The Solution to FEAR: CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE

For the last few weeks we have been talking about this reality - in life, we really only have control over two things: our attitude and our effort.  Lifting the fog of fear that we often experience begins with those two choices.

Mirriam-Webster defines attitude as “a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state.”  John Maxwell says, “The sum of all your thoughts comprises your overall attitude.”  In other words, our feelings, emotions, and thoughts affect our attitude.  

Have you ever wondered how some are able to lead through fearful situations when others collapse under the pressure?  According to the Apostle Paul it has to do with what they think about in times of turmoil.  It is those thoughts that impact the attitude they maintain amid the struggle.  Romans 12 goes on to say in verse 3, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are.  Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” (NLT – emphasis mine).  

Ruminating in our feelings and emotions can quickly lead to fear.  Why?  Because when we do, we make ourselves the center of the universe.  We inadvertently, through self-centered focus, set ourselves up in a position of false “control.”  Truth be told we are not in control of anything!  We can’t control our circumstances.  We can’t control the people we are around.

That false sense of “control” is not our role as leaders.  And when we try to maintain control of every area of our lives, we literally get out of our lane.  When we do that, our attitude suffers.    

Our ability to maintain an appropriately focused and determined attitude comes from what we allow our minds to dwell on.  

That is a powerful mindset shift.  When the perception of circumstances can become a growth opportunity rather than a tunneled obstacle to overcome, it can have a dramatic impact on our attitude.

Keeping our attitudes independent of our circumstances is a tall order.  Society in general seems determined to keep us switched “on” all of the time, reminding us of the challenges we face.  With the constant dings, pings, and rings of distraction, it is a wonder that we can even entertain a single coherent thought most of the time!  Social media, 24-hour news channels, and FOMO (fear of missing out) can drive our attitudinal behavior in the wrong direction.   

Pedaling the bicycle harder in the wrong direction just gets us to the wrong destination faster.

Changing the habits of our actions first begins with changing the habits of our mind.  It starts with the attitude with which we approach challenges. 

That takes effort.  More importantly, it requires us to make a choice.

Next week we will look at the second choice we are called on to make.

See you then!