The Right Mindset for Change

It’s funny, every year we make New Year’s resolutions. We’re committed to giving up our favorite foods. However, by February 1st, which is the date that 68% of the country ends their New Year’s resolutions, we’re back to our old food habits. I believe the same scenario happens during Lent. Each Easter season, as Christians, we acknowledge Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us by giving up something we desire or as Elizabeth likes to say, “You are letting something go.” But even with such a powerful motivator, we still struggle. I know that I find the commitment to stop eating my favorite foods extraordinarily challenging. Every year it’s the same schedule: Lent has a beginning (Fat Tuesday), a middle (Everything after Fat Tuesday, but before Easter Sunday) and an end (Easter Sunday). I know it’s coming, but I still always double and triple check the calendar to see what day Fat Tuesday falls on (hint, it’s on a Tuesday). I always view Fat Tuesday like it’s the Last Supper, or the last day on earth that I can get any tasty food.

I always plan my Fat Tuesday meal the week before. I usually give up fried foods, sweets, and red meat for Lent. And it never seems to fail, I always wound up securing a photo job right before Lent. Someone will hire me to photograph their special event. They have food for their guests. They invite me to have something to eat. They end up serving fried foods, sweets, and red meats. This is where my struggle begins. The struggle is real because I’ve overdone it (proof = the scale), feel unprepared to start my ‘sacrifice’, and all I can think about is ‘how am I ever going to get through this Lenten season???’ Can you relate?

But I thank God for Spiritual Principle #5, which states, “Mindset = Attitude= Outcome”. I use this principle to reset my thinking, starting with the following thought: Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me. Can I make a forty-day sacrifice for Him? After all, He went through a whole lot more than just giving up food.

To make it through this Lenten season successfully, it will take the renewing of my mind. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. So, I seek God for a mindset change. This is what helps me ‘let go’, and not ‘give up’. I know with God I can do all things, so I will rely on Him this Lenten season. I created four strategies to help myself maintain the right headspace. I hope these prove valuable to you.

- First, you must remember that the things that you are giving up are probably not good for you anyway (only you and God know what they are).

- Second, if you are like me and it is certain foods that you are giving up, take this opportunity to consider reducing them, or completely letting them go. Right now, you have at least a forty-day head start.

- Third, have a plan! Without a plan you run a greater risk of sabotaging your Lent goals, your personal goals, and most likely your weight loss or wellness goals.

- Finally, substitutions help. If you are going to get rid of, or let go of ice cream, cookies, and cakes, substitute them with additional fruits, which are also sweet. Your body will thank you for getting rid of the refined sugars.

Remember, with New Year’s resolutions, personal goals, or Lent, your mindset is everything! See you next time.