I see this quite often. This attitude is not limited to gender, race, social position, financial status or life accomplishment. It does not seem to be connected to the size of the problem. It is not related to failure. It is not determined by whose fault the situation is. Let’s call it the “Victim Mentality.”
This “victim” attitude is a mindset that will stunt any future growth. Victim thinkers see themselves as being unfairly treated. They view themselves as persecuted, misunderstood, or abandoned. When they can’t find anyone to blame, it’s just a life of bad luck!
To be fair, we may all be truly victims of someone’s anger, revenge or malice. Life happens, and people can be cruel. But that does not mean we need to embrace the feeling and attitudes associated with this.
The victim feels helpless, feels like his hands are tied, and feels like things beyond his control with no positive solutions in mind. If you have any of the above thoughts there is little hope for your future.
If we have indeed been victimized, we must choose a different life perspective. We must move from victimization to responsible leadership. Leadership is about creating positive change. No excuses, no complaints, no fault finding. “I’m in charge of my life and it’s up to me to make a difference.”
Some years ago I was visiting my doctor due to some health issues. I said, “Doc I appreciate all you do to help me. Just understand I am responsible for my life. When I can’t change what needs to be changed I come and visit you. However show me how I can help myself.”
Where there is no leadership, nothing changes. That is the key. If nothing is changing for the good, no one is leading.
You can turn things around if you have been living with victim mentality. The Bible is rich with promises of power. Here’s what to do.
- WHERE. Take a long serious look at where you are and how you got there.
- WHY. Identify why you are there- what you did or did not do that got you there.
- HOW. Consider your options out. There is always more than one solution. Write down every possibility. Then Pray and do something about it.
- POSITIVITY. Do not complain about where things are. Look ahead.
- MOVE. Make a decision to do something that moves your life, business, or people forward.
- STOP WITH THE BOOHOO. Stop crying over what is not right. Joy comes in the morning. Our spirits are often lined by just taking a small step
Jesus spoke to the crippled man and said, “Rise up and walk!” He listened, and he did. Jesus says the same thing to you today; will you rise up? Will you take a step of faith and walk out of the victim mentality into leadership of your life?
Guess what? If you do, something will change. You will be energized, positive, and powerful. Best of all, YOU WILL NO LONGER FEEL LIKE A VICTIM.
