Perspective Tool - Working on a Growth Mindset

This post is by Patty Lewis.

I enjoy journaling.  That is a statement I would not have imagined myself saying a few years ago.  In the past it was something I aspired to but figured I did not have enough discipline for.  I have learned that I can do it my own way.  

My version of journaling is very personal and does not reflect a system or a format, rather it reflects where I am at right now.  Since I decided to journal my own way, I have tapped into my personal creativity, and I feel the freedom to do what works from season to season.  One of the things I have done in this year’s journal is to work on my mindset with a simple tool I came up with to help me with my perspective.  From time to time I flip back to a page where I have written it before or I rewrite it on the current page.  I like to read over it and take time to focus on having a healthy mindset and perspective.  The photo with this blog is from my journal.

This has been an effective way to work on my growth mindset because it reflects my understanding of God’s Word.  This tool helps apply Scripture, stay focused, and simplify my perspective.  Here is the breakdown::

Now is in the middle, today – living fully.  I want to remember that today is all I can be sure of having, God has gifted me with today.  Scripture has given us a lot of direction for how to live in today.  

Today is all we have Scripture:  there are many for this one!  Here are a few –

Proverbs 27:1  Do not boast about tomorrow,

    for you do not know what a day may bring.

James 4:13-15   Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

Matthew 6:33-34 on Bible Gateway

My life verse Philippians 4:6-9 on Bible Gateway

Live abundantly Scripture:  John 10:10  The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Back is to the left – reflecting, observing, - no condemnation.

Stones of remembrance Scripture:  In Joshua 4 there were stones of remembrance.  This concept is one I remember from studying the book and have applied it to my life by my memories of how God has brought us through impossible circumstances and places He has blessed us with wonderful gifts.  

Joshua 4 on Bible Gateway

No condemnation scripture:  Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

As far as the east is from the west Scripture:  Psalm 103:12  as far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Ahead is to the right – Dream, do not fear.

Philippians 3:13-14

This is my 2025 way of having a growth mindset, and it is working well.  I have days or parts of days that are still hard and seem daunting.  Still, this is a way I have worked out with The Lord to refresh my mindset and be sure I have a healthy perspective.

A few other ideas from this month’s journaling pages in the Hello Mornings Academy that I like as tips on how to have a growth mindset:

#4 Reflect rather than regret.

#6 Don’t give up.  Get up.  Again and again.

#9 Limit self judgement.

#11 Surround yourself with encouraging people who build you up.

I am praying that you will be encouraged, uplifted, and enjoy this time of developing a healthy growth mindset living abundantly in today.

May The Lord bless you and keep you! 

Patty Lewis lives on the Space Coast of Florida with her Husband, Son and one cat, Bittums. She is a homeschool/dual enrollment Momma, loves having the goal of encouraging others by listening and speaking words of life. She enjoys reading, gardening, learning, exploring, Universal Studios, coffee (iced lattes really sweet), anything with her family and laughing really loud.

Photo credit: Patty Lewis