Thinking Like a Boss Through Fear, Disappointment, and UncertaintySample

{ACTIVE}ating Our Minds

Day Four

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 3 John 1:2

In order to think like a boss during uncertainty, we have to keep both our minds and bodies active. When life throws disappointments at us, it’s only natural to want to climb back into bed and hide under the covers. In order to keep our minds clear and to make sound decisions, it’s crucial we exercise. (Full disclosure: this is coming from someone who is not naturally inclined to run a mile or take a boot camp class by any means. I love me some couch-time with maybe a nice leisurely stroll here and there.) But what I do know is this, when you keep your body stagnant during uncertain times, you are choosing to keep your mind stagnant as well. Moving your body, changing up the scenery, or getting out from under the covers keeps your mind activated.

As a business owner, I face adversity quite often. As much as it is a privilege to be my own boss and make the big decisions, it can also feel heavy. There are days when doubt and paralysis creep in. I’ve learned if I don’t step outside of the situation (literally), I will slip down a rabbit hole of lies of, “Kate, you were never qualified to do this work, your life is too much of a mess to move forward, how can you lead others when you’re not even feeling confident in this area?” 

I love the English Standard Version of 3 John 1:2 which says, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." 

Yes, good health goes well with our soul. 

So when your soul is aching and when your mind is clouded, just start moving. This doesn’t have to mean go run a mile, but can be simply walking around your house combatting those lies with Scripture, organizing your closet, taking your dog out for a walk, testing a new recipe, working on a craft, and the could continue! Literally "being active" can be anything that creates movement in your body, distracts your mind from your current reality or encourages you to cast your cares on the Lord. 

Recently, I received some disappointing news and rather than choosing to sleep the rainy day away, I made the conscious decision to get my two toddlers into their raincoats and boots, drive them to a local farm, and let them jump into deep, muddy puddles. About five minutes in, I noticed my clouded thinking had subsided. Moving my body reactivated my mind to think more clearly. I no longer stayed in pity-party land, but practiced acceptance and began strategizing how to move forward. I gave thanks to the Lord for my two girls, my health, and the beautiful outdoors. I asked that He would give me wisdom to deal with the situation at hand. 

The next time you find yourself dealing with uncertainty, get your body movin'! 

Reflection:

1. Often, it’s hard to come up with ways to move while you are in a funk. Write down three easy ways to move your body (that are natural for you) to choose from the next time you are feeling uncertain and your vision is clouded.
2. Quickly jot down a go-to prayer to use when you find yourself needing God’s wisdom in the future. When I’m walking I’ll just say, “Lord, show me”. It can be that simple!