While serving on a panel of women leaders recently it came time for the moderator to open up the panel discussion to questions from the audience. A young woman asked me specifically “how” does someone get to the place where they really believe that they will succeed. I’m paraphrasing her question but her point was “it’s great that you all are successful, confident women who have achieved much, but HOW did you change your mindset and remain consistent over time?” It was one of the last questions asked and I am SO grateful she addressed it to me! What I told her was that ‘how’ I have been able to persevere in spite of setbacks, disappointments, fear, ‘other people’s opinions of me & negative assumptions about my abilities’ is simple… I have made it a daily PRACTICE to do the following things:
(1) I go to Chapel everyday. Chapel happens to be a chair in my living room where I sit down and journal what I’m grateful for from the last 24 hours of my life.
(2) Also, while in Chapel, I spend time in prayer and Bible study. Key word here is “study.” I’ll spend days or weeks on a single verse to try to understand what it means for MY life! I spend time in conversation with God. I ask for wisdom; I ask for forgiveness and strength and I listen to His counsel.
(3) I SPEAK over my life… every… single… day! I declare and decree that I am healed; that my family members are blessed; that my corporation, ministry and marriage are favored. I say ‘grace’ over my clients: “Lord, thank you for the clients I am about to receive!” I open my mouth and speak success over my professional and personal life.
Has it changed my life? Oh Lord YES!!! I feel grateful on a consistent basis and I feel hopeful that I am living with, on and in purpose. I find it easier to forgive others and MYSELF; easier to extend grace to others (and myself). I am much more mindful of the gift of each day. Success is not way up ahead… it’s in small efforts made each day.
Is it really that SIMPLE to change your life and your outlook? Yes. Begin by respecting the power of consistency. Every day say kind things about yourself to yourself. Every day pause to give thanks. Every day read and think about a spiritual truth. It IS that simple and YOU can do it.
Blessings! ~ Dr. Sheryl L.W. Barnes
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Dr. Sheryl L.W. Barnes 