What Messages are Helping or Hindering You?
It was Sunday morning. I decided to go on one of my l-o-n-g walks because I had time to do so in a more relaxed state. No meetings or phone calls were waiting for me upon my return. And the weather was glorious…bright sun, a strong wind to keep the Florida heat at bay, and brilliant blue skies. I took along my phone and earbuds to be energized by UPBEAT music and/or an inspirational podcast.
Because it was Sunday, I decided to listen to contemporary Christian music for the positive lyrics and uplifting vibe. I was enjoying the beat of the music. It was perfectly in sync with my steps. However, as I was listening to the lyrics, I had this sudden reaction: “WHAT?!? I cannot be hearing that right.”
This is what I was hearing: God is not dead. He is alive and within…rolling like a liar. A liar?
Well, I thought I better listen more intently because that could NOT be the lyrics. So, I listened again. It took me two or three attempts to decipher the message correctly.
Here is the correct version of the lyrics: God is not dead. He is alive and within…ROARING LIKE A LION.
Oh, my goodness! What an error in translation. But it made me think about how we may be interpreting our own internal messages unconsciously and inaccurately.
THE LESSON
Had I not been present in that moment, I would have let that lyric play itself over and over in my mind. But because I was paying attention, I immediately realized I was not hearing the right message. I listened carefully and heard the intended message. Obviously, the two versions of the message were in complete opposition with one another. Once I realized the exact words being sung, it all made sense.
Are you paying attention to the messages playing in your mind? What version are you playing? Are they uplifting and energizing you to embrace your strength, confidence, and capability? Or is there a negative component to what you “think” you’re hearing, as in “rolling like a liar?” Geez! Where did that come from?
I don’t know if that first version was some type of unconscious thought I have deeply rooted in my mind. AM I SUFFERING FROM SOME VARIATION OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME? I choose to say, NOT! But there was an insight I gained on that walk about the power of messaging and how important it is to get it right.
Are you getting it right? Take time to be in that relaxed state where you can recognize what messages are really playing in your mind. Move at a more leisurely pace, pause, and pay attention. The messages might be the lyrics in a song, or the words on a sign, or even bubbling up from within. Wherever they originate from; decode, and interpret them. Do not let whatever is playing in your head seep mindlessly into your being. Make certain the messages you are absorbing raise you up and keep you moving in a positive, forward direction.
TAKE ACTION
This month…capture the positive thoughts that cross your path. Write them down in a journal, pin them up on a Post-It-Note. Find a way to remember them. Then, determine the impact the messages are having on you. The more you can fill your head and heart with positive words and uplifting messages, the greater the impact to your business, life, and leadership.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What messages are hindering or helping you? Share the ones that are helping you with others. It will multiply the impact for many, beyond yourself. Discard the ones that are hindering you and holding you back from being all you can be.
Remember! You can only have one thought, one idea, or one message in your mind at any given moment. Pay attention! Decode and edit the content. Be sure you are surrounding yourself and filling your mind with the best narrative possible.
Say it like you mean it…I am ROARING LIKE A LION!
