“Iron rusts from disuse; still water loses its purity and freezes in cold weather; similarly inactivity saps the strength of the mind” (Leonardo da Vinci).
A strong mind is an asset. To see why this is true, we need to understand what this term means. It comes from a Latin verb meaning “to be alive,” and it expresses the idea of ”active power.” When we say that a person is physically strong, we mean that he is energetic and agile in the use of his strength, and similarly, when we talk about the mental strength of a person, we refer to the active use of his mind. A strong mind is a lively mind. He is eager, curious and courageous to work. Such a mind is an asset, and it needs to be nurtured and kept active.
Think out loud. We often get worse results than we think because we are too lazy about it. Our brain has lost its childhood power due to not eating properly and not exercising regularly. But this is a problem that can be fixed. We can start thinking more actively.
Say it out loud. Whether written or oral, language often has to be used strictly to be effective. Yes, there is a time and place for soft words, but I would say that our communications fail more often by being too soft than by being too forceful.
Live passionately. I completely agree with Justin Wilson, the Louisiana comedian and chef who was known for saying that everyone should have “a lot of passion,” and also with Emeril Lagasse, another great Louisiana chef, who always urged us to “bring it on.” As we pass through this world, we do not want, as someone said, to miss the taste of the fruit because of lack of courage to shake the tree.
However, none of us have an unlimited supply of strength, and so we have to make some choices. We give a resounding “Yes!” Can’t say. To some things if we said a definite “No!” Not said. For other things. And that’s probably where a good part of the passion comes from: the ability to focus and the willingness to make choices. If we want to follow Justin Wilson’s advice and live “with great passion,” we have to make up our minds about who we are and what we will not do.
“Men must decide what they will not do, and then they will be able to act with zeal in what they must do” (Mencius).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
