I started working out again after taking a year off from regular exercise. I never made a conscious decision to stop working out. It just happened. Life was busy and another year passed.
About two weeks into my new routine, one morning I still struggled to get up and go to the gym. But somehow, I made it. On the treadmill, I slowly put one foot in front of the other. The whole time, I thought, I hate this. I wish I could skip over this part of getting back in shape. I’d like to be anywhere else right now.
Suddenly the guy on the treadmill next to me leaned over and said, “Man, I wanna be like you one day! This is my first day back in the gym. I used to be a boxer, but I got lazy, and I haven’t been working out for 10 years!”
I gave a few excuses about why I was just starting back and was having a hard time sticking with it. I managed to put together a few encouraging words about hanging in there. Then we both just continued our workouts.
Later as I reflected on this experience, it made me think about how we often believe the worst about ourselves. Why don’t we, instead, choose to believe the best about ourselves? It’s so easy to be critical of who we are and the areas we believe “must” get better. Someone else is probably looking at that same area in their lives and wishing they had accomplished what we have.
Looking at ourselves from another person’s perspective is a powerful experience. Looking at ourselves from God’s perspective is transformational. Isn’t it amazing to realize God already sees the best in you? You can accomplish what He created you for; He wants to see your potential fulfilled so that you can serve Him well.
Change Your Perspective
- Try seeing yourself through the eyes of others. What traits or qualities do your friends and family most appreciate about you?
- Stop the comparison trap. When you compare, you focus on what is lacking rather than what you already have.
- Ask for God’s perspective. He designed you for a specific purpose and has given you everything you need through Jesus to do all He has called you to do. Pray you will see yourself through His eyes.
Since that day in the gym, I’ve been excited about my progress instead of focusing on how far I have to go. This small change in perspective has made a lasting difference.
What would happen if you started believing the best about yourself? How could this simple change make a difference over the course your day, your week, or your year?
Additional Resources
The Blueprint for Life eight week study will help you discover the life you were born to live! The study contains a workbook and ten messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Available for digital download. Click here to check it out!
