WILL You Overcome?

Mentally and emotionally strong people know that they do not have control over every aspect of their lives. They also know that worrying does not solve problems – worry is simply a tax on mental energy on unearned misery. Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”

Instead, they focus on what they can control. Often enough, they recognize that the only thing they can control is their attitude or mindset and that they can leave the rest to God; the One who knows best and who has our interest at heart.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? …your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:25, 32b-34 (ESV)

“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)

4. They live authentic and congruent lives

Trying to make everyone happy drains one’s mental energy because it is just, well, just plain impossible. Mentally and emotionally strong people, therefore, are not crowd pleasers and recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They are not afraid to say “no” or walk away from a bad deal when necessary. They are clear of their priorities and live an authentic life in accordance with their values and their beliefs.

“We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:4b (NIV)

5. They seek wise counsel

Mentally and emotionally strong people make the effort to step out of their comfort zone to take risks to grow but they do not make reckless decisions. They consider and seek counsel before they make a decision. Once committed to a decision, they embark on some specific action immediately. They do not procrastinate and revert back to analysis-paralysis mode.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” ~ Proverbs 19:20-21 (ESV)

6. They live in the present and strive for the future

Mentally and emotionally strong people do not spend time dwelling on the past, wishing things could be different. Instead, they acknowledge what they have gone through and can share with others the tough lessons they have learnt. They always live in the present and look toward the future.

“…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 3:13b-14 (ESV)

“… so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV)

7. They accept responsibility for their own lives

Mentally and emotionally strong people acknowledge that despite the hurts and setbacks they have encountered, they themselves have personal responsibility for their own lives. They understand that while life may not always be easy or fair, they try to “travel light” by forgiving rather than blaming others, they learn from their mistakes and move on. As a result, they learn from their mistakes and are able to move ahead unhindered without repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future to grow into God-intended versions of who they are meant to be.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)

8. They appreciate and celebrate others’ successes

They are not envious of nor do they resent other people’s success. They know God has uniquely prepared good works for each one of us to do—to each his own—and they can appreciate and celebrate with those who succeed. They recognize that success in what we are called to do comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success. And when they play with or against a better player, they learn from him.

“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose… If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:18,26 (ESV)

9. They never give up

Mentally and emotionally strong people do not view failure as a possible reason to give up. Instead, they see failure as a stepping stone to grow and improve. When things get tough, the tough get going. They are willing to keep on trying until they get it right.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” ~ Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

10. They know that success is a journey

Mentally and emotionally strong people do not expect immediate results or hope to achieve overnight success. Instead, they commit to applying their skills and time to the best of their ability, understanding that real change in behaviour and habits takes time.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” ~ Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Strength is beautiful.
You are stronger than you think.
Stay strong. Stay strong in God.

Want to further thrive in your life? Fuel up, not burnout. Keep burnout at bay by:

• Hollistically develop your strength in preventing and overcoming burnout at our upcoming events.
• Taking the 12-day Burnout Devotional Challenge
• Contacting us about our Burnout Prevention and Management talks and/or,
• Joining our mailing list to be notified of the next run of our “Thrive My Life” workshop, a life-changing personal learning journey to explore the principles to living a thriving life.