Successful Women Think Differently

“Today, scientific research is proving what ancient Scripture has known all along: Successful women think differently than the average woman. They make decisions differently, set goals differently, and bounce back from failure and adversity differently. Their thought process empowers them to produce the results they want — in their relationships, finances, work, health, and spiritual lives.” (Called Magazine)

Successful women are Resilient.

The 5 Characteristics of a Resilient Woman

  You can change your life by simply changing the way you think!

 Brave and Courageous

Resilient women are at peace with who they are.

1 Peter 3:4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 

They have been humbled and have accepted their own vulnerability in life experiences. Their imperfections don’t stop them. Resilient women possess a spirit of willingness to learn from their mistakes and make corrections that lead to excellent outcomes.

 Use Good Judgement

Resilient women notice when their thinking is negative and counterproductive.

They don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions. They find out the facts and confront challenges head on. They focus on what’s within their control and work diligently for more than earthly gain.

Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

Optimistic

Resilient women see the value in positive thinking.

They always see the bright side; knowing that optimism is good for their overall health. Their hopeful positive attitude is deeply rooted in their faith. Resilient women believe that something good is possible even when faced with challenges.

 Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Resourceful

Resilient women don’t go it alone.

They are not too proud to ask for help. They have been wise in developing relationships with others who are influential and productive. In the midst of crazy chaotic moments, they have also learned to draw inner strength from their Heavenly Father.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.

Aware of Their Talents

Resilient women don’t waste time worrying what they don’t have.

Instead, they have recognized their talents and passionately spend time developing them into strengths. God has given each of us natural talents, so don’t overlook or under utilize yours.

Psalm 28:8 God is all strength for His people.

Resilient women recognize that God’s presence gives confidence to handle all of life’s responsibilities.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Scripture Memorization

“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

 

To achieve living at a higher level we need goals that strive for mental excellence of courage, passion and discipline  “All truth is given by revelation, either general or special, and it must be received by reason. Reason is the God-given means for discovering the truth that God discloses, whether in his world or his Word. While God wants to reach the heart with truth, he does not bypass the mind.” ― Jonathan Edwards

The basic problem is we women wear so many different hats. We are at work thinking we should be home with our family. Or we are at home thinking we should be at work.  So many of us are dashing back  and forth from one responsibility to other we are never mentally in the present. I am Guilty. Not only in daily responsibility of work and family but in a treasured spa day. I have missed the tranquility of the experience because I was not fully there. My mind was traveling aimlessly. I was definitely somewhere else. If you find that you are in this dilemma and it seems you have little time to accomplish anything, Goal setting is the answer. The basic problem isn’t lack of time but lack of direction.

“Take the Vision, Write it down, Make it plain so you can run with it” Habakkuk 2:2 Get back on track with goal setting and time management so you can be fully present and engaged. Lets get equipped with courage, passion and disciple for the work God has given us to do.

 

The Study: Living INTENTIONALLY.

 Reading from the book of Ruth, chapter 3, “One day her mother-in-law Naomi said to Ruth, ‘My dear daughter isn’t it about time I arranged a good home for you so you can have a happy life?’ Ruth said, ‘If you say so, I’ll do it, just as you’ve told me.'”

A Plan. A Jewish tradition. Ruth went down to the threshing floor. Ruth put her mother-in-law’s plan into action.

The result of the action plan–the end of Ruth’s story—she marries Boaz and gives birth to a son. Obed

 Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.  King David.  It was from his family line that our Savior, the Messiah was born.  Ruth’s purpose revealed!

Reading from the book of Esther 4: 13-16 “ Mordecai answered, ‘Do not think that you in the king’s special house will live any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep quiet at this time, help will come to the Jews from another place. But you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows if you have not become queen for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to say to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and have them all go without food so they can pray better for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my women servants will go without food in the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law. And if I die, I die.'”

God loves when we live boldly, courageously and confidently. I am not speaking of an attitude of arrogance but of an attitude” I can do all things through Christ who is my strength”.

Esther’s plan of action was bathed in wise counsel, prayer and fasting.

The result of the action plan–The Jewish nation saved and protected and Esther’s life purpose revealed and fulfilled.

What can we learn from Ruth and Esther’s story:

1. Willing hearts do what is right.

2. Having a humble spirit lends to wise counsel.

3. That faith and blessing is seldom familiar or comfortable, but God’s presence is its worthy reward.

To Live Intentionally—you must have Goals!

“Goals are good.

They create activity.

The activity creates excitement!

And goals chase the blues away.

I don’t anyone who has a specific quantifiable goal in place who is discouraged or depressed.” Zig Ziglar

Pursuing a life of excellence requires that we do our part. We need to be actively setting goals to obtain the ingredients of excellence and to live with a healthy mind.

Lets revisit the value of personal assessment. The purpose of a personal self-assessment is to get to know who you are better. Understanding where you are helps to give you a clearer picture of where you want to be.  Personal self-assessment assists in identifying your likes, dislikes, personal characteristics, values, wants, needs, strengths and weaknesses.  First knowing who you are is a significant step that must be taken before you can begin writing goals for yourself . If you have not done a thorough personal assessment Go to http://www.16personalities.com and complete the assessment.

Then complete page 92 Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study. Both books can be purchased easily at http://www.bonnieliabenow.com    Click on Bonnie’s Books

Women, we need to live intentionally. We need to deliberately live God’s way.

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life and serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” Galatians 5:22, The Message

Promise

“The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”

Blessing

“I pray that God will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!”