When I first read Jesus’ words, “For everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance, but to the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away,” it felt harsh. At first glance, it’s easy to think, Why would Jesus say something so cruel?

But I realized He wasn’t talking about material possessions—He was talking about mindset. It’s not about what a person physically has; it’s about what they believe they have. If you believe you have abundance, more will come to you. But if you think you have nothing, you’ll fail to value even the little you do possess, and ultimately, it will feel like it’s been taken away.

Mindset: The Key to Success

Our beliefs are the foundation of everything. You can learn all the tactics and strategies for success, but if you don’t adopt the mindset of successful people, you won’t achieve the same results. So, today, I want to focus on mindset.

Welcome to Success Sundays with me, Harrison Wilder. I’m a corporate strategist and entrepreneur with an executive MBA from George Washington University. I’ve managed multi-million-dollar companies and advised top executives, and I’m here to share insights that will help you succeed in leadership and life.

Have you ever stopped to just listen to your own mind? It’s like a computer that never shuts down, constantly posing questions and answering them from every possible angle. But here’s something freeing: you are not your mind. Your mind is a tool you can access, but you are the observer. You’re the one who decides which thoughts to keep and which to discard.

My wife once described it as a spaghetti strainer. Picture this: you’re pouring a pot of spaghetti into a strainer, and it catches the pasta while the water drains out. Your mind is like that strainer—you get to choose which thoughts stay and which ones you let go.

Mindset is More Than Discipline—It’s About Belief

Many people think that mindset is just about discipline—forcing yourself to think a certain way. While discipline plays a role, there’s a more powerful approach. It’s about belief. If you can develop strong, healthy beliefs, your mind will automatically filter out thoughts that don’t serve you. It won’t be a struggle; it will be second nature.

Have you ever met a true believer in something? They filter out anything that doesn’t align with their belief. Nothing can shake their conviction. The same can be true for us when we adopt beliefs that serve us well.

The beauty of beliefs is that when they align with the truth of how the world works, they guide you toward success. However, when your beliefs are at odds with these truths, they hold you back. It’s easy to see this with natural laws—if you don’t believe in gravity and jump off a cliff, you’ll quickly realize the consequences.

The same applies to more abstract principles. When your beliefs about life and the world align with reality, you’re set up for success. Conversely, beliefs that contradict reality will keep you from achieving your goals.

Choosing Your Beliefs—An Empowering Idea

Here’s the empowering part: you get to choose your beliefs. You don’t have to stick with the ones you were raised with or those that no longer serve you. You can adopt new beliefs that align with the truth and will help you achieve the results you want in life.

If you’re not experiencing the life you want, it may be time for a belief upgrade. Just as Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” Your beliefs shape your mindset, and your mindset shapes your reality.

Another way to assess your beliefs is by paying attention to your nervous system. Are you feeling anxious in certain areas of your life? Often, anxiety is a signal that there’s a belief causing you stress. Maybe it’s a story you’re telling yourself about how the world works or what a certain situation means.

I’ve noticed that when I experience anxiety, it’s usually tied to a belief that’s not serving me well. When I adjust that belief, the anxiety fades, and I can move forward more freely.

I once had a professor who believed that people’s personalities don’t change much after a certain age. He claimed that mindsets are set in stone. But I knew this wasn’t true because I’ve experienced massive transformation in my life—particularly in my 30s and 40s. The key? It started with a spiritual shift that led to a change in my beliefs.

True transformation starts from within, with your beliefs. Self-control, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, naturally flows from this internal work. So, if you’re looking to change your mindset, start by addressing it spiritually.

A Shortcut to Mindset Transformation

So, how do you change your mindset? The typical approach might involve self-discipline and forcing yourself to control your thoughts. But that’s frustrating and difficult. Instead, immerse yourself in environments that support healthy beliefs. Surround yourself with positive stories and experiences that will help you cultivate beliefs that serve you.

For example, one of my core beliefs is that God is a good God. I’m a true believer in this, and it shapes my entire experience of life. Others may believe differently, but because I hold firm to this belief, I filter out anything that contradicts it.

The Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Belief

The parable of the Talents is a perfect example of how our beliefs shape our actions. The third man, who buried his talent, said he believed his master was harsh. That belief informed his decision to hide what he had instead of investing it. Our beliefs work the same way in our lives.

If we believe that God is good, we live boldly, investing our talents and gifts, knowing that everything will work out for our good. If we believe the opposite, we live in fear and miss out on opportunities.

When you cultivate beliefs that serve you, your mindset will follow. I’ve seen this transformation firsthand in our business community. People come into our workshops unsure of their capabilities, but they leave believing in themselves. They start to see six- and seven-figure days because they’ve adopted the belief that they are capable of that kind of success.

Your Success Challenge: Immerse Yourself in Positive Environments

Here’s your success challenge for this week: immerse yourself in environments that nurture healthy beliefs. Find stories that inspire you, whether it’s through church, podcasts, or motivational speakers like Joel Osteen or Joseph Prince. Surround yourself with messages of hope and goodness, and watch how your mindset—and your life—begin to change.

If you have any questions or thoughts on today’s episode, drop them in the comments. I love reading them, and our team is always looking for new ideas for future episodes.

Until next time, keep cultivating beliefs that serve you well, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

For more tips on business and leadership, head over to speakingschool.com and grab my free Elite Business Success Toolkit. See you next time!