Usually when someone thinks of discipline, they think of hard work and no fun. However, discipline can actually increase your peace, joy, productivity, and decrease stress.

Any type of discipline you want to achieve starts in your mind, with your thinking. Thoughts precede behaviors.

If you want to change your life, change your thoughts.

Allowing your mind to think just whatever comes into it, can lead you into what I call, “wilderness thinking.” This type of thinking causes you not only to think whatever comes into your minds, but to agree and meditate with whatever thoughts come into your minds. Not taking every thought captive into the obedience of Jesus Christ can cause you to come into agreement with the enemy’s lies.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Disciplining your mind can be achieved by not mulling over what comes into your minds. You first have to ask yourself,” Is this thought in-line with what God would say, and could I find it in the Word of God?” If you’re having a thought like,” I keep disappointing people, all I ever do is let people down,” recognize those are not thoughts coming from God, but perhaps a combination of your past experiences and from the enemy. Catch yourself when you are having these types of thoughts, and do not keep entertaining the thoughts. When you entertain these types of thoughts you reflect, agree, and meditate over what you are thinking. Eventually, you begin acting out what you are thinking about.

Disciplining your mind takes time, practice, and hard work but there are benefits to not letting your mind be a garbage dump for the enemy. Thinking faith-filled and positive does not mean you keep your head in the sand and ignore the realities of life, but that you approach challenges in a more positive manner.

12 Benefits of disciplining your mind:

1. Causes you to be more optimistic.
2. Lower levels of stress.
3. Increase in your overall happiness.
4. Can improve your immunity.
5. Better cardiovascular health.
6. Have more confidence.
7. More resilient when faced with challenges and adversity.
8. Able to see the “big picture” and maintain a broader perspective.
9. Have more energy and are more motivated.
10. Slow the signs of aging.
11. Have more peace and joy.
12. Can make your daily life more enjoyable.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

If you have a bent towards negative thinking, disciplining your mind may take some work, but with dedication to taking every thought captive you can train yourself to think more faith-filled and positive. Changing any habit, usually takes anywhere from 30-45 days, with some research showing as little as 21 days. If you want a different life, make a decision that for the next 30 days you will discipline yourself in your thinking.

Having a faith-filled mind is not out of touch with life’s hardships, but always hoping and believing the best is possible. Hope looks for the best and believes the best.

Make sure to subscribe to my blog to get weekly articles this month on conquering negative thinking. www.stephaniereck.com

For additional help on disciplining your mind, check out my latest book by clicking on the link, “Disciplining your mind 30 days to a better you!” http://www.amazon.com/Disciplining-Your-Mind-Days-Better/dp/1632134586

Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC
Stephanie Reck, Coaching & Consultation Services
www.stephaniereck.com
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Stephanie Reck Coaching & Consultation Services, @2024
Author of, "Disciplining Your Mind 30 Days to a Better You!"