Our mind is a set of consciousness, thought, feeling, and will. It is that part of human beings that engages in conscious thinking, feeling, and decision making.
In the Bible, the mind is akin to the heart, not the brain. Likewise, it was advised: “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation”.
Hence, individuals must possess a positive outlook in life. But how? It could be through his own mindset.
Positive mindset is a gauge that protrudes for a favorable attitude among individuals in any kind of situation.
In one of my literature searches, I encountered interesting information from Kristin Wiens, titled: “Growth Mindset Self-Talk,” which is arranged alphabetically.
“Attitude and effort determine how much I learn.”
“I can be Brave and step out of my comfort zone.”
“Challenges help me grow.”
“I will try a Different strategy.”
“Effort makes me stronger.”
“I can welcome Feedback.”
“Getting better take time.”
“How can I build my strengths?”
“I can choose a growth mindset.”
“Learning is a Journey.”
“I can Keep up an open mind.”
“Learning is my goal, not perfection.”
“Mistakes help me improve.”
“New things are opportunities for me to learn.”
“It is Ok for not knowing everything.”
“Plan B might work.”
“When I ask Questions, I learn.”
“It is okay to take Risks.”
“Success of others inspires me.”
“I can choose to Try again.”
“Unsuccessful attempts are all part of the process.”
“Valuable information can be found in every failure.”
“What can I learn from this?”
“XYZ did not work, then I will try ABC.”
“I do not know how to do this Yet.”
“Zany ideas can lead to amazing things.”
According to Wiens (2018), “The Growth Mindset has made such a positive impact on her life.”
Likewise, Alicia Keller postulated positive thoughts instead of negative ones. Accordingly, an individual must bear in mind the acronym PAINS –– Positive Attitude in a Negative Situation, as exemplified in the following statements. Instead of saying a negative connotation, an individual must try to think of an alternative positive proposition.
“I am not good at this versus What am I missing?”
“I am awesome at this versus I am on the right track.”
“I will give up versus I will use some of the strategies we have learned.”
“This is too hard versus This may take some time and effort.”
“I just cannot make this any better versus I can always improve, so I will keep on trying.”
“I cannot do mathematics versus I am going to train my brain in mathematics.”
“I made a mistake versus Mistakes help me learn better.”
“She is so smart, I will never be that smart versus I am going to figure out how she does it so I can try it.”
“Plan A did not work versus Good thing is that the alphabet has 25 more letters.”
“It is good enough versus Is it really my best work?”
I got interested in sharing the above works because I considered these as guideposts for positive thinking that could lead to individuals’ positive outlook in life.
But for me, in addition to the above relevant information, my best source of inspiration and the best provider of my positive outlook in life is the twice a week spiritual nourishment that I received out of attending the congregational worship services.
Yes, prior to the congregational worship service, I could directly commune to the Almighty Father through personal prayers that I used to do in preparation for the occasion.
As a head deacon that usually assists in the conduct of the congregational worship services, I have to be very positively prepared because during the congregational prayer that we do, the ambiance of the occasion transcends to the well-being of our co-church member-goers attending the worship services. And, they too, sought God’s presence and the consequential blessings from the activity.
The Almighty Father has promised to the chosen ones His presence during the group gatherings––like the congregational worship services. Not only Almighty Father is present but also Lord Jesus Christ. He is the mediator between the worshippers and Lord God. And, He declared that if two or more of His servants congregate together and worship the Almighty Father, He––Lord Jesus Christ–– will be present in their midst.
Hence, the best sources of positive outlook in life are the pristine words of God written in the Holy Scriptures that are being taught during the congregational worship services. And the occasion is being inspired by the Holy Spirit being sent to the congregants by the Almighty Father and by Lord Jesus Christ.
And letting the Spirit controls our mind leads to peaceful life (Romans 8:6). So, it was revealed, what guides everyone for possessing a positive mindset and favorable outlook in life.
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Dr. Antonio G. Papa is the second Head Deacon at the Local Congregation of Indang, Ecclesiastical District of Cavite South. He is a retired University Professor at the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies, Cavite State University (CvSU) in Indang, Cavite. In 2018, he served as a Scientist 1 and Consultant at Marinduque State College in Boac, Marinduque. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education degree at the Don Severino Agricultural College now CvSU in 1978, and both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Extension Education at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, College, Laguna in 1986 and 1991, respectively.
