flip your mindset

"Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, 

whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

Hey guys!! I hope you are all doing amazing. 

I have talked about this topic before here and there, and it is actually something I am very interested in. I love knowing the psychology behind why people behave/think a certain way. The brain truly amazes me, and I find myself in such awe of how detailed God is when creating us. Today's blog is not so much about me but more so all about you. 

When I dropped out of college over a year ago, I not only told myself this, but also the people around me... Leaving school was in no way an excuse for me to stop learning. In fact, I was very excited that I could teach myself, and learn whatever I wanted to learn. Once I left though, I wasn't swamped by books and research. To be completely honest, I did not really live up to really trying to learn A LOT until after I got back from the beach back in July. Since I have gotten back from that trip, there has not been a week that has gone by where I have not finished an entire book. I also completed an online marketing course. There is certain people I follow on Instagram to learn more, and to really get a grip on what I am passionate about. Now, I literally just said this was not about me and more about you. I am just giving you a little backstory. I wanted to just explain to you that I am a college dropout, and whatever I want to learn or do, there is no set time or due dates. I have to motivate myself, be productive, and find the right tools/people to teach me. 

(Here is the picture I did NOT post on instagram, because as you can see, Bo's bandana is showing more. It is more evident that we are matching. We were scammed by this company. So, I will not be advertising them.)

Here are a few of the books that talked about just mindset or mindset + faith : 

• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (for teens) by Richard Carlson 
• You're Going to be Okay by Holley Gerth 
• Calm my Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow 
• The Art of Work by Jeff Goins
• Mindset : The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck 
• A lot of what will be discussed is based mostly off this book. I highly recommend getting this book if you feel like your mindset is holding you back from being successful at life. 

Some of these books were faith-based and others were not. Some were about business/work and others were about how to cope with fear/hard times.  Here's what I have learned and what I have to say when it comes to mindset. 

There are two kinds of mindsets : Growth and Fixed. 

They are exactly what they sound like. Someone with a fixed mindset believes intelligence / personality traits / abilities are basically given at birth and there is not much room for change. "I was born this way." Someone with a growth mindset believes that their intelligence / personality traits / abilities can develop as long as they work hard enough. Fixed mindsets struggle with things like criticism and failures. If a fixed mindset person fails a math test, they will be more likely to slack off, and believe there is nothing more they can really do. They are "just bad at math". Growth mindsets see criticism and failures as an opportunity to learn and do better. If a growth mindset failed a math test, they would see what they need to study more, and be able to learn from their mistakes. 

When it comes to anxiety and how people handle certain negative emotions, these mindsets can also play a part. A growth mindset may see hard times as a way to grow and learn. They feel just as much as a fixed mindset, but they are more likely to understand that bad times pass. Whereas a fixed mindset may be more easily persuaded into thinking, their battles could be an ongoing tough battle for possibly the rest of their life. 

Here's the good news. These books are not all based on science regarding how the brain works. Each of the books I listed, show that we have the power to how we see things. We can see failure and criticism as a way to grow. We can see tough times as a growth opportunity that will eventually pass. I have dealt with anxiety almost all my life, but I hold on to hope that one day it will no longer have so much control on me. And listen closely... I have a secret for you all. When 2019 started, I told my mom that my motto for the New Year was, "Anxiety? Who is she?" Lol, but I am dead serious. I said it just like that. For the first time in my life, I have felt like I have more control over my mind. Do I have my moments? 100%! But I cannot tell you the last time, I cried out of fear. I never thought I would make it to this point. Sure, anxiety is still a part of me, but "she" definitely does NOT control me like "she" once did.

(What would be a blog if I did not include my most recent sunset picture??? You're welcome.)

What do you want to change (or change your perspective on) today? A mental illness? A hard time? Your intelligence? I cannot promise that you will be wiped free from every hardship by changing your mindset. You also will most likely not miraculously become as smart as Einstein today either lol, but I can promise that if you really want to make this change... Your hard times (and life in general) won't be as dang hard as it seems right now. 

As I wrap this up, I need to make one thing clear. I did work really hard on changing my mindset, but I would be telling a horrible lie if I took credit for all this. I have never prayed as much or as hard as I do these days. I have never trusted God, or had the kind of faith I do now. Educating myself helped, but it was not until I presented it to God, that any real big change started to take place. My positive perspective is God showing me that no matter what happens here on Earth (pain, trials, hurt feelings, etc.) can compare to the ABSOLUTELY amazing time/things promised in heaven. Life will never be a piece of cake, but a lot of faith and a good mindset will make it all so worth it. 

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Also, please keep praying for my grandmother (heart failure + other health complications) and my cousin (recovery from brain tumor removal). 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : Newkindofliving

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com   

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!