by Carol Gustke

Created on: April 10, 2009

The Bible states that we are to think on things which are pure, lovely, and of good report. If this were the norm for us, we would be considered a positive thinker.

However, this isn't the norm for most of us. There's something in our nature which fights against it. Our first response is to think the worst when faced with a troubling situation.

What would it take to break this habit and become a positive thinker?

* Make a quality decision to monitor your thoughts. Some people have placed rubber bands around their wrist and snap it each time a negative thought presents itself. It's like a wake up call to the memory.

* Replace each negative thought with a positive one. This could include a favorite scripture, a statement of self-affirmations or counting your blessings. This is called, renewing your mind.

* Keep a journal. Write down the negative thoughts which bother you the most. Find the fallacy in them and explain in writing why they are not true.

* Be selective in what you read and watch on television. Our brains are like a sponge. They soak up the bad as well as the good. The more positive information we put in our heads, the more positive output we can expect.

* Take a class on developing self-confidence. One reason we suffer from negative thinking, is due to the image we have of ourselves. We often are our own worst critic.

* Develop relationships with positive thinking people. Who you fellowship with impacts your thinking. Negative thinkers pull you down. Positive thinkers raise you up.

* Meditate. Take time each day to relax with soothing music, or listen to a tape of positive affirmations Over time, the quietness, along with these repetitive statements, will sink into your subconscious. It will become easier and easier to look on the bright side, instead of the negative.

* Counseling. If you find yourself stuck, get professional help. It's always easier for someone who is not emotional involved to see the areas that you are struggling in. You may only need a few sessions to clear things up.

* Self-help group. Along with counseling, joining a self-help group is very beneficial. Group therapy will help you identify the issues that keep you bound. In turn, you can also help others by sharing your experiences; what worked, what didn't work.

* Prayer. While prayer is something we need to do daily, some people feel inhibited by airing their dirty laundry in front of others. For them, it's more comfortable to pray about their situation, and lean on God for guidance.

The Bible states that we are to confess our faults, or shortcomings to one another that we might be healed. God put us here for one another. He works through people to help us in our spiritual journey.

Learn more about this author, Carol Gustke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.