In this episode, I focus on the mental life. I continue with how to prepare, plan and execute a plan that will cause an ever increasing life. Watch the previous episode here where I talk about why following this plan will lead to increase.
The importance of the Mental life
An ever in creasing life is what Jesus assured us in John 10:10. Subsequently, this is a life of quality. Quality, here, means a productive and fruitful life in him. Amazingly, you can can have an ever increasing mental life. However, we have a lot of people who are currently struggling with a lot of issues. But this is not supposed to be the case. The Lord has promised us a life of quality, and that is what we must have.
This topic is very important because of the devil hijacks your mind, you have really lost. You can still be productive when you have a bodily disability. But once your mind is compromised, you can rarely do anything. You must do whatever you can to ensure your sanity because once you lose it, it’s over.
Also, your mind is very important because you use your mind to move things from the spiritual realm into the physical.
There is power in your mind. So, you must understand this power and use it to your advantage. If you can work on your thinking, you can do and become what God wants us to become.
How do we develop our goals?
In order to develop goals that work, you have to determine your present reality. This means you have to ask yourself where you are presently.
Where am I now?
It is very important to know where you are. Unfortunately, many people lie about their initial position. But, you need to be totally honest with where you are, so that you can determine what you want to be, and the goals to get there.
In other to determine where you are, ask yourself questions on these important areas:
Books:
How many books do you read in a week (not novels)? Whatever you are looking for is in a book somewhere. There are books which will help you to do well in life. So, you must determine where you are now with your reading. And most importantly, what you read.
Audio:
How many sermons or motivational audio do I listen to a week? This is a very important practice for your mental life. So, you should have a habit of listening to a sermon everyday. This will help build you up in a great way.
This is important because your mental state is controlled by what you hear.
Meditation:
How many hours do you spend in meditation in a day? This is important because life is full of distractions, and the devil wants to use these distractions to get you off track. Therefore, you must develop the ability to meditate. If you do not meditate, just write that you do not meditate.
It is important for your mind to see the future. That is what meditation is for.
The prerequisite to doing great things for God is in your ability to wait on the Lord. It is not about activities. A lot of activities does not necessarily mean productivity.
Vision Board:
How many times do you think of your goals a day? Where do you place your goals? So, you should print your goals onto a vision board and place them at places where you will constantly get to see them. You can have them by your bed, on your learning desk, in the bathroom, on a wall in your room and many other places.
The reason why many do not attain their goulash is because they do not think about it much. You have to think about it everyday so that you will be filled with it. Your eyes must see them.
“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.”
The Art of Meditation
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7
If there ever was one key which began to accelerate my life, it is Isaiah 40:31:
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
A lot have heard of this Scripture. But they do not practice it. Wait connotes “stop.” Those who wait to hear the next thing before they move do not get tired.
If you can take your mind to your future and teach your mind to go into the future, you will soon live in your future.
These are the different types of things we can meditate on. You can pick a day to meditate on each.
Meditate on good things going on in your life (Philippians 4:8).
Do your best to focus on the good things going on in your life. Meditate on the good things till you become a person of testimony.
Ask yourself, what are the good things going on in my life? Then, write them down and meditate on them. I spend time focusing on the good things going on in my life. That way, I can never be depressed in my life.
Replay the good things God is doing
Meditate on the word of God (Joshua 1:8).
Pick the word of God and meditate on it. If you want to have prosperity and good success as a leader, you must meditate on the word day and night.
In this state, you have to ask the Holy Spirit to take your mind to the event going on in the scripture.
Many authors of the Bible were inspired to see and write about things pertaining to them. In that same way, in meditation, the Lord can move you into certain events. And these events ca give you directions on what to do.
I must say, however, that this takes time. You cannot expect to achieve this in only a matter of minutes. So, be prepared to spend enough time to get over the flesh, and enter the flow.
Meditate on prophetic words spoken (1 Timothy 4:14-15).
You have to develop the practice of meditating on those prophetic words that you have received. Do not assume that those prophetic words you have received will come to pass readily. You need to meditate on those words and war with them.
It is important to write down every prophetic word that comes to you. Do not take these for granted.
Also, the Bible itself is a prophecy. That way, it also makes for a great meditation material.
Meditate on the Lord himself (Psalm 63:6).
In meditating on the Lord, focus on who He is i.e. focus on the different names of God. Click here and here to see some.
Meditate on the works of God (Psalm 143:5, Psalms 77:10-12).
This is basically you spending time to meditate on what God is doing in your life or in the life of your family or friends. This will help you to develop a heart of gratitude.
Where do I want to be next year?
In order to take control of your mental life, you must consider these areas:
Books:
How many books do I want to read a week (not novels)? However, if you are not reading any book, you can start with just one a month. But do not rush into it. Rather, take your time to build momentum.
One key is to pick a topic a month and read on it. However, if you’re already in the habit of doing it, make an attempt to double the time you spend doing it.
Meditation:
How many hours do I want to meditate a day? Here, pick a time to meditate on the areas I have shared with you. You can start with 15mins a day.
Audio:
How many sermons do I want to listen to a week? Do well to add this to your daily routine. Also, make an attempt to listen to a sermon or a personal development audiobook a day. It is important to understand that you may not need to finish it at a go. But you can listen to it in parts. You can also listen to a sermon once a week.
This will help you to build faith for life, thereby, enhancing your mental life.
Vision Board:
Where am I going to print my vision board and paste them? Are they going to be by your bed, learning desk, bathroom etc.? Or, will you have it on your computer as your screensaver? When you do this, you will always be reminded of your goals so that you do not steer away from them. This is key to your mental life and your overall mental health because it will always keep you excited and full of energy.
Why do I want to be there?
Using the previous notes on the 4 whys, you must ask yourself why you have to do all these I’m talking about. As a result, you will come with solid reasons that will help you to achieve your goals.
SMART?
Are your goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound? It is important to make sure your whys and goals meet this standard.
Who is my accountability partner?
Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Do not underestimate the power of an accountability partner. So, find someone who will help you to follow your plans in order to achieve your goals.
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