One of the most amazing things in life is being introduced to a thought process that opens you up to every sound and profitable thing and closes the door to all others. This transformation is vital, as we often forget that the key to life's sobriety is recognizing the damage that negative thinking and meditations do to one's soul.
The Power of Positive Focus
A recent study shows that teaching a child what to do rather than what not to do is more profitable. Telling them not to do something often awakens their curiosity and causes an inverse reaction to the command, increasing their desire to do the forbidden thing. Harvard neuroscientists found that positive parenting contributes to better functioning in brain regions associated with emotions and cognition during the teen years. It also has long-term benefits, including better relationships, mental health, and well-being during adulthood.
Biblical Insights on Positive Thinking
In the story of Adam and Eve, Satan made the desire for the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge more palpable by focusing on what was seemingly withheld rather than on all that was given. He cleverly made God's commandment appear more sinister by questioning His reasoning and the validity of the consequences. Today, we often doubt God's thought process by doing the very things we were told not to do.
This struggle is not new. The Apostle Paul spoke about this conundrum in Romans 7:15-20:
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
Choosing a Positive Mindset
We all know that God has redeemed us and made us free from the law of sin and death, but we must choose this freedom. We must choose to think of those things that are good, nourishing, and full of hope and faith rather than negative. We must believe, live, and teach others this way. Otherwise, we become co-creators of the negative things in our lives rather than allowing God to create the life He purposed for us and through us.
What is Positive Thinking?
Positive thinking is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health, and a successful outcome in every situation and action.
Jesus commanded us to think and live positively in Matthew 6:25-27:
"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? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?"
Philippians 4:8 further reinforces this:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
As Proverbs 23:7 states, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." We are our thoughts, and everything we do emanates from our meditations.
Applying Positive Thinking to Investing
Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, exemplifies the principles of a growth mindset. He famously said, "The most important investment you can make is in yourself." This aligns with the biblical principle of personal growth and stewardship.
John Bogle, the founder of Vanguard Group, emphasized the importance of perseverance and long-term thinking in investing: "Time is your friend; impulse is your enemy." This reflects the biblical encouragement in Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Conclusion
Adopting a growth mindset can transform your life and your approach to investing. Viewing challenges as opportunities for improvement, embracing new knowledge, and striving to be better in all areas of life aligns with biblical teachings and the wisdom of great thinkers. As you pursue excellence, trust in God's plan, and make every effort to grow, you will find fulfillment and peace in the journey.
At Limitless Capital Management, we believe that integrating these timeless principles can guide you toward financial prosperity and a fulfilling life. Embrace gratitude, trust in God’s timing, and patiently wait for the harvest. Your financial and spiritual investments will flourish, leading to a life of abundance and peace.