As I mentioned in the previous feature, with an objective and, clear-thinking head along with the right amount of emotion, you will more likely be set for a more successful course. Life is about decisions, decisions, decisions.
Being objective ensures you are seeing the cup half full. You need to be able to see things as they really are. You need to see the possible outcomes of a decision you are about to make. Think about how you will manage the outcome if things fall either to this way or that. And this is also the reason you need to see the cup half empty. Please bring your emotions along too.
You shouldn’t totally neglect the fear and/or anxiety you are feeling while considering the decision you are about to take. How will the outcome impact you and others, like your family if things go sideways? What if it is a decision that will negatively impact some people but save many others? It will be nice to save all, but we know that sometimes we have to lose something to win.
Our emotions are important. We can’t simply neglect that our hearts are beating faster, our palms are now getting sweaty, our mouths are feeling drier and the butterflies in our stomach are swirling.
Other times, it could be feelings of excitement and hope that we feel when we are making choices.
We must consider our feelings and adjust them appropriately.
Mind composure is the ability to see things clearly while considering the cup half full and also half empty. It doesn’t have to be half this or that. There will be more ways of seeing things, and other parties to be considered. The truth is that we can never win it all or have it all, all the time. However, we want to win most times. Mind composure means we want to take decisions with the right frame of mind, not only with our head or only with our emotions, but with both. Mind composure also means we never jump into conclusions or make hasty decisions. However, it does not mean we circle around forever trying to finalize a matter. Your mind is the centre of your head’s considerations and your heart’s emotions.
Having the right amount of emotions means that you understand why you are taking a specific course of action. Are you trying to please others? Are you being strategic? What is causing the anxiety or the excitement? This is where being objective will be helpful.
I can say that mind composure is not always easy. There is always a risk. We can not get away from this especially for important decisions. But we can certainly minimize those risks.
This is where the Word of God comes in. Our head and our emotions are given to us by God to use. These are however in the realm of the mind. The scriptures are our ultimate guide to how we live our lives and they form the basis of making choices and taking decisions. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalms 119:105 NLT version. Remember that God holds all answers and solutions. Let His word and laws guide you. We do not aim to be wise by our standards; i.e. our heads and our emotions, but His standards ensures that we are operating with the right mindset and motives.
Mind composure definitely includes considering the Word of God in the decision-making process.