The Power of Positivity, Wisdom, and Discernment
May 10, 2023
I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Proverbs 8:12-14
The story of Nelson Mandela really embodies this Proverb.
I want to tell you a story that illustrates the importance of a positive mindset, hard work and perseverance.
This story is important because it shows you what one person, who embodies the power of a positive mindset, hard work, and perseverance can accomplish.
Here is what happened……
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. He was convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government in the Rivonia Trial and was sentenced to life in prison in 1964. Mandela served most of his sentence on Robben Island, a prison off the coast of Cape Town, before being released in 1990 after international pressure and negotiations with the South African government.
Just like you and I, He had a choice he could become bitter or he could become better and he chose to be better. But he had to be intentional with his mindset, he had to walk in wisdom, and use discernment in relationships.
Nelson Mandela lived out the principles of effective leadership in various ways, here is how he did it:
1. Cultivated a positive mindset: Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela maintained a positive outlook and focused on his goal of ending apartheid in South Africa. He believed in forgiveness, reconciliation, and non-violent resistance as the keys to achieving a democratic and free society.
3. Had discernment in relationships: Mandela had the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, but he was also selective about who he allowed into his inner circle. He surrounded himself with people who shared his values and vision, and he avoided those who sought to exploit or undermine him.
Overall, Mandela's leadership style was marked by humility, empathy, and a commitment to justice and equality. He inspired people around the world with his courage and perseverance, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders.
(You can watch my FB Live here, where I talk about the 3 super powers.)
So what can we learn from Proverbs and Nelson Mandela's leadership style? How can we incorporate these principles in our own lives and leadership roles?
- Embrace a positive mindset. As the saying goes, "our thoughts become our reality." This means that when we approach life with a positive attitude, we set ourselves up for success. One way to start is by writing down three things you're grateful for every day. You can also check out Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts, to learn more about the power of gratitude.Have wisdom.
- Embrace wisdom. Having wisdom means that we can make good decisions, overcome challenges, and inspire others. We can gain wisdom by prioritizing learning and personal growth. Reading books, attending seminars, and seeking mentorship are all great ways to gain knowledge.Be discerning in relationships. Proverbs has 31 chapters and that means you can read a chapter a day that corresponds with the day's date. This is a great system to help you stay consistent and get wisdom everyday.
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Have discernment in relationships. Building positive relationships is important, but we must also be careful to avoid negative relationships that could hold us back from fulfilling our purpose in life. By surrounding ourselves with supportive and like-minded individuals, we can achieve our goals.
Remember, everything begins with our thoughts and attitudes. By cultivating positivity, embracing wisdom, and having discernment in relationships, we can become the best version of ourselves and live a fulfilling life.
