father that I wouldn’t be allowed to because it was PG-13. 

I was livid; didn’t he realize I was thirteen?! 

I was sure he was trying to keep me from having fun. What I didn’t understand was my father was wise and knew the influence words have on a young mind. Whether it’s the news, the fearful words of others, or even our own negative self-talk, the words we allow into our minds impact us. It took me over twenty years to understand my dad wasn't trying to give me a hard time, but to preserve my mind and limit the negativity going into it. 

Our minds are like filing cabinets, retaining messages we take in and filing them away. What we hear and what we tell ourselves becomes our reality. When you tell yourself  you will most likely fail during a difficult season or  you will never recover, your mind will begin to believe these words and in time, these words have the potential to become your reality. 

I love the Good News Translation of Philippians 4:8-9:

"In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.  Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you." 

Life would be a whole lot easier if we could filter our thoughts through this verse each and every time we face uncertainty. In order to stop a slide into negative thinking, we ought to take a moment to ask ourselves: is what I’m telling myself true, is it honorable, is there evidence to back it up, and so on? 

When I’ve faced hard seasons of my life, business, and motherhood journey,  I’ve found the most helpful thing has been not to run to others for advice (although sometimes outside counsel is essential), but to replace the lies or uncertainties I’m believing with solid truth. This can be done by listening to uplifting music, podcasts, sermons and reading Scripture that replaces the lies of who I think I am with who God says I am. 

How are you guarding your mind today while navigating uncertainty in your life? 

How are you limiting fear-based words from people, the media, the news and your inner critic?

Reflection:

1. Make a list of three specific tools you can use to combat uncertainty (ex: ____ church’s podcast)
2. Write down three Scriptures that replace the specific lies you are telling yourself. Tape them to your bathroom mirror, keep them by your computer, desk, etc.