Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Being negative is something that comes naturally to every human being.
Although some people have a far more positive, bubbly personality than others, negativity lives inside all of our hearts.
Since being a negative person is natural, how do you become a positive person? You have to train yourself to think positively!
You have to control the thoughts that enter your mind and come out of your mouth!
Below are 5 tips on how to not be a negative person.
1.) Stop and Acknowledge That You’re Being Negative
When you feel the negative thoughts bombarding your mind, STOP and think about it.
Acknowledge that you’re allowing negative thoughts to overwhelm you and steal your joy.
First, think about what triggered the negativity?
Did you see something on social media that put a damper on your mood?
Did someone say something ungrateful or hurtful to you?
Or perhaps you struggle with anxiety and depression, and negativity is something you struggle with on a daily basis.
Acknowledging your negativity is very important because it enables you to work on being more positive!
Related Article: 9 Signs You Have Become a Negative Person
2.) Intentionally Choose a Change in Attitude
Your attitude is a choice!
Some people are self-proclaimed pessimists, who interpret life through the lens of negativity.
How do you EFFECTIVELY work on your negativity issue in a way that will change your life?
The answer is always God! Praising Him in the good times and the bad times.
Even when something “sets you off”, you can choose to look UP and shift your mindset.
Being grateful for the blessings that God has given you is an important and biblical part of your life.
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
3.) Be Careful Who You Surround Yourself With
If you surround yourself with negativity, gossip and complaining, how do you expect to shift your mindset?
Everyone goes through difficult times and no one is immune to the occasional “venting session” and doubt-filled conversation.
But complaining should not become “the norm”.
The Bible makes it clear what kind of people you should surround yourself with and put in a place of influence.
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Chronic negativity can take a toll on your mental health!
If you get around people who are physically sick with the flu, chances are you will catch it as well! The same goes for your mental health! If you surround yourself with people who spew negativity all the time, you will become increasingly pessimistic and negative.
If you have a close friend who is increasingly negative, have a talk with them! Lovingly let them know that their attitude is really effecting you and it is a difficult mindset to be around.
Work on it together! Working on having a more positive spirit may actually make your friendship stronger.
Related Article: 9 Types of Toxic People the Bible Warns About
4.) Read Your Bible and Pray About It
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
The best thing you can ever do with a problem is to pray about it, talk to God, and read His Word!
Asking for God’s guidance can help to change your heart and fill your mind with gratitude and joy.
Reading your Bible gives you direct access to the mind & heart of God!
Memorize some key verses and quote them to yourself when you feel negative and anxious thoughts coming on!
Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
There are so many amazing Bible verses that will calm your mind and help to refocus your doubts, fears, and negative thoughts back where they belong – on God!
5.) Ask Yourself These Important Questions
After you acknowledge what you are being so negative about, ask yourself a few life-changing question.
“Am I allowing negativity to ruin my whole day (and possibly life)?
“Have I stopped giving my problems to God and having faith that He is in control of everything?”
“Am I focusing on myself and my own problems instead of being encouraging to others and helping those in need?”
Sometimes, being excessively negative, anxious, and depressed can be signs of a mental health issue.
Ask yourself, “Is this an issue that I should seek professional help (counselling/therapy) for?”
Don’t let this scare you!
Anxiety effects more than 40 million adults in the United States. An average of 1 in every 4 adults you meet suffer from anxiety.
Christ knew this and that is why He addressed anxiety several times in the Bible!
I Peter 5:7 “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Because we live in a flawed and sin-cursed world, negativity will always be something we struggle with.
But if you are willing to work on it (with God’s help), you can change your daily outlook to one of positivity, gratitude, and joy!
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Related Articles:
- 9 Signs You Have Become a Negative Person
- 9 Types of Toxic People the Bible Warns About
- 5 Serious Signs You Need a Social Media Break
