Success happens on purpose and you have to cultivate it to experience it; but for some, they have wrong thinking, therefore they don’t experience it like they could. Self-defeating thinking is one of the culprits that keep us from achieving and being more successful in our lives. Here are some characteristics of people who have self-defeating thinking:
• The people who think like this are stuck in a cycle of bitterness, depression, anger and cynicism.
• They don’t feel like they are worth anything and constantly feel overwhelmed.
• They start finishing things, but never finish them because if they actually finished a task, they would feel better about themselves and have a sense of accomplishment.
• They refuse help or assistance.
These people are the same way in relationships because they won’t allow themselves to ever feel good about themselves, so they fail over and over again. We have to break out of this cycle before it destroys any more lives. Once we recognize this type of mentality, we can correct it. We must realize that we are worth something and have value. It’s ok to feel good about ourselves and who we are as people. Let go of unforgiveness and blaming others for your life. Move forward from where you are and remember from time to time that all of us need help. Don’t allow yourself to sabotage your own success.

In our quest for excellence, we must guard ourselves from being critical, jealous and uninformed people. They usually say things that have no impact whatsoever on the truth. A person who is constantly critical of others constantly compares themselves to other people. It’s a trap that all of us should be wary of, and would be wise to avoid.  When we strive for excellence, work hard and see the best in every situation, we will refuse to allow obstacles like jealousy sideline us. Mediocre people seem to be tamed and subdued by obstacles, but excellence always rises above them. In times of adversity, you don’t have an obstacle to overcome, you have a choice to make. Don’t become critical; just strive to be the best. Make sure that what you speak brings forth good fruit; that it helps and doesn’t hinder. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find people who have an excellent spirit about them. In order to be successful in any area of life, we have to strive to do the best and not become critical.

If you believe in something, or have a set of beliefs that make up your core being, then you should live by them. My beliefs come from the Bible, the Word of God, and it quite often conflicts with the culture of the day. Often times it goes against what is popular and accepted as appropriate behavior. What do we do when our beliefs conflict with society and we're attacked and criticized? We should defend them and never compromise them. If you compromise on something you say you really believe in, then it wasn't a belief at all. We can compromise on a lot of things, but never on our core beliefs, the principles that we espoused to live our lives by. We should learn how to defend our beliefs and values so when others criticize, we have an answer and we are not put to shame.

I've been criticized a lot for what I believe the Bible says on certain issues, and no matter what people say or what is popular, I still believe in what I believe. The Bible is truth, and knowing the truth sets us free from bondage, and gives us confidence. Take a stand and don't give ground!

Life is what you make of it. No matter the circumstances, we make our own choices. The Bible talks about the tongue and how it has the ability to speak life or death, not just into our lives, but into the lives of others as well. We can always talk negative and let things come out of our mouth that will constantly be a hindrance to us, or we; can speak life; positively speak those things which can help and affect our lives in good ways. We get to choose what comes out of our mouths. When I say things like, I'm no good; I'm never going to make it, that actually makes me feel bad about myself and affects my outlook on life. But when I begin to speak life, I feel better about myself and see life in a better light. We choose everyday how we react to situations. Start speaking life, start talking positively, get away from bad news and start talking about what is right in life. Think on things that are good.

I heard a message the other day that said God is always thinking about you. The thoughts He is thinking towards you are for good and not evil, not to harm you, but to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. Wow...the God of the universe is always thinking about us!! He is thinking thoughts to help us, prosper us. That thought alone should encourage us and keep us encouraged, instead of self-justifying our actions and placing the blame on others.

If I know God is always thinking about me, then I must learn to take responsibility. For some, it's not an easy task, but one that could be corrected for our good, if dealt with properly. No matter what you have done or are doing, God is still thinking thoughts on how to help and bless you; He's working to get you into the truth and to live better. Let's stay encouraged; knowing God Himself is our friend and helper.

Just a Thought,

PSS

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