Battlefield of the Mind

‘Your mind is a battlefield; be its commander, not its soldier’

- Unknown

If you ever need to determine if you are in the driving seat of your mind, try taking a journey on the subway trains. I know it sounds so simple, but it is a deceptive beast that challenges you and reveals to you who is in command.

Imagine you are tired from a long day at work, but the train is delayed. I would imagine that you would feel broken down, frustrated and upset. Knees would bounce vigorously as anxiety increases. Patience and peace have left the moment it was announced that the train was delayed. Rash decisions would be made as the only goal in mind is to reach home. Though seemingly subtle, at that moment, the mind is the one in the driver seat. Now, imagine that after making those rash decisions, you encounter the same people who accepted the setback. Think of all the peace and clarity you missed on because your mind won the battle.

‘You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!’

– Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Many times, we focus on the setbacks to the point where they overpower our thoughts. Our minds run wild as we try to solve our problems. The downside is that the more we focus on the problem, our view becomes more microscopic. Our minds take control and as the problem grows, we begin to question ourselves. We question our worth. Am I unlucky? Am I unworthy? Why do these things happen to me? Should I give up? Maybe this was never for me? We forget all the truths God said about who we are – awesomely and wonderfully made (NASB). We make decisions out of inner fears, insecurities, doubts, frustrations etc.

But what if we took the reins from our mind? What if we saw the setbacks as set ups? What if we sat back to see that there is a purpose to every delay? Using the delayed train, what if arriving home later than expected meant you avoided a speeding car as you walked from the train station? Or, what if the delayed train was a test to increase your patience? We don’t always see it, but there is always a blessing in the burden.

Similarly, in research, you may be facing failed experiments or struggling with getting your work approved. These situations may have you frustrated and probably second-guessing your abilities. Am I good enough? But don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep holding on and believing in yourself. The setbacks are there to help you improve those very skills that you may be doubting. For example, having an unsuccessful experiment causes you to improve your troubleshooting skills, analytical skills and experimental skills. You may not see it in the moment, but you are growing. Take a deep breath, be patient, and endure to the end.

‘The battle is not against who we have been, it’s an all-out war against who we are becoming’

– Lisa Bevere

Our mind is a powerful tool that can alter our reality. Our thoughts, positive and negative, can affect our present and ultimately, our future. Thus, there is a constant battle of our mind. Now, knowing there is a battle is just the start. The real fight begins as we make a daily decision to be the commander of our minds.