Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8
With the daily occurrences of events in life, it can be easy to make us all a little bit negative without even realising. The disappointments, failures, frustrations, stress and even events on the news are enough to make us all somewhat negative.
Life can be overwhelming, we experience loss, pain and sometimes we come across circumstances that we feel are beyond our control. But in all these, it will be very good for us if we are able to have a positive attitude towards everything.
Having a positive mindset doesn’t mean pretending that all these bad things don’t happen. They do happen and we all know that. But being positive means seeing the good in all things.
Our thoughts influence our actions and our reactions. That is why it is important that we feed our mind with positive thoughts.
The Bible encourages us to practice positive thinking in Philippians 4:8. When you meditate on good things, it reflects in your actions and so you are able to accomplish great things.
In This Article
Why you should have a positive mindset
A positive mindset has a powerful impact on your overall well-being. Thinking positive thoughts lifts your mood, which in turn benefits your health. It can help reduce stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression, creating a sense of balance and emotional resilience.
Beyond mental health, maintaining a positive outlook can also protect your physical well-being. Studies have shown that positivity can help lower the risk of medical conditions like hypertension, as stress and negativity often contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
Your life is a reflection of your mindset. You cannot expect to live a fulfilling and joyful life if your thoughts are constantly clouded by negativity. Everything you do begins in your mind before it translates into action. Even the things that seem to happen without conscious thought are often the result of deeply ingrained beliefs and subconscious thinking.
For this reason, it is essential to cultivate a habit of positive thinking. When you consistently feed your mind with uplifting, hopeful, and empowering thoughts, your actions will naturally align with purity, purpose, and nobility. By embracing positivity, you set yourself up for a healthier, happier, and more successful life.
How to develop a positive mindset
1. Start your day on a positive note
A joyful heart is good medicine,
Proverbs 17:22
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Do you wake up in the morning grumpy or you wake up with a cheerful heart? Your mood when you wake up can heavily impact your mood for the whole day.
That’s why it’s important to start your day with joy and enthusiasm. Try singing praises to the Lord, dancing around as you get ready, or simply expressing gratitude.
When you start your day right, you will notice that your cheerful mood will even be infectious to the people around you and it will make you feel even better.
2. Practice saying positive things
Be positive. Say positive things. The things you say can influence the way you think. So always be mindful of the words you say, whether you are saying it to yourself or to others.
Make it a habit to say positive things about yourself and to yourself. The things you say to yourself has more impact on your life than the things people say to you.
So start saying some positive affirmations to yourself all the time and eventually you will start seeing some changes in your life.
These affirmations are reminders of your worth, saying them all the time can help you develop a positive attitude towards life.
Some positive affirmations you can say to yourself everyday
- I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)
- I am not afraid for God has not given me the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
- I am loved by God
- I am blessed
- I am filled with power (Micah 3:8)
- God has great plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11)
- God will not leave me or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6)
3. Focus on the good
See the good in everything. No matter what happens, try to look at a positive side. Use the bad things that happen to you as an opportunity to do something else that is good for you.
Let your failures and your mistakes be lessons for you. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Remember that you are only human and you are bound to make mistakes.
When you make mistakes, don’t put yourself down or give up. Instead see it as an opportunity to try again differently.
4. Surround yourself with positivity
The people and environments around you influence your mindset. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage you, not those who bring negativity into your life.
Just as your mood affects others, their mood can also influence you. Choose to be in spaces that inspire and uplift your spirit.
5. Give thanks
In everything give thanks;
1 Thessalonians 5:18
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Practice gratitude in everything you do. No matter the circumstances, give thanks. Even in bad times, give thanks to God. Being thankful means, you find something worth thanking God for.
So that even when circumstances are bad and you still give thanks, it means you are looking at a positive side of the bad things. It means you are finding something good even in the bad times to be thankful for.
And that is a positive attitude to have towards life. You can keep a gratitude journal, and at the end of the day, write down everything you are grateful for in the day.
6. Laugh more
It’s as simple as that, just laugh. Open yourself up to humor. Laughter truly is medicine for the soul. Make time to enjoy moments of humor. Watch a funny video, listen to a joke, or appreciate the little things in life.
It’s easy to laugh when things are going well, but even during tough times, allow yourself to find joy. A few moments of laughter can lift your spirits more than you think.
7. Let out your emotions
Having a positive mindset and a positive attitude doesn’t mean that you should bottle up your negative emotions. You are definitely going to feel some negative emotions sometimes and that’s okay. It’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
But when you do, let them out, find healthy ways to express them. Whether through music, art, journaling, or exercise, channel your emotions into something constructive. Acknowledging your feelings helps you process them and move forward with a renewed mindset.
How to be positive in bad times
It’s easy to stay positive when life is going well, but what about when everything seems to be falling apart? When times are tough, and nothing is going as planned, how do you maintain a positive attitude?
The truth is, staying positive during hard times is much more challenging—but it is not impossible.
1. Remember That You Are Not Alone
Difficult seasons can make you feel isolated, but you are never truly alone. No matter how hopeless things seem, God is always with you. He is your source of strength and comfort, even in your darkest moments.
“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.”
— Isaiah 41:10
When you feel overwhelmed, lean on God. Pray, meditate on His Word, and remind yourself that He is in control.
2. Shift Your Perspective
Hard times can feel unbearable when you focus only on the pain and negativity. Instead, try to shift your perspective. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this situation? How can this challenge help me grow?
Trials can build resilience, patience, and wisdom. Though you may not see it now, the difficulties you face today could be shaping you for something greater.
3. Hold on to Hope
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
— Psalm 30:5
No storm lasts forever. The situation you’re going through will pass, and better days are ahead. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture and trust that God has a plan, even when you can’t see it.
4. Surround Yourself with Encouragement
In tough times, it’s essential to be around people who uplift and encourage you. Surround yourself with friends, family, or a faith community who will remind you of God’s promises and help you keep your faith strong.
Avoid negativity, whether from toxic relationships, the news, or social media. Instead, seek out inspirational books, sermons, and positive conversations that will strengthen your spirit.
5. Express Gratitude, Even in Difficult Times
Gratitude shifts your focus from what is wrong to what is still good. Even in the worst situations, there is always something to be thankful for, your health, a kind word from a friend, the beauty of nature, or simply the fact that you are alive.
Keeping a gratitude journal can help. Each day, write down three things you are thankful for. This simple practice can help reframe your mindset and bring a sense of peace, even in hardship.
6. Take Care of Yourself Spiritually and Emotionally
Difficult times can drain you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Take care of yourself by:
- Spending time in prayer and reading the Bible
- Engaging in activities that bring you peace (walking, listening to worship music, journaling)
- Allowing yourself to rest and not feel guilty about it
- Seeking guidance or counseling if needed
God wants you to care for your whole being. When you prioritize your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges with a positive mindset.
7. Trust That God Has a Purpose for Your Pain
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28
Sometimes, the hardest moments in life prepare us for something greater. What you are going through now may be leading you to a deeper faith, a new opportunity, or a powerful testimony that will inspire others.
Trust in God’s plan, even when you don’t understand it. Hold on to faith, knowing that He will bring you through this stronger than before.
Staying positive in difficult times isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending everything is okay. It’s about choosing faith over fear, gratitude over despair, and hope over hopelessness. No matter what you’re going through, God is with you, and brighter days are ahead.
