How we think about and make sense of our circumstances impacts where we end up. That’s Sense Making 101!
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn entries for February 13 through March 5, 2023.
Where Did You Start?
It’s true we don’t choose where we start in life.
It’s true we don’t choose life events that impact us.
An Observation: By our persistence and mindset, we intentionally alter where we wind up in life.
The Precept: The first half of Proverbs 23.7 teaches we should be careful about our life’s focus. Why? Because we become what we focus on, that’s why!
A Question: How has persistence paid off for you when facing long odds?
Our beliefs and our personal values dramatically impact our life outcomes. Thus, who we are really does matter! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Think and Decide, but You Must Act!
Don’t waste all your great thinking and deciding by not acting!
1). Belief alone isn’t enough.
Why? Because beliefs can be based on lies.
2). Sincerity alone isn’t enough.
Why? Because unchallenged perceptions are deadly.
3). Desire alone isn’t enough.
Why? Because desire without action is a waste.
4). Don’t decide to take action someday.
Why? Because someday isn’t a day of the week!
Thinking involves perception. And, perception is the reality we choose to live in. So, choose your perceptions wisely! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Any Regrets?
A common regret is the regret of risks not taken.
Of things not tried.
And, of opportunities we pass on because of fear.
It’s Ok to try and fail.
I’m the world’s leading expert at it!
An Observation: It’s not Ok to stop with failure. Get up and move on with your life.
Why? Because failing one time doesn’t mean you’re a failure every time.
The Precept: Proverbs 4.23 tells us to protect our character above all else.
Why? Because who we are is the essence of life itself. We can choose to be our authentic and our best self!
A Question: What practices help you recover and move on after failing?
Choose to believe in yourself! Choose abundance – on purpose! The outcome? Resilience and an abundance mindset enable you to live with purpose, on purpose! proverbsforprofessionals.net
I’m a Kid!
I asked a small child how old she was.
“I’m three,” she said, holding up 3 fingers!
I responded “you’re big!”
Then I asked “Are you driving yet?”
After a pause she said “No, I’m a kid!”
Today’s Observation: It’s good to have a clear understanding of who you are. AND, of who you are not!
A Question: How do you stay grounded in who you really are?
What’s Your Favorite?
“My Favorite” can mean many different things.
We may have a favorite: pet, friend, TV show, football team, song, book, food, or place.
Today’s Observation: Favorites are enjoyable and comfortable. Thus, they’re like living in our comfort zone. It’s nice and safe, but doesn’t push us to live elsewhere or take risks.
The Precept: When my character is transformed by the precepts of wisdom, I live in balance. And, I recognize what’s most essential about key relationships in life. See Proverbs 3.3-4. If I’m going to have a favorite anything, it should be the abundant life!
A Question: What’s your favorite anything? Why?
We never seem to tire of our favorites. We can listen to a song multiple times, watch a movie until we have memorized the script, and reread a book – seeing something new with each reading. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Want to Build Discernment?
Discernment comes from reflecting on and learning from life experiences.
We must think about what’s in front of us.
Thus, understand contexts and motives, get the facts, and ask if something is really true.
Today’s Observation: Discernment accompanies traits such as insight, discretion, critical thinking, sound reasoning, and good judgment.
The Precept: A quick definition for discernment is that we know the difference between right and wrong. See 1 Kings 3.9.
A Question: What life practices help you build discernment?
Recognize that the inner voice bugging us can be our negative self talk, or it can be our intuition helping us find a way forward. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Destructive Favoritism!
We play favorites by showing undue deference to one person over another.
We’re swayed by factors like appearance, power, or wealth.
Worse yet, we can be swayed by misunderstanding or by lies.
Today’s Observation: Constantly favoring one over another is destructive. We’re not present. We’re unfulfilled. Dissatisfied. Always wishing for another time, place, or relationship.
The Precept: Genesis 37.3 says Jacob loved Joseph “more than all his children” because he was born when Jacob was old. The response of Joseph’s brothers was “they hated him.”
A Question: What’s an example of destructive favoritism you’ve witnessed?
Comparisons can be a source of trouble in our personal lives if we continually find fault with who we are. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Friday Short: Intentionality!
We become what we constantly think about.
We are what we constantly do.
When I intentionally change my mindset, thus the way I perceive the world, I dramatically change what’s possible in and through my life! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Now What?
Negative experiences present a split-in-the-road choice.
One path brings personal growth and deeper insight.
The other path brings bitterness – the rehashing of a victim’s mindset.
Today’s Observation: We don’t control life experiences. But, we can learn to control our responses to those experiences.
A Question: What helps you recognize and act appropriately when this split-in-the-road comes along?
Some Answers: Here are the deep insights commenters have shared during the first two hours this post was live: Recognize the power of choice; consider others when making decisions; take the long view; persist; be intentional; adopt an abundance mindset; be self-aware; have a learner’s attitude; seek spiritual guidance.
The Precept: From Proverbs 14.13 we learn that sorrow can follow us, even in times of joy.
We view problems from an inch away. Being so close distorts our view of reality and our view of the possibilities for moving on. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Sense Making 101
How we think about and make sense of our circumstances impacts where we end up.
Something as simple as “life’s unfair” can distort our sense of control and our self-worth.
An Observation: We make sense of things when we connect the dots of life experiences. Reflection is a primary tool for sense making.
A Question: How have you been successful in connecting the dots of life experiences?
The Precept: In Proverbs 23.4 we’re warned that our sense-making is problematic when our motives are inappropriate.
After a trying period in life, living to share is much better than failing to learn! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Why Carry All That?
Got the weight of the world on your shoulders?
Well, you were never asked to carry that weight!
So, let it go!
An Observation: No matter how hard we try, we don’t control everything. The weight of being in control wears us down. Let it go!
A Question: What keeps you in balance on the continuum of Control-Influence-No Control?
The Precept: Ecclesiastes 6.3 holds out the possibility of living a long, productive life yet unable to see good. So, as verse 6.9 suggests, choose to see the good in life!
Learning from difficulty demands that I respond as a learner instead of as a victim! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Friday Short: Stop Putting It Off!
Deliberate action attacks procrastination.
At the same time, that intentionality enables us to confront our often irrational fears!
Discernment reveals beliefs and habits we must release to create space for becoming our best self. proverbsforprofessionals.net
