Feeling like you’re at the end of your rope? Stuck in a rut with the sense that your prime days are behind you? What if I shared five straightforward steps that could reshape your perspective? Intrigued? Keep reading!
They say insanity is doing the same things repeatedly and expecting different results. If that holds true, we might all have a touch of madness. In the past year, I found myself in a perpetual circle, chasing my tail at a full 360 degrees. At first, I questioned, “Is there a profound lesson I’m missing?” My prayer then became, “God, reveal the lesson so I can move forward.” In that moment, I gained insight into what I needed to learn. What I’ve learned is precisely what I’m about to impart to you.
Lesson 1:
Renew your mind.
Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t conform to the world’s pattern, but be transformed by renewing your mind” (NIV). Albert Einstein echoed this sentiment, stating, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” In other words, when old thinking fails, embrace a new perspective.
Ultimately, renewing our minds is challenging but vital for growth. It might involve expanding knowledge through reading, studying, taking classes, or changing our circle of influence.
Lesson 2:
Speak positivity into your life.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18:21, NLT).
Answering the question “How are you?” in the midst of trials can be one of the most challenging tasks. Moreover, how can we honestly claim to be “fine” when it feels like we are immersed in life’s storms? In those instances, the fine line between suffocation and openness becomes hard to navigate. So, what do we say?
Contemplating this question one night, I reflected on how God spoke the world into existence with His words. According to the Bible, after completing creation, God looked upon it and declared it good. This realization brought to mind Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose” (NLT). Sometimes, despite the difficulties and trials, we need to look at our lives and acknowledge that “it’s all good.” Perhaps the next time someone asks about our well-being during a trial, we can genuinely respond, “It’s all good.” This approach may serve to speak life into our future. It’s not about belittling our pain but adopting a new perspective—one that reminds us that storms clear, and sometimes there’s a rainbow at the end of the downpour.
Lesson 3:
Stop being a people-pleaser.
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people” (Psalms 118:8, NLT).
Colossians 3:23 advises us to work as if we were working for the Lord, not merely for people. Therefore, as long as we act in accordance with what we believe is right in the eyes of God, that is our primary responsibility. It’s important to acknowledge that we can’t please everyone, and there will always be individuals who may feel disappointed in us. That’s perfectly acceptable. As long as our consciences are clear, we can find peace and assurance.
Lesson 4:
Take inventory of those who champion around you during seasons of difficulty.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV).
In our lives, there will inevitably be moments when we find ourselves facing adversity, and the only unwavering presence in our corner is Jesus. He stands as a true friend, closer than a brother. While this holds true, it’s essential to recognize that we were not designed to navigate life’s journey in isolation. Ephesians 4:9–12 wisely states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up…” (NLT). Certainly, having genuine friends is crucial.
The challenge lies in the fact that many of us clutter our lives with mere “stand-ins,” lacking authentic reciprocal relationships. Although it may be arduous and uncomfortable, times of difficulty often reveal who truly stands by us. It’s also an opportune moment to begin purging toxic relationships, making way for healthier and more meaningful connections.
Lesson 5:
Smile!
“A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:13, NLT).
Despite everything, there are times when the best response is to simply smile. Earlier today, I came across an internet video featuring a woman who was absolutely thrilled about her new Star Wars mask. Her excitement was palpable—genuine glee radiated from her. She laughed throughout the entire clip. Her video was so lighthearted, I found myself laughing along with her. Her joy was so infectious, a testament to the contagious nature of happiness.
Smiling has the power to influence our mood, lift our spirits, and reshape our outlook. While our lives may not be flawless, sometimes we can ease the impact of challenges by facing them with a smile.
That Next Level Thinking 