Leadership Lessons: December 2024

It’s All In Your Mind

One of the books I just finished reading is entitled, Mind Shift, by Erwin McManus. He opens up with this thought-provoking phrase:

“Mental toughness, mental clarity, and mental health all have one thing in common—the journey begins in the mind.”

Scripture says it this way in Romans 12:2.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of the world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…” NLT.

That phrase, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of the world,” is key to renewing your mind. The world wants to limit you by placing thoughts in your mind that debilitate and paralyze you and keep you from achieving what God has created for you. As a result, your thinking becomes stagnant, and you risk less, stop pursuing your dreams, and succumb to your greatest fears.

How does one live out Romans 12:2? First, believe that you were created in His image and have some worthwhile gifts to give to the world. Second, live each day by walking in the confidence that He who has begun that good work in you will complete it! Third, live each day with genuine, sincere humility. God detests arrogance and pride but gives grace to the humble.

A huge part of self-leadership is breaking away from the gravitational pull of the opinion of others and finding the courage to become the most unique version of yourself.

Courage to live a life of compassion
Courage to live a life of integrity and intention
Courage to live a life of generosity
Courage to love others

For any of this to happen, one must leave the safety of the past and present and travel into the future. How? By choosing uniqueness and not acceptance. If acceptance is chosen, then conformity to the expectations of others is the result; this stops the progress of being transformed.

Everyone has a uniqueness of life that nobody else completely understands. When that is given up, the result is conformity. When someone conforms, they end up chasing the acceptance and applause of others and forfeit the expression of life that God has created for each of them.

McManus says it this way: “You have been created to create. What will you create? When you do, it becomes the purest expression of God.”

In His Grip,
Roland DeRenzo, Ed. D