(Photo by Europeana on Unsplash)
Are you a worrier or a warrior?
Worriers tend to fight themselves, whereas warriors fight the fight.
The main difference between the two is based on what they choose to focus on.
It’s not about being physically strong or aggressive; it’s about how you center your life by what you choose to think, believe, and do.
Worriers focus on the negative and dwell on everything that could go wrong.
Warriors focus on the positive and get to work on overcoming the challenge.
Worriers are prone to excessive anxiety, overthinking, and overreacting. They usually look for someone or something to blame for their problems. They become problem-obsessed.
Warriors are proactive and solution-oriented, taking responsibility and showing courage in the face of adversity.
Worriers avoid conflict at all costs and will procrastinate, apologize, and try to please everyone except themselves. They prefer routines and staying in their comfort zones, thereby avoiding any calculated risks or opportunities. They waste precious time, effort, and energy on what they cannot control.
At the end of the day, worriers beat themselves up for not winning the battle. They make no real plans and just hope that the problem will magically disappear. When they lose, they make excuses and believe they can never win. This approach leads them to retreat and give up, resulting in greater anxiety and stress.
Warriors bravely stand up and fight for what they believe in. They see challenges as growth opportunities and are ready to put in the work, make the decisions, and take a risk while focusing on what they can control and accepting what they cannot change. They have a game plan and are confident in tapping into their potential.
Warriors hang in there and persevere by maintaining an open mind and remaining flexible. If there is a setback, they get back up, regroup, and get back in the fight. This mindset leads to greater resilience and less stress.
A warrior’s secret weapon is that they have a spiritual army behind them. A worrier may seek God as a last resort when things are not working out, whereas the warrior will seek God first and consult with Him on a daily basis, not just when they are in dire need.
Learning to pray and making it a central part of your plan helps you fight with God by your side. Fighting in faith provides you all the backup you need. The faith squad delivers the tools that will help you combat fear, uncertainty, and worry, such as peace, which grants you a foundation of security and calm; courage, which gives you the force and motivation to keep moving forward; and strength, which gives you the ability to hold on as long as necessary.
Being brave does not mean you must know all the answers, nor will it be without a struggle. It means preparing every day as you place your focus and trust in God and walk in faith. God’s always got your back, and He can help you transform your worrisome mind into a warrior.
What will you choose to focus on?
Will you continue to be fearful and a prisoner of your mind and circumstances, or will you choose to become fearless and free, allowing your spirit to soar?
Antoinette Giacobbe, M.A.
