Spring 2021 | Page 24
7 Steps for Becoming an “Average Breaker” by Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D.
Fourteen (14) years ago, my husband and I had an opportunity to meet an energetic and inspiring motivational speaker who delivered a message that touched our soul from his best-selling book “Breaking the Spirit of Average.” Joseph B. Washington, a dynamic and passionate speaker shared his seven (7) keys to help individuals focus on turning their lives away from being average to awesome. The proven principles have helped many move from a place of mediocrity in their thinking as leaders, entrepreneurs, and servants. The seven keys are (1) adopt a positive a positive attitude, (2) value your time, (3) enlist the help of a mentor, (4) read daily, (5) anticipate opposition, (6) guard your goals, and (7) empower your belief system.
mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This practical book is an easy read that allows you to courageously take a stand against doing just enough to get by and move towards doing what is necessary to be recognized and stand out amongst the crowd. Let me share with you my story.
God has a purpose and plan for me and I must keep a positive attitude and put my trust in the Lord to lead and guide me on my journey. After reading the book, it further solidified my studies on the necessity for having a positive mindset. Being positive in our attitude and disposition is something we must do each day because things happen that can take us to that place of the past. We definitely do not want that to happen. I have learned how to forgive, keep my mind stayed on scriptures, and guard my heart and mind.
Applying the principles learned from the book has been a remarkable blessing and major milestone in several areas of my life. As a middle-aged African American woman, the principles of this book allowed me to reflect over my life and determine where I was being average as a believer, wife, mother, sister, friend, employee, entrepreneur and servant. Let’s take a look at my perspective on each of the keys of the book.
Although this book came at the right time in my life to read. I struggled because on one hand I was studying the scriptures regarding the transformation of my thinking and what I spoke out of my mouth. On the other hand, I was still struggling with past hurt and pain. I wanted to let go but my mind and heart was feeling the past and I felt like there was a need to speak crazy thoughts.
1. Adopting a positive attitude – The Word of God instructs us in Romans 12:1-2 of the following, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s
The book helped me in a practical way and allowed me to start seeing myself and my life in a different light. I no longer had to vicariously live my life through the
