Category: Life Coaching

Your Mindset Is Your Most Important Asset

Mindset is an article designed to educate you about what a mindset is, the methods to uncover it, the ways we utilize our mindset, and the significance of understanding mindset in our increasingly perplexing and illusory world. In this article, you will delve into and comprehend the most crucial yet often undervalued asset on earth—your mind. With that introduction, let’s proceed with the content below.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS MINDSET?

In this article, I use ‘mindset’ to denote the programming of the human or animal mind. The mind, often considered the center of humanity, synonymous with the soul or heart, refers to the ‘software’ aspect of a human or animal. While some argue that animals possess souls but lack spirits, I view this as mere human conjecture. Even a Biblical author pondered this notion in his time.

Everyone possesses a mindset, serving a specific purpose. A mindset comprises a set of rules and principles guiding one’s actions. For instance, one may choose to sleep early and rise early, while another may prefer to sleep late and wake up later in the day. Beliefs about the existence of God or gods also reflect individual mindsets.

The mind is both an asset and a tool, capable of using us or being used by us. Our mindsets are innate survival and intelligence mechanisms, embodying both positive and negative aspects. They are an integral part of our being. The mind is a spiritual entity, whereas the brain is a physical organ that collaborates with the mind. While we cannot observe or analyze the mind’s non-physical attributes, we can study the brain’s physical properties.

HOW DO WE DISCOVER MINDSET?

In essence, how do our minds become what they are today? Knowledge suggests that our existence in this world stems from birth or from external influences that have profoundly shaped our lives. Thus, we recognize that our mindsets are shaped by nature or nurture.

We often discover that our thinking mirrors that of our parents, a biological inheritance. However, nurture can also mold our mindsets to various extents, influenced by our individual personalities. Our reactions to the world’s challenges are uniquely ours, as are our responses to mindsets and peer pressure.

Despite the world’s challenges, we eventually emerge based on our inherent nature. For instance, some individuals abstain from milk or meat, not due to upbringing but because their innate disposition guides them otherwise. This is what I term a ‘born-mindset,’ distinct from a ‘made-mindset.’

In the realm of born-mindsets, actions are instinctive, not instructed. Some infants naturally refuse their mother’s milk. This exemplifies a born-mindset.

Observably, some people are naturally introverted, others extroverted. This is another manifestation of a born-mindset. People consume food in amounts that are right for them, which is a testament to our unique wiring as humans, highlighting our individuality and special nature.

Related: Feeding Your Mind

HOW DO WE USE MINDSET?

We utilize our minds for thinking, speaking, and performing various actions, whether benevolent or malevolent. However, the question at hand delves deeper than mere usage of our minds. It probes into how we employ our conditioned minds, those that have been configured in a specific manner. If you now grasp the question more clearly, let’s confront it directly, shall we? Indeed, we deploy our mindsets based on the configurations instilled within them.

As previously discussed, these settings may stem from nature or nurture, yet I believe nature takes precedence. Numerous examples provided earlier illustrate the preprogramming of our minds. The initial step is to recognize our mindsets before attempting to enhance them. At times improvement is possible, at other times it is not. Undoubtedly, our mindset is an element of our human nature, which is immutable in any form. We may recalibrate our human minds, but a complete overhaul is unfeasible unless it is mere pretense.

“But the Bible suggests that we can transform our minds. What do you mean by claiming that we cannot change our minds?” one might inquire. I have pondered this question thoroughly, having asked it myself on multiple occasions. However, I have realized, rather than merely believed, that altering our inherent nature or mindset is impossible. This implies that even our faith is inherently predisposed. We are born with the propensity to believe, to embody goodness or wickedness. The concept of recreation is nonexistent in reality. It may exist in the belief systems of those who have been convinced of its reality, yet it has never manifested in my experience.

Our mindsets guide our decision-making, for better or worse. They help us plan our subsequent actions and pass judgments, whether just or unjust. My mindset is certainly a facet of my personality. Given that thoughts, words, and deeds are manifestations of the mind, the significance of your mindset is paramount, and we shall elaborate further on this topic. Indeed, our mindsets define our identity. Our lifestyle and behaviors are shaped by the programming of our minds.

WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF MINDSET?

The significance of our mindset is paramount. If the mind governs the body, then its use is as crucial as life itself. Can we direct our minds towards what matters most? Possibly, but only if we’re inherently inclined to do so. This implies that we are not the embodiment of our aspirations or desires. We are, in essence, who we already are. Consider the adage, “what should be isn’t always what is.” This is derived from one of the 50 profound sayings born from life’s experiences, suggesting that reality often extends beyond what we’re taught.

Understanding that we don’t command our mindset—it commands us—is vital. The desire to master our thoughts is common; we lament past errors and yearn to have acted differently. We hope for a better tomorrow. These aspirations, while not inherently negative, remain just that—hopes. Desiring intelligence doesn’t make it so; we cannot become clever simply by wishing it. The essence of the message is clear, isn’t it?

Understanding the underlying factors of our mindsets is crucial. Regardless of our education on the subject, we inherently remain who we are. Thus, the most effective way to manage our minds is to first comprehend our inherent and cultural predispositions. With this understanding, we can properly value and utilize our attributes. Our mindsets are pivotal as they shape our identity. Delving into and examining our mindsets is essential for their enhancement.

Reflecting on our history and current state is vital to identify our genuine mindsets, distinguishing them from our desires. Our mindsets influence our responses to circumstances and events. However, it’s important to remember that situations can alter our emotions and impact our thoughts and actions. For instance, we cannot expect a person who is hungry to exhibit politeness.

Yet, once we emerge from such circumstances, we typically return to our authentic selves. This suggests that the effects of nurture or experience are transient. They are not everlasting; they merely occur. It is equally important to understand how we think and behave, both in times of scarcity and abundance.

MY FINAL WORDS

Having delved into the concept of mindset, its acquisition, application, and significance, it’s crucial to bear in mind several key points. These are my parting words of counsel for you, the reader, offering insight and direction. My writings anticipate diverse and sometimes opposing perspectives from others, highlighting our distinct and varied human nature, including our mindsets.

The central point I wish to underscore is the importance of mindset. Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge that our identity is shaped by both nature and nurture. While we may aspire to be someone else, we must embrace our natural selves. Resist letting society impose a negative identity on you. Whenever possible, explore your mindset and diligently work towards enhancing it for the better.

I trust that the article ‘Mindset’ has been beneficial to you on a personal level. If so, I invite you to share your reflections in the comments section below. Your feedback is greatly valued. Blessings to you!

FURTHER READINGS

•  What Mindset Is and Why It Matters—Verywell Mind.
• What Is Mindset?—Sources of Insight.

Having Faith Won’t Make You Religious

Faith is an article designed to elucidate the concept of faith, the methods to acquire it, its applications, and its significance in believing in oneself, others, or something beyond oneself. This article delves into what is arguably the most misconstrued word in the English language. With this introduction, let us delve into the insights this article offers by reading further.

WHAT IS FAITH?

Faith is a state of trust and reliance on someone or something that is considered trustworthy. It is a confidence in the truth of something, not merely a wish or hope for the future. Faith often relates to what is known to the believer. For instance, in religion, faith is not founded on abstract concepts, as God is not an abstraction but a real entity that has been encountered by people historically.

From personal experience, I can assert that the supernatural realm is more tangible than the physical world we perceive with our senses. I have experienced it and am certain of God’s existence; thus, my faith in Him is concrete. When I proclaim, “God is good,” it is not a hope for the future but a recognition of His present goodness, which I know to be true. My trust in God assures me that He will not fail me. In Him, I live, move, and exist (Romans 17:28).

God grants me life and sustenance daily, monthly, and yearly. Everything I possess is from Him, as He governs all worldly events, including those of COVID-19. God is sovereign. However, this might seem purely religious. The perspective changes when considering that religion and God are distinct; religion is a belief system that can be true or false, whereas God’s existence is independent of human belief.

Faith can be placed in ourselves, in God, in others, and in various beings or objects. Just as a man trusts his chair enough to sit and lean on it with ease, I trust that someone will read this article and find their life improved as a result. My faith extends to God, to myself, to certain humans, and to certain things. I have faith in my wife’s ability to care for our children when I’m absent. Similarly, she trusts that I will remain faithful to her until I come home.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

HOW DO WE GET FAITH?

It can be confidently stated that some individuals are inherently endowed with faith from birth, particularly manifesting as resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Faith, as described in the Bible, is the hope for things not yet seen. Often, those who perish in times of drought and famine are lacking in faith and hope. This suggests that our mindset is a crucial determinant in the struggle between life and death. When the mind surrenders, the body follows, leading to demise. In contemporary times, it is observed that people fall ill without any medical ailments. Researching this phenomenon will validate its truth.

Observing someone faint due to distressing news can be startling. I am grateful that I am not prone to such reactions, as I believe death is merely a passage to another existence—a realm that remains indescribable, despite the numerous descriptions in holy texts. When my mother passed away in April 1996, I was either thirteen or fourteen—I’m uncertain of my birth year, whether it was 1983 or 1984, but it is marked by the events surrounding my birth.

As a child, I did not cry at her passing. This was because I had already seen many succumb to illness and starvation. From a young age, I understood that death is an integral part of life; we are born to eventually die. I am grateful for my mother’s role in giving birth to me and raising me. Some might view my lack of tears as callous, but I see it as early maturity. However, this does not mean I wasn’t deeply grieving. Concern arose when I spent days without food, drink, or conversation, save for my own thoughts.

Eighteen years later, in 2014, my father passed away in my absence—an event you can read about at the end of my first novel, “Life Cure.” I never cried again. When my wife heard the news of his death over the phone, she fainted. Her elder brother buried my father in our absence. Her mother had passed away about three months before my father, marking a deeply sorrowful time for our family.

Yet, faith, to me, is innate. It wasn’t acquired when I embraced Christianity; I was born with it. I converted to Christianity a year after my mother’s death in 1997. I remember actions from as far back as six years old, around 1988/89—a lengthy tale detailed in my book, “Journeying with God Part I.”

We gain or develop faith naturally, as well as through others, suggesting that faith can stem from nature or nurture. Innate faith feels more authentic than that acquired from others because it’s an integral part of our being. It’s not shaped by religious influence but by an internal epiphany that enlightens us about the world and its contents. This intrinsic knowledge drives scientists to investigate and unveil new realms and entities within the physical universe. You might ponder:

Is there such a phenomenon as innate faith? Do we recognize God by nature, or is it a societal fabrication? It appears that all our knowledge stems from experience, which, in turn, is influenced by our surroundings. However, revelatory knowledge isn’t found; it’s imparted to us. It’s of a supernatural essence, and this is the concept I’m addressing.

HOW DO WE USE FAITH?

In this context, faith pertains to what is personally known to us. As mentioned before, faith, as I understand it, is not rooted in mere imagination or wishful thinking. Instead, faith is grounded in knowledge. We demonstrate trust and confidence in what we believe and trust through faith.

This could refer to a person or an object. The object of our faith might be visible to our naked eyes or not yet seen in the physical world. We employ faith to signify trust. Just as I previously used a chair as an example, we exercise faith by depending on what we know to be dependable.

However, there are times when we may regard something as dependable when it is not. This also pertains to our judgment and perception. We place our trust in God, who created us and orchestrated all that will ever occur in our lives. This does not imply that we should not make and execute plans because God has preordained our life events. In fact, the contrary is true.

WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH?

Faith is indeed significant; our trust in what we believe is crucial. However, misplaced faith can lead to regret. This experience is also valuable as it teaches us to place our trust and faith wisely in the future. Persisting in the same errors while expecting different outcomes is irrational.

We learn from past mistakes, a process known as learning from history. Our past experiences enhance our present, and our present actions shape our future. Trusting in a being that is more powerful, knowledgeable, and reliable than any other is paramount. This entity is the Creator of all, encompassing both good and evil.

Trusting and relying on God is essential. We must have reasons for our faith in God, and indeed, there are many. Just as we understand the purpose and composition of robots we create, God knows us intimately. While the world may judge us by our exterior, God evaluates us from within.

My faith and trust in God ensure that I am confident He will fulfill His promises, not just hoping, praying, and wishing for a positive outcome someday. My life gains meaning from the certainty that I exist for a purpose: to lead a meaningful life. Even if this is considered another form of religion, or simply hope, whether true or not, it impacts me positively, and that is the significance of faith. As mentioned before, those who perish in times of adversity are often those who lack faith in anything.

Faith in God instills hope, aiding individuals in dealing with challenging circumstances, including serious illnesses like the coronavirus disease. Many who have recovered from COVID-19 are those who held onto their belief in something. If not in God, they were convinced or believed that it was not yet their time to depart, and indeed, they survived. I believe there are many more who could share their experiences with us on this platform soon. Hence, having faith in something is crucial; it stands in stark contrast to fear and despair.

MY FINAL WORDS

Here are my concluding thoughts and insights for you, dear reader. As discussed in this article, faith is the trust and reliance on someone or something. Faith can be acquired in various ways, often at birth or through others. Regardless of how faith reaches us, it’s crucial to preserve it, particularly our faith and trust in God.

Currently, we all place our faith in something or someone. This could be in the realm of scientific knowledge and its application. It might reside within ourselves, in God, in other people, or in anything else we trust and depend upon. It’s not true that faith is solely tied to religion.

I hope this article has imparted a thing or two to you. Would you be willing to take a moment to share your views on faith in the comments below? Your feedback is greatly valued and will contribute to the enhancement of my future writings. I pray for God’s blessings upon you and for your protection from the pandemic. Peace be with you!

FURTHER READINGS

• What Is Faith?—Life Hope & Faith
• What Is Faith and Why Is It Important?—Crosswalk
• What is the definition of faith?—Got Questions

Knowing Your Deeds Is to Face the Reality Behind Your Actions

Deeds is an article designed to educate you about what deeds are, the ways we acquire them, their usage, and their significance in our lives. This article will guide you through an exploration to understand more about this vital aspect of our daily existence. With that introduction, let’s delve into the realities of this topic in greater detail below.

WHAT ARE DEEDS?

In the context I’m using, ‘deeds’ refer to our actions. Thoughts and words also constitute actions because they can be expressed. Actions are not limited to physical movements; we act in various ways. However, what we do with our hands or bodies is typically recognized as an action. For instance, as I type these words into my computer, I am taking action; I am typing.

Thoughts, as I mentioned, are mental activities, or deeds of the mind. They are invisible mental actions until expressed through words or physical actions. Our eyes and facial expressions are windows to our minds, souls, and hearts. For me, terms like spirit, soul, mind, and heart are synonymous, referring to the non-physical aspects of our being.

Deeds manifest as thoughts, words, and physical actions. This aligns with Biblical teachings that sin can occur through these mediums. We sin in our hearts, with our eyes, and with our hands. Therefore, when feeding our minds through these five senses, we must be cautious about what we consume. In modern times, we often know movies better than our scriptures, which is concerning.

Consider the impact of media on actions, such as someone committing suicide after watching a film, or the influence of horror fiction. We are shaped by what we consume, both physically and mentally. There’s no escaping the influence of what we read, watch, or listen to, which is why bad company can corrupt good character.

Sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste are all actions in their own right. Thus, our deeds, whether sensory or otherwise, can be positive or negative, impacting ourselves and others, both individually and collectively.

HOW DO WE GET DEEDS?

We acquire deeds initially through two primary means: nature and nurture. Our actions are often a result of innate intentions or external influences from our surroundings. The environment contributes to our upbringing, shaping our responses to various situations.

Some philosophers argue that if nurture were to dominate nature, then everyone would behave identically at all times. Peer pressure exemplifies an external influence that can compel us to act against our will.

Our actions are also influenced by the desires of our parents. In school, we may be obliged to study subjects that do not interest us because our parents deem them important, which can lead to failure. The influence of our family, friends, and associates on our decisions is significant, provided we grant them insight into our thoughts and plans.

Moreover, we possess inherent traits and acquire others from our environment, influencing our deeds and behaviors. For instance, some individuals have a natural propensity for gossip, which may be innate or environmentally induced.

Predominantly, these tendencies are congenital. For example, some people naturally dislike hearing negative remarks about others and feel compelled to inform the person being spoken about, regardless of their educational background.

HOW DO WE USE DEEDS?

Indeed, our deeds are the mirrors that reflect our identities to the world. Through speech and writing, we share our essence with others. My task is to pen these thoughts and present them to you. The content I write and publish, whether as articles or books, originates from my reflections. Over the years, I believe I have gained considerable knowledge on my life’s journey. We engage in various activities for myriad reasons, and through these actions, we express ourselves.

Our speech reveals our identity and knowledge to the world. Our actions are the means by which we communicate our intentions and values. On a personal note, I write to inform, instruct, and enlighten others about my areas of interest.

These areas include theology, information and communication technology, and my trilingual expertise. I instruct in English, Dinka, and Nuer, covering writing, reading, and speaking skills. I also teach the basics of ICT. Moreover, I impart knowledge on my most cherished subject: theology.

These endeavors constitute my life’s work. I dedicate my time to learning, teaching, and serving others, utilizing technology as an aid in my educational pursuits. As a teacher, my passion lies in disseminating knowledge to others. This is the essence of my deeds.

I believe this is my contribution to the world, and it is how I will be remembered after my departure. You may be reading these words at a time when I am no longer present in this world, yet our connection persists through this communication.

WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF DEEDS?

Indeed, deeds are significant. They can be good or evil, but either way, they are what we will be remembered by. Our words and actions leave a lasting impression, which is why I previously stated that words are essentially deeds in another form. Therefore, our words, thoughts, and actions hold great importance, and we must remain constantly aware of this.

Despite knowing this, we often act as we should not, rather than as we should. This is a profound observation. It can also be said that “what shouldn’t be, isn’t always so.” This acknowledges the existence of both impossibilities and possibilities. Positivity, then, is not founded on illusion but on genuine hope and reality. When I say something is possible, I mean it is achievable.

Regarding the significance of our deeds, they may matter to us but not to others. Is this problematic? Must we only act in ways that others approve? Certainly not. In any action, supporters and detractors will emerge, regardless of the action’s nature. Therefore, trust your instincts and do what you believe is correct.

This does not imply that advice is unnecessary. Rather, it suggests we must exercise caution when considering advice. Consider Solomon’s son from the Bible; he took unwise counsel from his peers, acted foolishly, and altered the course of Israel forever. Truly valuable advice is a rarity. Appearances can be deceiving, with some things seeming benign but harboring malice within.

MY FINAL WORDS

We have explored what deeds are, the ways we acquire them, their uses, and their significance in our lives. As is customary, this is my final opportunity to convey the insights I’ve gained from this article. What aspects of this article would you like to remember three years from now? My counsel is to listen to your heart, to that inner voice. Often, God communicates with us on a personal level, speaking from within.

If you have an innate inclination to perform good deeds for others, continue to do so and strive to excel even further. This will be your legacy; people will remember you for your actions. Moreover, if possible, jot down your reflections. Writing is a powerful tool that aids in our understanding of human history. Let us not grow tired of always doing good. This is my advice and my message to you, the reader.

I hope that the article on Deeds has been particularly beneficial to you. Would you care to share your thoughts on it in the comments section below? Your feedback and support are highly valued and will assist me in crafting better articles in the future. I pray for God’s blessings and protection over you during and beyond the global pandemic. Shalom!

FURTHER READINGS

•  Deed Definition and Meaning—Collins Dictionary.
• The Science of Good Deeds—WebMD.