5 Simple Biblical Steps to Become More Positive in Life

IN A WORLD FULL OF NEGATIVITY, how can you be positive in life? Some people seek the answer by meditating.
Others consult the Dalai Lama or anyone who claims to be a positivity “expert.”
Others spend so much money in hiring a life coach.
While others invest so much of their precious time reading books about the topic.

However, do you know there is one little-known place where you can go and find out how to have a more positive
outlook on life? The God of this vast universe wants us live a happy, meaningful, and blessed life. Surely, He gave us a
handbook on how to be more positive. All we have to do is turn to His living Word, the Bible.

So in this post, let me share with you five excellent, easy-to-follow steps to become more positive not according to any
so-called “experts,” but according to the Bible, the source of all wisdom and knowledge!

Step 1. Choose to be positive!

Sounds simple, right? But actually it is tougher than you think. If not, then why do we see so many negative people
today?

The first step to becoming a more positive person is to CHOOSE to be one, to recognize that you can attain positivity in
life! The default setting of our human nature is to always see the negative in everything. It is human to be negative
whether things are going according to plan or not.

Most people fall into the trap of thinking that negativity is not a choice and it is something that we should just accept in
our lives. NOTHING can be further than the truth! We always have the choice and life is way, way, way BETTER if we stay
positive in our outlook.

The Bible tells us that we have two choices:

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessing and cursing:
therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Did you notice that? God is actually giving us a choice; life or death, blessing or cursing, and we can add positivity or
negativity. Unlike the test we have in schools, GOD ACTUALLY GIVES US THE ANSWER. And He said CHOOSE LIFE! Choose
positivity! Why? So that we can truly live!

Step 2. Surround yourself with positive things

You can notice by now that being positive requires energy. It requires effort. You have to sacrifice more of your time and
energy when you are just starting your journey towards positivity.

To make it easier for you to be positive, you need to surround yourself with it. With this being said, it is important that
you eliminate or at least avoid negative people in your life. They are the people whose negativity can infect you as fast
as the cold virus. Instead of building you up, they will just pull you DOWN with their thoughts, words, and actions.
I Corinthians 15:33 tells us, “Do not be fooled. Bad companions ruin good character (GNB).” Obviously, bad company can
also ruin our positive outlook in life. That’s why the wisest king of Israel tells us to “Keep company with the wise and you
will become wise. If you make friends with stupid (or negative) people, you will be ruined” (Proverbs 13:20).

Of course, negativity can also come in different forms. It can be vices, wrong entertainment, and even within our own
environment. Thus, when choosing the things we let into our mind, we need to REMEMBER Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there
be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS.”

Step 3. Look for the positive in every situation

Here’s a tough one. Sometimes, things can get so ugly that we don’t even see even the slightest positive in them. Now
here’s a new flash: there’s ALWAYS positive in every situation. Sometimes, they are obvious. Sometimes, you have to
look long and hard just to find them.

The Apostle Paul makes it very clear in Romans 8:28:

“And we know that ALL (all means no exemption) THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM that love God, to them
who are the called according to his purpose.”

From this verse, we have the assurance that whatever it is that’s happening in your life, it has its purpose. God allows
something to happen because He is TEACHING you something. He wants you to have a positive outlook on life every
time you fall into various temptation (James 1:2).

For example, remember the man who was blind from his birth until Christ healed him (John 9)? Everyone was looking for
the “negative” in his life. Some said that he was blind because his parents sinned. Some stated that he was blind
because of his own sin. However, Jesus saw the POSITIVE in the situation. The man was blind so “that the works of God
should be revealed in Him” (verse 3)!

So the blindness of the man was actually a blessing to him. Because of his blindness, he found Jesus Christ and he
became a believer!

Now, if you think you are in the worst situation in your life, look for the positive things. I’m sure, as the Scripture tells us,
there will always be something to be thankful and positive for.

Step 4. Spread positivity

As you start to be positive, others can help but notice. They will start to see the marked change in your life. Now, here’s
your chance to share your positivity with others.

Staying positive is harder if you only do this on your own. You need to give it to others as well and ALL THE POSITIVE
ENERGY YOU GAVE WILL EVENTUALLY FIND ITS WAY BACK TO YOU twofold, threefold, and even hundredfold!
The Bible reminds us that “It is MORE blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).That’s just how the spiritual laws
work! You don’t become happy by being selfish. In the same way, you don’t stay positive if you only keep that positivity
within you.

You need to SHARE it. Be a source of positivity in your family, school, workplace, and community. You will eventually see
how beautiful this life can be!

Step 5. Remember God’s promises

There’s no doubt that life is not always sunny. Rain will always come, and sometimes it happens during our parade. If
that happens and when all else failed, remember God’s promises!

We can always get the comfort from His word. After all, our true Source of positivity is God, and we can have more of
that as we study the Bible.

Luke 12:32 tells us, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good PLEASURE to give you the kingdom.”

Did you just grasp the profound meaning of that verse? The Bible is telling us that it is God’s pleasure to give us His
kingdom, to make us part of His ETERNAL Family!

It is His pleasure.

Giving the kingdom to us makes God pleased, EXCITED, DELIGHTED, THRILLED, AND EVEN JUBILANT! That’s why God will
do whatever within His power to help us be part of His Kingdom. His desire for us to be in His Kingdom is so strong that
He made the ultimate act of love: He gave His Son as a ransom for our sins!

Now if you only put that in your mind of minds and heart of hearts, then nothing in this world can really make you
negative. After all, at the end of the day, we know that God is there to help us in every moment of our lives! What a
wonderful and amazing promise!

With this verse and others that show the promises of God, there are more reasons to stay positive. We can look into
every difficulty in life and say, “This too shall pass.” At the end of it all, if we endure, we will see God and live forever in
His Kingdom!

Final words

These are the five practical, easy steps to become more positive in life. Of course, I’m not saying that we ignore the
negative in life, put our heads in the sand, and live in fantasyland. The only time we can let negative things get in our
lives is to learn from them. We can be concerned, but not worry.

So I hope with these steps, you can develop a more positive outlook on life. So carry on and stay positive and spread
positivity in this world!

Philippians 4:8
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and
pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (NLT)

Ephesians 4:31–32

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to
each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (NLT)

Jeremiah 29:11

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.'" (NIV)

Matthew 11:28–30

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” (NLT)

Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

James 1:12, NIV: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive
the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." ... Afterward they will receive the crown of life that
God has promised to those who love him."

5 Steps For A Positive Attitude

Based On Scripture

Negativity always finds a way to creep up in our lives from time to time. We may not always notice it, but it’s building up
internally and can show up externally when we least expect it.

Rather than waiting for an emotional outburst, why not take measures to prevent an embarrassing or even dangerous
episode. Scripture can be our guide to steer our minds toward whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, a good report
and that contains virtue and is worthy of praise.

Negativity doesn’t have to hold you back because it can be avoided with daily practice using the 5 steps for a positive
attitude foundation scripture. Changing how you think can be one of the most important decisions you’ll every make
and it will keep you from feeling stuck.

How Negativity Can Hold You Back

Negativity can hold you back in a number of ways. Have you heard the saying: “If you think you can’t, you’re right”? It’s
true! Negative thoughts like this really do sabotage your efforts.

The good news is that you can gain control over how you think by transforming your mind to God’s thoughts according
to Romans 12:2.

When you’re expressing complaints and negativity all the time, it not only affects you, but it also affects the people
around you. Negativity, itself, can be the reason why you create roadblocks that don’t really exist! So it’s time to choose
the positive (and, yes, it is a choice!).

Transforming Your Mind With God’s Thoughts

God’s thoughts are God’s Word found in the Bible. When you speak them you’re creating a positive attitude, opening
yourself up to great possibilities.
God’s Word has life, His life! When you speak and think God’s Words, you’ll be able to transform your negative feelings
to positive actions and maybe even bring others out of their negativity clouds.

Believe it or not, positive thinking is very powerful. It’s the driving force that steers your life into the direction of the
dreams God gave you to fulfill for your life purpose.

Your thoughts affect how you feel, and how you feel affects what you do, so if you can change your thoughts, you can
change your outcome. Use the following scripture from Philippians 4:8 and the tips I used to be rid of the negative
thinking I accrued from childhood.

Yes! You can turn your negative thoughts around by using the scripture from Philippians 4:8. There is a category to
overturn every negative thought that comes into your mind. Forming a new pattern of how you think will keep you on
the positive side of life with Jesus!

5 Steps For A Positive Attitude Foundation Scripture

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.

5 Steps For A Positive Attitude

1. Visualize. When negative thoughts come into your mind, transform them with positive images based upon Philippians
4:8. Visualize something that you find pleasing, peaceful, or exciting. Remember what your ultimate goals are and
imagine what it feels like to achieve them.

2. Write it down. Keeping a journal has many positive effects. It helps you vent your frustrations, organize your life, and
reflect on your innermost thoughts and feelings. Instead of focusing on the bad, use your journal to chronicle the things
that have gone well in your life lately. This will increase your faith and your positive attitude.

3. Relax. Negative feelings are bound to arise when you’re in a stressful state. It’s important to take time out of each day
for yourself. This means that you need to adopt a relaxation method that works for you when you take time for prayer,
just being quiet and speaking scripture to yourself before you fall asleep. This is always helpful for me. When you’re
relaxed, a peaceful and positive mindset will likely overtake you.

4. Read and write affirmations. Create affirmations from Philippians 4:8. Affirmations are a powerful way to bring
positive thoughts into your present state of well being based upon Romans 10:7 which states that faith is built from
speaking the message of Jesus Christ. Affirmations are short statements in the present tense that remind you of positive
attributes and goals in your life. Here’s an example: “I am strong and competent in Christ.”

5. Live for the moment. Live your life for the moment and let go of everything else going on in your life. Negative feelings
can easily overwhelm you if you’re consumed by past failures or the fear of the future. Matthew 6:34 teaches that we’re
not to worry about tomorrow, but to center upon God by being thankful for all He is doing for us.

In the end, go easy on yourself. You don’t need to be your own worst critic, instead, try being your biggest advocate!
Just concentrate on your well being and you will develop a more positive attitude.

5 Habits Leading to Positive Thinking

Did you know the power of positive thinking is searched in Google over a million times each month? It’s a catchy phrase
that the world has turned to as a path to a happier life.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” ~Philippians 4:8
Positive thinking by God’s design
The Creator and Author of life is way ahead of the game on this one. The Bible outlined the power of positive thinking
long ago.
Our thinking habits play a big part in the joy and peace we can experience this side of heaven. Check out all the positive
thoughts God has in mind for you to think on…

The list of positive thoughts in Philippians 4:8 include:

True
Noble
Right
Pure
Lovely
Admirable
Excellent
Praiseworthy
Whenever I approach God’s Word, I find it is usually pretty clear what God wants. But it’s a bit more challenging to figure
out how to apply the what.

Know what I mean?

How do you make yourself think positive thoughts? At first glance it seems like it’s not possible to control your thinking,
making it positive.

Right?

I remember awhile back being in the long Starbucks line waiting to order. As my eyes wandered all over the room my
eye caught a chalkboard that had a quote.

Are you ready for this simple, yet profound quote?

“A thought is just a thought and it can be changed.” ~Unknown

I rolled my eyes in disbelief. The truth is, that it struck a nerve. I’m a chronic over thinker. And just to be clear, my
problem isn’t that I think too many positive thoughts!

I was already well aware my thought life needed some refinement, but I bought into the lie that thoughts weren’t
something I could control.

I really viewed myself as a victim of my thinking. But guess what? The truth is… are you ready? We do have control over
how we think. We can choose positive thinking.

I know what you’re thinking… I was surprised too!

Once I made that mind shift, my thought life shifted as well.

Do you need some refinement in your thought life, too?

So just to recap… I knew what kind of thoughts God wanted for me, but I didn’t believe it was possible. I never even
entertained how to get to those thoughts because of my unbelief.

Picture this…
Imagine for a minute the negative thoughts in your head are the same as a horrible guest in your house. This visitor is a
known liar, is incredibly rude and stirs up trouble in your relationships.

Do your thoughts speak lies that plant fear? Are your thoughts unkind to you, whispering things that leave you
questioning yourself? How about thoughts that stir up strife in your relationships?

What would you do with a guest like that? Would you keep inviting them in every day? I don’t think so.
They might come knocking, but I’m gonna bet you stop inviting them into your home. Our negative thoughts might come
knocking too, but we can choose whether or not to let them in and allow them to wreak havoc in our lives.

Let’s talk about 5 ways we can reclaim some joy and peace by choosing positive thinking for ourselves.
5 Habits Leading to Positive Thinking
Habit #1 of Positive Thinking: Just Say No
The first habit of positive thinkers is saying, “No” to negative thoughts.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” ~James 4:7
The longer negative thoughts stay, the more they settle in and get comfortable. Just like that guest we talked about
earlier. If you allow the guest to unpack, he begins to settle in and stay awhile. It’s the same thing with our thoughts.

We must stop those thoughts before they gain momentum. In other words, once these thoughts gain a foothold they
are positioned to make progress.

This is decision time. So you know what you do? Think something else. Here’s a tip… you can’t think 2 thoughts at the
same time. Choose positive thinking to replace the negative.

Habit #2 of Positive Thinking: Find the Good

So often I settle for the first negative thing that pops into my mind instead of finding the good. Good is everywhere… but
you gotta look for it, acknowledge it and dwell on it.

My husband, daughter and myself met up for some Chinese food. On the overhead music was Dave Matthews. We were
pretty big fans back in the day. So much so, that we went to a concert 21yrs ago and my husband proposed that night.

As he started to tell our daughter the story of the song playing, I blurted out – “Remember how ridiculous the traffic was
after the concert?”

Seriously! What in the world? He’s about to tell a romantic story starring me and him and I’m talking about the traffic 21
years ago!

I knew it the second I said the words. I wanted to pull the words in, but they were hanging in the air. I totally killed the
moment with negativity.

Sometimes it’s hard to find the good. But it’s there… the very practice of finding the good is a habit that leads to positive
thinking.

Habit #3 of Positive Thinking: Assume the Best

Our brains are wired to fill in the gaps with assumptions based on our experiences. This is one of the wonderful ways we
were made. But there is a downside. Because of our wayward hearts, we have a propensity to turn a blessing into an
entirely different beast.

When we make assumptions about someone, we’re drawing a conclusion about that person. In other words, we are
judging. Judging the motives of others is not part of God’s job description for us.

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.” ~Romans 14:13a

Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes I have a bad habit of drawing negative conclusions about someone’s motives. I might
assume there is unkindness or an agenda behind what someone says.

In order to make positive thinking a habit – I have to assume the best of others. I used to think that sounded naive, but
assuming the worst is rather arrogant. Arrogant? Yeah, because I’m stepping into the role of Judge… I wasn’t made for
that. We weren’t made for that.

So how do we get going on this positive thinking of assuming the best? I’m glad you asked. I’ve made a rule for myself.
You might like it. I’m gonna warn you though it’s tough. Seriously, it cracks down on negative assumptions.
Ready?

If I don’t want to assume the best, I have to ask the other person about my negative assumption. I have to ask clarifying
questions about what’s going on in my head. I generally don’t like exposing myself so, again and again I choose to
assume the best.

You know what? Assuming the best has gotten easier as I’ve practiced it. And the fall out? More positive thinking! More
joy!
Habit #4 of Positive Thinking: Gratitude
“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18
Research is revealing the wisdom of gratitude outlined in God’s Word. Current research that comes from UC Davis is
showing, people who make gratitude a daily practice are 25% happier!

Could you use a 25% boost of happiness? How about a 25% boost in positive thinking? Let’s talk about simple ways to
squeeze gratitude into your already packed day.

Simply verbalizing a few things you’re thankful for each day is a game changer. Remember earlier when we talked about
finding the good? Once you find it point it out and thank God for it.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” ~James 1:17a

Journaling a few minutes each day about your blessings will get you that 25% boost! The bonus in writing it down,
means you can return to it on a day when it was more challenging to find the good.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” ~Psalms 77:11
Finally, make it a habit to discuss the highlights of the day over dinner with your family. This way you’re leaving a legacy
of gratitude for your children. And at the same time you’re giving your whole family a secret 25% boost of happiness.
You’re literally training them in positive thinking.

Habit #5 of Positive Thinking: Be Present

Being present in the moment is a hot term these days, but there is biblical wisdom in this practice. When we live in the
present, we can engage more easily in positive thinking. God’s Word specifically tells us two places He doesn’t want our
mind to settle.

“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.” ~Isaiah 43:18
Dwelling literally means taking up residence somewhere. Is this an area you’re struggling with? It’s easy to get stuck in a
painful experience from the past. I’m not suggesting to stuff it down and think happy thoughts. But, I am suggesting you
prayerfully evaluate whether or not this needs further healing.

If more healing is what you need, make a plan of action with steps to take toward healing. However, if the problem is
rehashing the past – this will not pave the way to positive thinking.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” ~Matthew 6:34
The other place we might be focused on is the future. Many of us are constantly thinking about the next thing. This focus
typically has a flavor of anxiety about the “unknowns”.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9
Thinking and worrying about the future is not God’s best for His people. He reminds us over and over again He is with us.
God wants us to entrust our fears to Him and rest. The rest part means be present, live now, He’s got this.

You wouldn’t want your children to live in fear of tomorrow, right? You’d likely tell them to just be kids and you’ll take
care of tomorrow. Well, God is saying the same thing to us… His children.

So let’s live in the present and I’m willing to bet positive thinking naturally follows.
 Shew! We did it. We walked through 5 habits (that are part of God’s best for His children) so we can start engaging in
positive thinking.

Before we part ways – remember this – progress, not perfection! God equipped you for the life He wants for you. Which
is bigger than anything we can imagine for ourselves!

Do you want to put off negative thinking and start thinking more positively? Me too.

Quick Recap on Positive Thinking

1. Just say no to the negative thoughts. Kick them out of your head before they get settled in.
2. Find the good. Train your brain to look for the good in every situation.
3. No matter what your experience with someone, assume the best. If you choose not to assume
the best be willing to ask the tough questions about your assumptions.
4. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Enough said!
5. Be present. Let your mind settle on now. Focus your thoughts on gratitude and finding the
good in this day. Let go of yesterday and stop looking for tomorrow. Be present today.

That wasn’t too bad, was it? I love a plan! Let’s practice positive thinking together… progress, not
perfection.