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Resilience Jay Poland Resilience Jay Poland

How do I Handle Adversity?

Life’s storms are inevitable. No one gets through unscathed. Unexpected loss, financial struggles, relational conflicts, or even the crushing weight of personal failure—these storms test us in ways we never anticipated. But resilience isn’t built in the absence of hardship; it is forged in the very heart of the storm.

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Mindset, Perspective, Depression, Anxiety Jay Poland Mindset, Perspective, Depression, Anxiety Jay Poland

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy: Why I Avoid Comparative Thinking

Great words by Theodore Roosevelt. We live in a world obsessed with comparison. Social media, workplace evaluations, even casual conversations—all are riddled with phrases like better than, worse than, more successful, less talented, faster, slower, stronger, weaker. These comparative terms subtly shape our mindset, often leaving us feeling either inadequate or superior. Neither outcome is healthy.

I dislike comparative language because it shifts our focus away from personal growth and gratitude. Instead of appreciating where we are, we fixate on where we aren’t. Instead of celebrating others, we measure ourselves against them. Comparison creates an invisible scoreboard where we’re constantly ranking ourselves, but there’s no actual finish line—just exhaustion and discontent.

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Mindset Jay Poland Mindset Jay Poland

The Power of a Providence Perspective

We live in a world filled with distractions—news, social media, work stress, and personal challenges can easily consume our thoughts. But Scripture reminds us that what we focus on determines the direction of our lives. The New Testament urges believers to set their minds on things above, shifting their focus from temporary struggles to eternal truths.

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Goal Setting, Habits, Tracking Jay Poland Goal Setting, Habits, Tracking Jay Poland

The Power of Tracking Habits: Unlocking Growth Through Accountability

Building new habits can feel like an uphill battle, especially when life is filled with distractions and competing priorities. But what if the key to long-term success lies not only in starting good habits but in tracking them? Research shows that individuals who monitor their habits and progress experience greater success and sustained personal growth than those who don't. In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind habit tracking, the tangible benefits it provides, and how tools like the Dalio app can transform your journey toward growth.

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Goal Setting Jay Poland Goal Setting Jay Poland

A New Year, A New You: Reflecting Before Resolving

As we turn the page to a new year, many of us find ourselves in a familiar rhythm: reflecting on the past and dreaming of what’s ahead. Often, our goals center on improving our finances or shedding a few pounds. While these pursuits are valuable, what about the spiritual component of our lives?

This New Year, let’s take a moment to look inward before we leap forward. Genuine transformation begins with honest reflection—especially when it comes to our relationship with God.

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Mindset Jay Poland Mindset Jay Poland

Expanding Your Window of Tolerance: A Key to Emotional Regulation

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stress or, conversely, entirely numb to the world around you? These states of heightened anxiety or complete shutdown can indicate that you’ve moved outside your "window of tolerance." This concept, first introduced by Dr. Dan Siegel, describes the zone in which we can effectively process and respond to life’s challenges. When within this window, we feel balanced, present, and capable of managing our emotions. When outside it, our nervous system may swing into hyperarousal (fight or flight) or hypoarousal (freeze or collapse).

The good news? Your window of tolerance is not fixed. With intentional effort, you can expand it, increasing your capacity to handle stress, process emotions, and thrive in challenging circumstances. Here’s a deeper look into what the window of tolerance is and how you can grow yours.

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Conflict, Communication Jay Poland Conflict, Communication Jay Poland

How to Have Difficult Conversations at Thanksgiving: A Guide to Making Difficult Conversations More Productive.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, connection, and feasting, but it can also bring moments of tension. When family and friends gather, differing opinions, unresolved conflicts, or unspoken feelings can surface. Instead of avoiding these potential landmines, you can use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to approach difficult conversations with grace and understanding. Drawing on insights from Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, here’s how to handle tough topics effectively.

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Jay Poland Jay Poland

Unlocking Your Divine Potential: A Guide to Purposeful Goal Setting

When we set goals, we tap into the divine potential God has uniquely designed in each of us. It’s not just about what we want to accomplish—it’s about aligning our goals with His will for our lives and creating a path that inspires, motivates, and drives us forward toward becoming the person He envisions us to be.

At Providence Perspectives, we believe that every goal is a divine invitation to grow and become who we are meant to be in Christ. Here’s a practical guide with examples to help you structure your goals in a way that maximizes your God-given potential.

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Jay Poland Jay Poland

Why Comfort is the Enemy of Growth: Embracing Growth through Fear and Faith

At Providence Perspectives, we believe that true growth requires courage, faith, and a willingness to step beyond what feels comfortable. Whether in our personal lives or our spiritual journey, breaking free from the comfort zone is essential to becoming who we’re called to be. We focus on helping individuals discover the strength that lies in discomfort, the faith that overcomes fear, and the purpose that comes with resilience. This journey can be visualized through four transformative stages: the Comfort Zone, Fear Zone, Learning Zone, and Growth Zone. As we explore each stage, we’ll see how stepping out of the familiar aligns with the mission of Providence Perspectives.

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Jay Poland Jay Poland

From Rust to Restoration: A Journey of Transformation in My 1969 Mustang and in Christ

In life, we often find ourselves drawn to stories of transformation, whether it's witnessing the revival of an old car or experiencing a personal spiritual renewal. These narratives resonate deeply because they reflect our innate desire for growth, restoration, and renewal. In this blog post, I'll share the parallel journey of transforming my 1969 Mustang and the transformation we undergo in Christ Jesus.

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Mindset Jay Poland Mindset Jay Poland

E+P=O: Thoughts on Jon Gordon’s EPO

In life, we often encounter challenges, setbacks, and difficult circumstances that seem beyond our control. How we respond to these situations, however, can determine our overall success and fulfillment. John Gordon, a renowned author and speaker, has shared a simple yet powerful formula that encapsulates this idea: E+P=O. This formula stands for Event + Perspective = Outcome, and it serves as a reminder that while we may not control the events in our lives, we always have the power to control our perspective—and therefore, influence the outcome.

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Mindset, Gratitude, Prayer Jay Poland Mindset, Gratitude, Prayer Jay Poland

Finding Joy, Prayer, and Gratitude in Everyday Life: A Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and disconnected from the peace we long for. Life’s challenges can make it difficult to find joy, remain hopeful, and express gratitude. Yet, Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 offer us a simple but profound roadmap for experiencing a more grounded, peaceful, and spiritually rich life.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

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Communication, Conflict Jay Poland Communication, Conflict Jay Poland

Breaking Bread to Break Barriers: Insights from Amanda Ripley's 'High Conflict

In a world increasingly defined by division and conflict, finding common ground can seem like an impossible task. Amanda Ripley's book, High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out, offers insightful solutions to this pressing issue. One of the most compelling ideas Ripley explores is the transformative power of sitting down and sharing a meal with someone we disagree with.

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Jay Poland Jay Poland

Navigating Conflict: Jordan Paul's Two Paths to Resolution

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but how we approach and resolve conflict can make all the difference in its outcome. In his book "The Heart of Conflict," Jordan Paul outlines two paths that individuals can take when faced with conflict: the path of protection and the path of connection. Understanding these paths can help us navigate conflict more effectively and build stronger relationships.

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Jay Poland Jay Poland

My Favorite Read in 2023 "Atomic Habits" by James Clear: Transforming Your Life One Small Change at a Time.

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with the idea that massive success requires massive action, James Clear's "Atomic Habits" provides a refreshing and practical approach. Instead of advocating for radical changes, Clear emphasizes the power of small, incremental improvements. Here, we'll dive into the core principles of "Atomic Habits" and how you can apply them to transform your life.

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