Here’s how you can overcome toxic thinking in your life! 🙌
In this episode of “The Catholic Gentleman,” John Heinen and Devin Schadt unpack how unchecked mental habits quietly hold us back, while social media and the pressures of modern life magnify feelings of inadequacy.
With practical wisdom rooted in Scripture and the latest science, they share their powerful battle plan to help you take control of your thoughts, hold them captive, and claim the freedom and joy God desires for you!
1) Identify Negative Patterns
One of the biggest obstacles we face today is the tendency to create and reinforce negative ideas about ourselves.
“This is the way the devil works. He wants to get in here because this is where the battle's at: in the brain,” Schadt explains. “He wants to get in here and manipulate your thoughts so that he takes you not only away from God but away from life itself.”
These thoughts can eventually become a self-fulfilling prophecy, unraveling our relationships and mental health.
2) Capture Your Thoughts
To counteract toxic thinking, Heinen reminds us of Saint Paul's advice in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to "destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
He encourages you to start taking proactive steps to evaluate your negative thoughts objectively, instead of just passively accepting them.
3) Practice Gratitude Daily
Cultivating trust in God's goodness is key to rewiring your mind.
Devin explains that "scientifically, happiness researchers discovered that when you're grateful, dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin are released in your brain simultaneously."
By regularly professing God’s truths about ourselves, we can begin to dismantle the enemy's lies.
The gentlemen say that embracing these powerful Catholic habits will free you from toxic thinking and guide you toward the abundant freedom and joy God desires for your life!