GUARD THE MIND
Earlier we mentioned the importance of protecting your mind
by entertaining and not entertaining certain thoughts. For the
sake of this discussion let’s define these two terms so we can
understand how they serve you differently. The activity of the
mind is consciousness: which is awareness and knowing
supplemented by your will. Your brain is an organ like your
lungs and heart. The mind is invisible whereas the brain takes
up physical space. Exercising the mind is an activity that
operates through the brain, but is not the brain.
Many professionals will explain to you how you can sharpen
your brain intellectually through brainteasers and similar
exercises. I’m suggesting that these have nothing to do with the
essence of who you are. You may have a high IQ and grow up to
be the finest mathematician there is, but without control of
your mind you may anger easily, lack consideration for others
or demonstrate destructive violence.
Considering how important thoughts and words are, what
should be the first step when reacting to failure or to loss or to
disappointment?
We know how to throw parties, invite friends and spread the
word about our triumphs. Yet our loved ones become
uncomfortable and uneasy when trying to help us cope with
loss. We find ourselves struggling to handle failure because we
are taught that failing and being a failure are inextricably tied
to one another. The only deciding factor that has changed is
our mindset.
If a major league batter only hit the ball half of the time that he
w as at bat he would be considered THE GOAT.
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