DOUBT CAN LEAD TO FAILURE.

As you read the title of this publication, you may be focusing on the business, academic or economic aspects of your and come to assume that you are going to read about how to achieve success and prosperity in the different projects that you have undertaken.

But this time I want to ask you to focus when reading this publication on how to achieve success within yourself; spiritually, physically, intellectually, and emotionally to feel protected from the pandemic and to keep the good spirit in your life amid new restrictions, norms and laws that are protecting our health in the most normal way possible.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the media has bombarded us with different idea, possibilities, disasters, home remedies, stories, solutions, tips, warnings to avoid the pandemic in every possible way. Creating a wave of information that crashes directly against our brains, customs, routines, developmental habits, and social coexistence. For this reason, we react on many occasions in a resistive way and question everything that is happening.

In the dictionary the word DOUBT is defined as, “State of a person who is not sure of a thing or is not able to decide between two trials or options, due to lack of determination in the face of several choices. It is also the hesitancy or lack of firmness in religious faith. “

On the other hand, the dictionary defines the word FAILURE as, “A negative or adverse result that is reached by taking any action, without achieving the desired objective. It can also be a pitiful and unexpected event, that is, something that happens unexpectedly or without having thought about it.

Thinking that you have failed because you did not make the right decision or because you doubted what you were doing, can result in a series of adverse feelings or emotions such as FRUSTRATION, DISCOURAGEMENT, SADNESS, DESEPTION or a lack of MOTIVATION. Placing you in a vulnerable position where you can experience feelings of dissatisfaction or failure for not having achieved your desired objective. Which makes us feel unable to meet or satisfy our needs, affecting our state of mind and lowering our body’s defenses, which is why we can experience bodily fatigue that prevents us from carrying out our usual activities.

I personally rely a lot on what the Bible teaches us. In Proverbs 22: 3 says, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” I am not a preacher, but I like to lean on the beliefs and ideas that inspire me to be better every day and that help me raise my self-esteem by becoming a better human being. During this time of this pandemic, I have tried to follow all established health and cleanliness guidelines to keep myself protected from COVID-19. I have attended meetings where there have not been more than 10 people in the same room, I have used my mask at all times, I have washed my hands frequently and I always have hand sanitizer with me. I have not been completely locked in at home, but when I have had to go out to work, grocery shopping, or needed to clear my mind by walking in parks or outdoors, I have always practiced social distancing.

However, in an unexpected way and without knowing where or how, my family and I contracted Covid-19. The situation was not alarming, since we have always tried to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, taken vitamin supplements, done exercise, and had fun doing the things we like at home.

So, the first thing we did was carry out a voluntary quarantine, notify our friends and family so that no one would visit us. And from day one our friends did not leave us alone. They sent us text messages, made video calls and even organized meetings via zoom for us to play games with them. Thus, in this way, what is said in Proverbs 17:17 was fulfilled in our lives. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” We learned that no matter the circumstances, good friends will always be around to help, and we should do the same when one of our friends is going through a similar situation.

Some of our friends offered us help to maintain the exterior of the house where we live, others offered to buy us what we might need and leave things at the door of the house so that we did not have to leave. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 it says, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” The truth is, I thought that once we knew that we had COVID-19, no one would want to pass near our house, but fortunately I was wrong. And my friends showed me that there is no need to be afraid, but rather to be cautious and not to lower our guard at any time. Since if we follow all the recommendations, we will have less probability of acquiring the coronavirus disease and despite the circumstances, we can still serve others who need our help.

When I was in quarantine, I discovered that I was also wrong in my concept of time, as since I was a child, it seemed to me that the earth rotated on its own axis very slowly and thanks to that the days were very long for me. But now in my adulthood it seems to me that the earth spins much faster and my perception of time is that the clock is always moving very fast and it is not enough for me to complete my daily tasks. But when I was doing nothing, I realized that I am the one who is always in a hurry; I have too many tasks scheduled to perform and in Luke 12:25 it says, “And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?” So, it is better to simplify our way of life and to enjoy more of the things we like to do by planning our tasks in such a way that we have enough free time every day. In this way we can reduce, or possibly eliminate, living our lives in a HURRY.

Another important aspect is learning to use our free time wisely, doing activities that help us maintain our physical and mental health. During the time of confinement, despite the circumstances we were experiencing, we always maintained a positive attitude and I dedicated myself to writing my next book. We also took advantage of the time to enjoy recreational activities as a family, overcoming the fatigue, symptoms and pain caused by the disease. In Ephesians 5: 15-16 it says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” So, instead of grieving, despairing, or complaining, it is better to look for the positive in any negative circumstance that affects us; to cope with the consequences with a fighting spirit and try to find the motivation we need to not let ourselves be defeated.

And finally, the most important thing, that should be the axis on which our lives should turn on, is to find the balance, wisdom, consolation, and the necessary forces to persevere during adversity or misfortune with the idea that we should “Approach God because that way God will draw near to US, (James 4: 8)” without hesitation, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR LIVES. Because the one who doubts in the day of anguish runs the risk of having his strength limited and may encounter failure. (Proverbs 24:10)