Why You Must Take Charge of Your Mind
Every institution, no matter how big or small, has two things in common: a decision-making unit and an administrative structure.
Whether it’s a government, a church, a business, or a family, there are always people behind the scenes making key decisions that determine the direction of that institution.
Let’s bring it closer to home.
Even in that small church in your neighborhood, there’s likely a group of at least three people, call them a caucus, who decide what the congregation hears, does and believes.
That little bar at the corner?
Someone is behind the scenes, thinking daily about how to attract customers, what to stock and how to keep the business afloat.
Now imagine an empire like Dangote Group.
There are brilliant minds meeting constantly to chart the future of that company, analyzing industries to enter, investments to make, structures to build and strategies to stay ahead.
Decision-making units exist in every sphere. But here’s the real question: If everything around you is being run by someone thinking ahead, who is doing the thinking for your life?
Why would you surrender control of your life to people who are not even responsible for it?
This isn’t an attack on faith, I am a believer myself. I believe in God Almighty, the Creator of all things, the One who sees and knows all. But He didn’t just create you to follow blindly. He gave you a brain, a tool to think, discern, decide, and navigate life.
So if your belief system, be it religion, culture, or tradition, is stopping you from thinking for yourself, then I’m sorry to say, you’re in the wrong place.
In my short time on Earth, I’ve come to recognize three kinds of people:
- Those who follow trends.
- Those who ignore trends.
- Those who create trends.
Trend creators shape the future. Trend followers may be impactful or not. And trend ignorers? Often, they fade into obscurity.
The ability to create trends begins with independent thinking. You must use your brain. Don’t let it go to waste.
Your brain isn’t just for basic survival. You breathe, eat, and see by default. But your brain exists to help you choose what to eat, decide what to breathe in, and filter what to see and hear. Everything you consume, mentally and physically, reflects in who you become.
- If you eat poorly and become sluggish, you may be seen as lazy.
- If you eat in excess and become disoriented, people may call you foolish.
- But if your choices keep you sharp, healthy, and presentable, you’ll be perceived as intelligent, responsible, and respectable.
Everything you do says something about who you are. That’s why you must think. You must choose intentionally. Not everything is for you. Not everything must be seen, heard, or done.
Learn to filter information. Use your brain to sift what is necessary and discard what’s not. Have the wisdom to know what benefits your journey and what distracts you from it.
And this is the reason for this message: Too many people are poor, not because they should be, but because they have refused to use their brains.
Poverty, stagnation, and mediocrity are not always a result of external forces. Sometimes, they’re self-inflicted, products of thoughtlessness and blind imitation.
Stop copying everyone else. Stop thinking someone else’s path must be yours.
We may face similar problems, but the solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Your anxiety may be cured with rest, while mine may need a change in environment. Another person’s solution might be more affection, or financial stability. The point is, you must think for yourself to find what works for you.
Your happiness depends on the choices you make. So make choices that are rooted in thought and not in pressure or imitation.
Be wise. Be intentional. Use your brain. Stop outsourcing your thinking to others. Many of us take advice, follow orders, or jump on trends, then turn around and blame those people when things fall apart.
But here’s the hard truth: The moment you can blame someone else for your decisions, you’ve admitted that you’re not in control of your own life. And if you’re not in control of your life, then you’re not using your brain. And if you’re not using your brain…
I hate to say it, but you are just existing, not living. Like a vegetable.
Final Words:
- Think before you act.
- Question everything.
- Don’t follow blindly.
- Take responsibility for your choices.
- And above all, never let someone else do your thinking for you.
God gave you a brain. Use it.