The Winning Heart: 7 Heart Expressions to Become a Winner on the Field and in LifeSample

Heart Expression Three: Thoughts

We determine success based on wins and losses. This statement doesn’t surprise you. It is the reality of sports. Yet, you might not realize that the most significant battle every team and athlete faces is not on the field. Everyone must first win the battle in their mind.

The average person hears up to 30,000 words a day. Every one of these words influences our minds. Winning athletes face scrutiny of their play, expectations, and identity by others. Yet, they know how to filter through all the noise and focus their thoughts on what brings them victory. When they are on the field, their thoughts give them 100% confidence in their team and themselves to win. They win the battle in their mind by blocking out any losing thoughts and replacing them with winning thoughts.

Paul describes winning thoughts in Philippians 4:8-9:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Anything true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy aligned with God’s word is a winning thought. Losing thoughts are negative, angry, false, worrying, complaining, and self-seeking. Losing thoughts are lies, and each one poisons your heart. We must replace any losing thought with a winning thought to create a Winning Heart. Replace lies with truth, and you will find peace in your life.

The best place to find truth is God’s word. Whenever you think…

“I can’t do this, I am not good at this” – Replace it with: “I have God-given gifts, and God gives me a spirit of power, love, and self-control to use them to make a difference” (2 Tim 1:6-7).

“This is too hard, I want to quit” – Replace it with: “Don’t grow tired of doing good, for at the right time God will reward me if I don’t give up” (Gal 6:9).

“I don’t know what to do next, I worry the worst will happen” – Replace it with: “Seek God first, and He will provide, so don’t worry about tomorrow. God has it” (Matt 6:33).

“I wish I were like that person” – Replace it with: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God uniquely made me on purpose” (Psalms 139:14).

Final Thoughts:

What do you think about when you stop and be with your thoughts?

How would you describe your thoughts?

How often do you have “winning” thoughts compared to “losing” thoughts?

What is a thought that will help you grow closer to God and help you “win” today?