You hear it on television. You see it in people. Sometimes, we are at fault in getting caught up in it too. What am I talking about? NEGATIVITY!
John Maxwell, well-known communicator, mentions in his book – The Difference Maker – that “Nobody can motivate himself in a positive direction by continually using negative words”. Being negative will eventually suck away at your energy and the only way one can stop its cycle is by choosing to think on the good – not just once, but again and again until goodness permeates your life and those around you. Prayer and meditation is the key to recognizing the good that surrounds you.
If you find yourself walking around with a negative attitude or perspective, there are a few things I believe you can do to begin to turn it around:
- Commit to see the good in people and the best in difficult situations
- Recall the good events that have taken place in your life and try not to dwell on the bad circumstances of your past
- Find something positive in yourself and speak that word of encouragement over your life
- Surround yourself with people that will uplift you and help you stay focused on your goals.
While this may not be easy at all times, this passage found in Philippians 4:6-8 has given me guidance on how to approach any negative perspectives I may have embraced:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…. 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.
Do not allow negativity to cloud the good that is in you and in others. Put on a happy face!
