Your mindset plays a huge factor in your life and has the power to make you feel like you’re on top of the world or being crushed by it. The attitudes we hold onto throughout the day can overflow into the next day and the next day and so forth, and that’s why it’s crucial to shake off a sour attitude ASAP. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t feel your feelings or try to be ‘Little Miss Positivity’ ALL THE TIME, but it’s important that we move past those weary feelings and try to keep a positive outlook on life.We’ll all have bad days every now and then, but if you feel yourself having more bad days than good, then come back to this post and go over these 7 simple methods to boost your attitude. You don’t want to look back on your day, week, month etc. to find that you somehow managed to cling to a bad attitude so much that now it’s become part of who you are. What a sad realization it would be to have regularly overlooked all the good in life. If we begin to focus on how unfair life can be, the bad things that happen to us, or how someone treated us poorly, sooner or later, that’s all we’re going to be able to notice. Put forth effort in improving your attitude NOW. It’ll change your life!
Uplifting Tips to Improve Your Attitude
1.) Read the Word of God
The BEST way to turn that sour attitude around is to open the Word of God. I love reading from my actual Bible, but if you prefer an app or read-aloud option that’s great, too!
I notice when I truly feel down, or even just blah, I search for a Psalm about the goodness of the Lord (which is extremely easy to find). Reading aloud about His grace, mercy, and majesty INSTANTLY puts me in a better mood.
If you’re not sure where to start, try Googling or searching Pinterest for scripture related to a topic that you’re struggling with (i.e. fear, depression, loss, hopelessness). You’ll instantly find a slew of encouraging scripture. Write them down and post them on your wall or even save them as the lock screen to your phone! Constantly having the Word of God in a convenient place is a fantastic way to memorize scripture while receiving immediate encouragement.
2.) Focus on Gratitude
I encourage you to write down everything you are grateful for. No matter what season of life we’re in, we can ALWAYS find something to be grateful for—even in the darkest of valleys.
Really put some effort into this one. Write down AT LEAST 10 things. (i.e. family, friends, the beautiful nature all around you, breath in your lungs etc.). Just this method alone is enough to significantly boost your attitude!
3.) Get Outside
Go outside and get a breath of fresh air. Really observe everything around you. The grass, flowers, clouds, rain, snowflakes, stars. Gosh! I really can get going with this. I truly appreciate how much good God left this fallen world we live in.
*Personal Rave: I tell people all the time that I am just in awe of everything God left for us here on Earth. If I were Him, I would’ve left this place in black and white with one single, bland landscape. Here we are though…in SUCH a beautiful world. So many colors, plants, animals, habitats, galaxies… He left it all to draw us closer to Him no doubt, and I am beyond thankful. If you have never taken the time to admire His work, I beg that you do! You will surely feel closer to Him and have a whole new appreciation for our Creator. I suggest you read Psalm 104!
4.) Capture Your Thoughts
Take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Instead of letting your mind wander into turmoil, worst-case scenarios, and negativity—recognize them before they get out of control, and purposefully think of the good that could come out of the situation. Even if someone simply cut you off in traffic..what if that was actually a blessing that you won’t understand until you make it to heaven??
*If you want to learn more about the power of thoughts and words, check out this post on self-talk.
5.) Be Intentional
This goes for everything you do. Time just flies by so fast and you don’t want to look up one day and wonder where your life went! It’s like that Ferris Bueller quote:
Wouldn’t you hate to look back on your life and regret all the precious moments you wasted sulled up in a bad mood? Let’s do our best to reduce that wasted time! If we are intentional in trying to shift from a bad attitude, we can quickly do it. Don’t just wait for something or someone to come along to lift your spirit…LOOK FOR IT INTENTIONALLY because too often we let little things sneak up on us and steal our good mood and positive outlook without us even realizing it! Whether it’s a show we watch regularly, a negative coworker, or even the music we listen to. Be mindful of who you’re around and what you’re allowing in your mind.
6.) Let it Go
Whatever it is…the breakup, the snub, the grudge. If you can’t change it yourself, learn to let.it.go. Forgive, repent, whatever you’ve got to do, and move along. If you can speak up, stand up for yourself and/or make a difference, by all means, do it! But if you can’t, you’ve got to let it go before it sucks up all your energy and happiness. Letting things go can be a difficult task, but it’s vital for your health and happiness so you’ve got to try because worrying won’t get you anywhere!
7.) Turn Up the Worship Music
This one is right up there by #1. Anytime I feel ill, this is my go-to. I usually select a song that just focuses on God and how wonderful He is. Rather than picking one about a situation or something that makes ME feel good, I just go straight to the ones that focus on HIM. Talk about INSTANT attitude-booster!
Closing
A positive attitude and outlook in life make an unbelievable difference and the great news is that we have the power to control how our outlook on life is going to be! All it takes is dedication and practice to transform your attitude. If you need help developing a positive outlook, I suggest printing out the worksheet below and keeping up with it throughout the day to keep yourself accountable. Life is short and there are so many precious memories to be made and moments to be enjoyed! Your attitude is a choice, so choose wisely!
What do you think?