This short article, “The Mindset of a Winner” connects in all areas of life. Wherever you are, whatever status in life you are in, business, self-employed, employed, working in public sectors, and etc., you can be a winner and achieve great things.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, the author wrote a similar principle about winning. He wants to encourage his readers to run the race and succeed in the end. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Who wants to be a winner? What should be your mindset?
Mindset 1 – Find Inspiration
Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” These “witnesses” are the heroes of faith from the Old Testament, and they are also mentioned briefly in Hebrews 11. Since they are heroes of faith, they inspire others.
The statement, “surrounded by such great cloud of witnesses” can serve as an inspiration to move on. Since these witnesses were faithful, they are also winners. They can be models to follow. Be faithful like them.
One of the ways to be a winner is to find inspiration. Learn from others. Read biographies, inspirational books. Find inspiration from stories in the Bible.
Mindset 2 – Fail Forward
Fail forward is an expression that seems negative because of the word “fail.” However, it can be used as positive motivation because “to fail forward means to purposefully and deliberately use failure to find success” – succeedonpurpose.com.
The author of Hebrews continued by saying, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” (Hebrews 12:1). Here, failures and shortcomings are identified. The words such as “hinders,” “sin that so easily entangles,” and, “run with perseverance” are related to pain and failures. But the author seems to say, move forward, and finish the race.
“Every failure is a lesson. If you are not willing to fail, you are not ready to succeed.” Ken Robinson
Related Post: 4 Business Lessons from the Life of Joseph
Mindset 3 – Focus on Jesus
Focusing on Jesus is another mindset of a winner. The fact that you believe in Jesus is an indication that you are already a winner. Jesus is our savior and Lord. He is also the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). The statement “fixing our eyes on Jesus” must be the mindset of those who want to succeed in life.
There is a Filipino expression embedded in our cultural values when we are confronted with problems. We frequently say “Bahala Na.” To translate that into English, there are two meanings. One is, “come what may” or “whatever will be, will be.” The other one is to “leave it to God.” The best way to apply this expression is “Bahala na and Panginoon” (Just leave it to the Lord). Focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and be a winner.