Three Ways to Reset Your Mindset

 

January brings the opportunity to reset your mindset. This year feels the same as last year, with the uncertainties from CoVid and all that it has changed in our lives.

Recovering from holiday travel and a blast of cold weather made me want to hibernate. I struggled to get into a routine for the new year. Now that the holidays are over, what is there to look forward to? Is anything different about this year?

I knew I didn’t want my attitude to stay frozen in the bleakness of cold winter days, complaining about the news or and shivering about things I cannot control.

The only thing I can control is my mindset.

The verse in Philippians 3:13-14 challenged my mind and heart.

“But this one thing I do, forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on to the goal for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Forgetting what is Behind

Forgetting what is behind keeps me from dwelling on the past. I can reflect on the successes and good memories of last year, and also recall the struggles and frustrations. But if I stay fixed on them, I become paralyzed and won’t go forward. In looking back over the last year, God’s faithfulness was evident, which encourages me for the future. Those experiences propel me into the next year with hope, trusting the Lord for whatever may come.

Straining Toward What is Ahead

Straining toward what is ahead is the image of an athlete crossing the finish line of a race. By planning realistic goals, I know what I am aiming toward. If I don’t write them down, I wander off track and accomplish nothing for the Lord. To keep on track, writing a list of my goals to keep in front of me is part of straining toward what is ahead. I see them every day, pray about them, and seek the Lord for strength and wisdom to accomplish them.

Pressing on to the Goal

Pressing on toward the goal is perhaps this the most challenging action—to keep going even when you feel like quitting, persisting through the hinderances no matter what. Pressing on requires resilience. It strengthens determination to overcome road blocks.

Philippians 3:13-14 helped me reset my mindset for a fresh start through forgetting what is behind, straining toward what is ahead, and determining to press on in spite of road blocks.

Are you ready to reset your mindset for the new year?

Prayer to Reset Your Mindset

Lord, as I go into the new year, help me lean into Your character. You are faithful. As I reflect on the past, let it be a springboard to catapult me to seek You and plan wisely. In Your strength, may I press on to do what You have called me to do, for Your glory. Amen.