The Virtue of a Positive Cycle

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

If you find yourself concerned in the current world we live in, you’re not alone. While we all know that there’s a never-ending number of issues in the world that can cause concern. From COVID to Afghanistan and a big concern for us here in the south, Hurricanes. Concerns can consume our thoughts instead of focusing on the things we have control over. 

As Obi-Wan told Anakin…. “Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you….”

There’s no time like the present to create a virtuous cycle. This can help us remain focused on the things we can control and worry less about the things we can’t. Creating a virtuous cycle is empowering and it can often result in greater contentment and success in our current lives. Instead of a downward spiral of worry, it can be an upward spiral of potential and progress.

A virtuous cycle is not a product of luck but a product of the choices we make. These three tips can help you create this cycle:  

  1. Surround Yourself with Good People:  Proverbs 13:20 says this “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”  People end to take on the characteristics and attributes of those around them. Our circles can influence how we feel, how we think, and how we behave. It’s easy for people to be negative and overly critical about everything around them. Each of us can choose to either be positive or negative. We can also choose to have positive people around us so that their thoughts and behavior rub off on us.
  2. Praising Other: Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”  Take five minutes on Social Media and it’s easy to see how horrible people can be towards others. Our words have the power to lift people up or tear people down. If we want others to give us praise then we need to give it freely as well. Not just any praise will do. Telling someone that “They are a great friend!” is much better than saying “You’re a better friend than John or Jane.”
  3. Avoid Negativity: Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” There is no doubt that we will all have times or moments of negativity and negative thoughts. Let’s not forget that we all fall short and we all have value. 

We may not always agree with one another but because someone simply doesn’t agree with us doesn’t make them less of a person. Each person brings value to our lives and that’s something we can focus on rather than their flaws.

Our circumstances don’t have to define us and they don’t have to force us to act in negative ways. We all have the choice to act positively rather than react to our negative surroundings.  

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC