The hard work of changing our perspective
- Begin a process to investigate how you see the world.
- Make two lists:
- everything good in your life;
- everything bad in your life.
- Now examine your lists.
- Which list is longer?
- Which list came more naturally?
- Is it easier for you to be pessimistic or to be optimistic?
- Place yourself on a scale of optimism versus pessimism.
- Write your life story in one page as a pessimist.
- Now write it in one page as an optimist.
- Now write it as if you were convinced that God is at work in your life and intends only good for you.
- Now begin reinterpreting life through this filter: “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” says the Lord.
- Write down every good and beautiful thing that has ever happened to you.
- Take time to record everything you have learned and gained from your failures and hardships.
- Begin a practice of identifying every good and beautiful act or experience that comes your way.
- Train yourself to see life as a miracle by thanking God continuously for your life.
- See the world through God’s eyes by always finding the hope and joy in every circumstance.
SOURCE: The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life into a Work of Art by Erwin McManus
You may also enjoy reading Masterpiece: A New Humanity.