Master Your Mind, Master Your Life

Our world is noisy and distracting. It often overstimulates me to the point that I lose sight of myself. Because of this, I started becoming more aware of this state.

I want to live a more meaningful life. I want to act rather than react to the world around me.

I have come to learn that the power to do this lies within me.

Here's what I have learned:

Standing firm on my values

Transforming my mindset

Seeking clarity and purpose

Standing Firm on My Values

Society pressures me to conform and blend in. "Check out the latest trends and ideologies... it's so cool!"... many people say and share.

This is happening so much and so fast that I started losing my sense of identity and purpose. I needed to take a step back. I reassessed my values and chose to stand firm on them.

But what are my values? After a lot of self-reflection, I came up with my top 3:

• Honor
• Respect
• Trust

I develop a strong foundation with these values. I use them to guide my daily actions and decisions. I do not go with the trends. I don't go with the masses of people.

I reflect on these values to stay true to myself. Even when in the face of adversity.

"I only trust people. It's the devil inside them I don't trust." - Troy Kennedy Martin

Transforming My Mindset

This has been and continues to be the hardest part: my mindset. My mother raised me to always consider that I will not get my way in life. This is good advice, of course. It's true and she based it on her life experience.

It's also a limiting belief. As a Christian, I can now say that all is possible with the Lord. Of course, I didn't believe this before. And I still struggle because of this deep-rooted belief that I don't always get my way.

Whichever the case, I needed to think of the outcome first. Whether negative or positive, I think of it first. It's so much easier for me to think negatively. But the same goes for thinking positively. There's no extra charge or effort to think this way.

So when I think about a negative outcome, I pause. I start thinking about the positive outcome instead. I start visualizing the positive outcome in my mind. I started feeling what that feels like to me.

This action carries a much more powerful feeling with it. My body starts believing that it's possible.

The moral of the story is to control my mind. I may not stop every single negative thought. I can think of positive thoughts when negative thoughts come to mind, though. I can also act with the positive thoughts in mind as well.

To me, thoughts and actions go hand in hand. This reinforces my growth and truth.

Seeking Clarity and Purpose

Part of my self-reflection includes aligning my purpose with my values. Not the other way around. This level of clarity helps me make decisions. It's as though I remove thinking from a conflicting equation.

The latter refers to situations that conflict with my purpose and values. In short, if the situation conflicts with my purpose or values, I don't entertain it. I like to keep it simple. Of course, there are exceptions and I consider those on a case-by-case basis.

Throughout my journey, I have learned to discern what's good for me. This leads to greater fulfillment in the things I do. Also, the pursuit of this doesn't exhaust me, for it's meaningful. This sense of purpose helps me navigate my life's challenges. I get to keep my confidence and peace.

Conclusion

Take these lessons with you. I wrote them as an inspiration to control one's mind. Of course, this is my experience so far as I continue to master my mind.

It's a journey and must continue to battle through. I intend to continue to stand firm on my values, transform my mindset, and seek clarity and purpose.

I will keep my values of honor, respect, and trust in the forefront of my mind. They will guide me through every decision and action in my life.

I offer you to identify your values. Start living your life under those values. It will make a difference.

Want to learn more?

Check out these books to explore other lessons:

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
3. Mindset by Carol Dweck