Renew the Mind

We all get stuck every once in a while, and I don't mean in traffic. Things in life could still be going OK, but the "hamster on a wheel" feeling pops up. The Bible says we need to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind", and it's certainly a great tip and reminder.

When we were younger, we were learning on a consistent basis - at home, in school, or from our friends. We grew, or transformed, very quickly. But as we mature, "responsibilities" come in and we are oftentimes just barely surviving from all the pressures from work, family, health, finances, etc.. The mind stops growing and is occupied by the day-to-day tasks, and we are stuck. But just like the software updates on our smart phones or computers, we must keep renewing/upgrading our minds. 

Matthew McConaughey (yes, the actor) said that when someone asked him who his hero was when he was 15 years old, he said it would be himself at 25 years old. When asked the same question again by the same person when he was 25, Matthew McConaughey said "I am not even close. My hero is me in 10 years." He sets 10-year goals and pursues them, adjusting as he goes. It's the growth mindset we need to stay disciplined on, and it's a daily effort. Once the goal is set, we need habits, and a system, to keep us on track toward the goal. Adjusting as we go is also important, because our original goals might already be obsolete by the time we get there, so we need to carefully observe where we are and where we are headed. Of course, we need to watch out for excessive adjustments or major changes in our goals. Changes will always be there, but it's better to dictate what we need to change instead of being forced to change. 

Being cognizant of where we are mentally takes practice and discipline, and we must do it daily. Here's a great article on tips to start your meditation habit, so definitely check it out if are want to renew your mind: https://www.insider.com/meditation-tips-for-beginners

George Bernard Shaw said: "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." If we want to change the world for the better, let's start with our minds.