Set Your Mind

In the book of Colossians, Paul gives a simple yet transformative command:

“Set your mind…” — Colossians 3:2

This applies to everyone, but especially those of us who are leading people. Here’s what I believe: Leadership doesn’t start when you walk into the meeting, make the decision, or step on stage.

Leadership begins in the mind.

I played baseball throughout college at Illinois State University (Go birds!). I hit 3rd in our lineup and had a bench full of teammates counting on me to deliver. Here’s what I know: success did not start in the batter's box; it started in the on-deck circle. Before every swing, I visualized, focused, and prepared my mindset.

Great leaders do the same. Before they:

• Give feedback,

• make a hard call,

• or lead a room…

The best leaders set their minds first. A renewed leadership mindset is a choice.

Paul gives us three short identity truths to set our minds on:

“As God’s chosen, holy and dearly loved…” — Colossians 3:12

Take action by developing what I call a leadership swing thought. My definition of a swing thought is this: the thoughts I think, before the actions I take that influence the outcomes I want. Again, leadership starts in the mind. 

My Top 3 Leadership “Swing Thoughts”

1. I Am Not What I Do 
   Chosen leaders don’t need to earn worth by working harder or producing more. I am a child of God. Full stop! Writing, leading, speaking and coaching are NOT who I am; it’s what I do. This frees me up in a tremendous way. This allows me to focus on those I’m leading, not on myself. 

2. Pain Is My Ally 
   The greatest times of growth for me have always been accompanied by discomfort and difficulty. Pain is my ally, not my enemy. No matter how painful the meeting or situation might be, I will not let the presence of pain cause me to pull back or shrink back. Keep going…growth begins at the end of our comfort zone. 

3. I Am Loved 
   Loved leaders don’t shrink back or shape shift to get the approval or applause of those they are leading. I am loved by God, NO MATTER how well this meeting goes. Before every meeting and every speaking engagement, I get into the on-deck circle and set my mind on this truth. It helps me say what needs to be said and be authentic. If I am love—which I am—then I can say the last 2% in that meeting, and I can preach in a way that’s authentic to how God created me. It frees me from becoming a cover band and from being overwhelmed by perfectionism.

Try This Before You Lead Next Week

Before you walk into your next leadership moment, pause like you’re in the on-deck circle and quietly set your mind. Use the swing thoughts above or create your own. If you have some winners, please share them with me. I’m always hunting for dynamic swing thoughts that will take my leadership to the next level. After all, none of us has arrived; we’re all still in the on-deck circle of our own leadership. And the best part? We’re all growing as leaders together.

Stay Ready,

Jon