“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Viktor Frankl
If you’re anything like me, you may go about your day, choosing your steps in each situation carefully – in most cases, expecting or hoping for a certain result. You could almost view this thought process a lot like a decision tree. In short:
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If I get my work to my boss on time, adequately completed, I should most likely receive a “thank you,” some constructive feedback, encouragement, or perhaps even detect a glimmer of pride.
OR
If I do something kind or show appreciation for a friend/significant other, s/he will acknowledge it and eventually return the same type of consideration.
However, when our positive expectations in a situation have consistently not been met, this can often lead us into a wall of frustration – a wall that appears to be out of our realm of control. Soon that wall, that negative outcome, becomes the expectation, altering our motivation to do what is right.
Why should I work so hard if I’m not being appreciated?
OR
Why bend over backwards for someone if my needs are just an afterthought?
What we can control is our thought process, our source of motivation for why we choose to do something. We can choose to engage in a paradigm shift.
Paradigm Shift: (noun) a fundamental change in approach or assumptions; acceptance by a majority of a changed belief, attitude, or way of doing things.
(paradigm shift. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com’s 21st Century Lexicon. Dictionary.com, LLC. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paradigm shift.)
Perhaps we shouldn’t do something for someone else’s approval – only God’s and our own. We should work hard because that effort shapes us, improving upon the people we are. OR, perhaps we shouldn’t treat someone a certain way with the thought of expecting anything in return. We should do it because it brings us joy to better someone else’s life.
It’s easy to become adamant that people or aspects in our lives need to change in order for a situation to improve. This may be true. However, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. Instead, attempt to realign your thoughts unto change that is within your control. I assure you, not only will this decrease the level of disappointment throughout your day, but it will boost your own sense of confidence and self-worth, knowing that you’re living up to a higher standard. There is an unexplainable freedom acquired from only having to worry about pleasing our Father in heaven and not every other person we encounter.
Challenge yourself: Select one thought process that you’re going to change today – something that has been clouding your motivation to do what is right.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
(ESV)
Tagged: Attitude, Change, Christianity, Faith, God, Perspectives, Pleasing the One Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
