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.

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.

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.

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 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.”

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.

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.

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

eyes of others but I was able to see myself and others the way that the Lord wants me to see them. I must say, this is a daily task and it requires meditation, remembering my good days over bad days and I found a scriptures to help on the things I need to turn my attention off of do what the word says. The book coupled with the scriptures have transformed me and continues. Three scriptures I continue to meditate on is Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things,” Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” and Romans 10:10, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” A price was already paid for me to be free in my thinking. It is a choice we must all make to have the right attitude about ourselves and others according to the Word of God. When we do, it will genuinely come from our hearts.

One final note, I had to realize no one wants to be around someone who is negative, pessimistic, or cynical. It is draining to be around someone who is always unhappy and a person who lacks joy. The interesting thing is that it is easier to smile than it is to mean mug or frown at someone. So, the first step you can take is smile more. Remember this, it takes practice to have a positive attitude. So, if you fail to keep positive, remember you have another opportunity to start all over again. When you wake up the next day, praise God for his new mercies and grace and take advantage of another day to speak positively even if things do not go your way.

2. Value your time – Time is definitely a valuable commodity, a precious resource. You wake up one day and realize years have passed you buy. If you are like some people, you might get anxious and start feeling like you are not where you are supposed to be or where you want to be in your life.

I’m 53 years old and I have wasted a number of years of my life. I would say about a good 10 years which equates to 87,600 hours, 5,256,000 minutes, 315,360,000 seconds that I will never get back. For whatever reason, I procrastinated, I was fearful of moving forward, and didn’t know my purpose. So, I meandered through life trying to figure out my WHY?

The biggest accomplishment for me is that I have learned how to take each day one at a time. Yes, I plan and even set goals but I don’t allow them to frustrate me when things do not happen in God’s timing. Every day is a new opportunity for me to use my time wisely. Some days are better than others but I do enjoy each day regardless of what happens, I rest when I need to rest, work when I need to work, and do ministry work when I need to do ministry work.

3. Enlist the help of a mentor – I use to think it was best for me to do everything on my own. My mindset was stuck on, I didn’t need any help from no one, I can do it all by myself. I have learned if you want to be successful, it requires getting help from someone who is doing it right and doing it well. I enjoy my circle of mentors who have helped me along the way. They encourage me, love on me, and accept me for who I am and sow Godly wisdom and practical insight in areas that I am not an expert. Having mentors is a sure way to help you break through the mediocre attitude and stretch you as a leader, entrepreneur and a servant.

If you do not have a mentor, it is time to get one. They can help you develop personally and professionally, connect you to resources to develop your skills, and

I now have a circle of individuals I consider mentors. Some of them are people I know personally and some are individuals I have researched and studied materials that helped them to perfect in areas of my life that required growth and maturity.

4. Read daily – I love to read self-help books and books from authors who provide practical tips on strengthening and developing myself as a Christian, as a leader in higher education and an entrepreneur.

If you want to know more, you must read and read daily. I read just about every day a Christian devotion, scriptures and pray each day. I also, read credible resources and books that help me to develop as a person, stay current on what is happening around the world and stay connected to what is happening in business and industry.

I believe we miss out on opportunities and are fearful to take a risks because we are not knowledgeable. I do not want to miss out on the next big thing because I refuse to stay current. I also connect with others who are avid readers and they provide insight on what they have learned and vice versa, I share with others.

5. Anticipate opposition – The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons

of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” And Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” These scriptures speak to the opposition that occurs in our life. Although I have read these scriptures several times, it was revelatory when it was coupled with the book. I believe the Lord used this book in my life to bring some practical application and life-changing revelation of the opposition that occurs in our life.

The opposition that comes against us is to stop us from doing the right thing, saying the right thing, and be-

lieving the right thing. This opposition may come in the form of a family member, friend, co-worker, children, spouse, etc. When we understand that the enemy comes against us to stop us from moving forward in our purpose and God’s will, when we see it we will stop, pray and focus on the Word of the Lord.

We can’t stop the foes that will come our way. The key is recognizing it and choosing to deal with it with a positive attitude and focus on what is to come. Be courageous. Be bold. Be willing to stand on what you believe in your heart and not what you see with your eyes. Your promise will come in your business, on the job and in your ministry if you do not faint. Keep pressing and do not give up.

6. Guard your goals – I had to learn the hard way that I must guard my goals and not to share them with everyone. Everyone will not be happy for you. If your purpose and dreams scare you at times, how do you think people are going to feel when you share with them what the Lord has promised you. Keep God first, keep your goals in front of you, trust his guidance and pray for his wisdom; stay humble, celebrate your yourself and the milestones you have accomplished on your journey.

pose. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” and Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Get your copy of Breaking the Spirit of Average from Amazon or even Ebay.com. This book will encourage you, and open your eyes to practical ways to think and speak differently about your life.