Built Distinctively

fingerprint is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger, there are three general kinds namely whirls, loops and ridges and no individual has matching fingerprints. In fact, no two fingers have the same print either. Can you imagine that?

If such little things are so unique, why do we try to be so similar?

This weekend, my sister and I were looking at some shoes and two things stood out. First, they are being touted to be new, but we wore similar styles when we were younger. Second, at our current weights (no guessing how much we weigh), the heels were not a good idea. As we laughed about it, my mind went back to how often we look around and do all we can to be like others without thinking too deeply about the impact of copying others on our lives. I learnt that it takes a special mindset to love yourself and be totally content with who you are.

If our thoughts are small, we will accomplish small things.

I have been watching and wondering why some people with incredible knowledge but are too scared to share in case others would use their information. Can we really be the custodians of insights and refuse to share them with others unless we think those insights make us? If we assume that we are only as good as our last conversation or sharing, we will never share what we have. Yet, sharing what we know, makes room for more to be poured into us just like we pour tea into a cup so that we can fill the kettle or thermos again. We also drink the tea in the cup so we can refill it. So why would we refuse to share unless we are small-minded?

This is where mindset comes in. Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them,” yet we seem to keep trying to. I would add that we cannot become more than our thoughts so if we see our gifts as limited, we will live a limited life. If we are always focused on how little we have and how there are too many barriers to rise financially, we never will rise no matter how much we try. We are limited by our thoughts, yet very few of us understand the gravity of that statement.

We shift into our place of confidence through a mind shift!

Since we become our thoughts and our lives are reflections of our thoughts, shouldn’t we be more careful about what we fill our minds with? Of course, we should. So why is it so easy to be caught up in things like worry and fear or jealousy, deception, greed etc.? Why are we so focused on things that may not add value, or add very little value? Why do we fail to keep our eyes on the prize no matter what?

I always wondered why some people seem to get things done and get ahead no matter what, so I began watching them and realised the game changer was their mindset. They are confident that they will change the world one person or action at a time. They know why they are here and what they need to do so they keep moving no matter how challenging. They are disciplined and focused so do not get derailed by the challenging situations they find. They are in control of their atmosphere and so carry it with them all the time. Surely, that could be me too.

I say it is in the mindset.

 If I do not believe that things can change, I will not do the work that needs to be done to effect that kind of change. Yes, I said work. Mindset change is not a wish or by waving a wand but by doing the work to shift how we think to a deeper foundation. It takes work and consistent dealing driven by discipline and a clear focus on the end goal.

In reality, our minds must connect to the infinite possibilities found in God to fully shift. How? By challenging our customs and patterns, questioning our beliefs and actions, putting in the work to change all aspects of our lives and living in full trust that He who began the good work in us will be faithful to complete it is us (Phil 1:6).

It starts by being mindful of what we fill our minds with and how we focus on growth. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8”

Being distinct comes from knowing you are in Christ and living that out every day no matter what. It is being confident that you are who you were meant to be and that is enough. It is loving how God made you and living His plan for the rest of your days. It is making an impact on the community and changing your corner of the world with the gifts He has given you.

Let us go forth and BECOME…everything God has said to become.

Shalom

Design bt Akiko Stories

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