What we think about matters a lot and it is easy to fill our minds with things that can distract us, take away our joy, or destroy us. Our thoughts can have a huge impact on the way we live our lives. And this is why we need to change our mindset and think of ways to fill our minds with positive thoughts that make us happy and be filled with peace and contentment.
Now is the time to start making changes to your way of thinking so that you can live your best life. If you want to be happy, then you have to start training your brain to think happy thoughts. In this post, I am sharing 6 simple things that you can do to think yourself happy and have a more positive attitude. They include:
- Make up your mind that you are going to be happy.
- Decide how you’re going to live your life.
- Focus your mind on the positive.
- Improve your health.
- Have an attitude of gratitude.
- Remind yourself that God is in control.
You are always going to face challenges in your life and things will not always go the way you plan them, but instead of letting negative thoughts steal your joy, you should instead make a choice that you are going to be happy in spite of what’s going on in your life. So let’s explore the six things you can do to make yourself happy.
1. Make up your mind that you are going to be happy.
No one’s life is perfect. There will be people in your life who will betray you. There will be times when things don’t always go the way you planned. You may be facing job loss, getting out of a bad relationship, or you may be experiencing financial hardship. But in spite of all these negative things, you can still choose to be happy.
The Bible says, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, KJV). So when you get up in the morning, make the decision that you are going to be happy in spite of what’s going on in your life right now. Thank God for helping you to wake up to see a new day.
Throughout our lives, we will experience ups and downs, successes and failures, victories and defeats, but if we keep our eyes on God, He will help us through whatever obstacles we face. We should always remember that the pain and struggles we face are only temporary and will not last forever. In the morning comes God’s blessing and renewal of strength to face another day.
2. Decide how you’re going to live your life.
You only have one life and only you can decide how you want to live. You can either live a dull, mediocre life in which you constantly complain about your circumstances or blame others for your lack of success. Or you can live a life filled with joy and happiness and a positive outlook for the future.
So when you wake up in the morning, decide how you are going to live your life. Are you going to spend the day complaining and walking around with a negative attitude? Or are you going to decide to have more positive thoughts and be happy?
3. Focus your mind on the positive.
“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” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
It is very easy for your mind to get flooded with negative thoughts, especially if things don’t go your way or you don’t get what you really wanted. When you start having negative thoughts, drown them out by thinking of something positive.
Focusing our minds on positive things will help us to get through the tough times. It doesn’t take much effort to dwell on negative thoughts. But it takes a lot of practice to think of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
Think about things that are true. Sometimes our minds may be fed with lies about who we are and what we have done. We may be fed with lies that we will never be loved by anyone or we can never be forgiven for our wrongdoing.
You may play these negative thoughts over and over in your mind until you actually start to believe them. This may cause you to feel sad or angry. To combat these negative thoughts, we need to fill our minds with the blessings from God and focus on the good things that are happening in our lives.
We are to think about what is true instead of the lies that are being fed to us. The truth is that God loves us and forgives us. And he promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Now that is a truth that would make me smile.
When we think about things that are honest, we are to think about things that are free of deceit and that are of high moral principles, that is, guidelines that we choose to live by to ensure that we are doing the right thing. The best way to know that we are living an honest life is to go by what is written in God’s word. God has provided us with the tools we need to live a good life according to what is written in the Bible.
Focus on things that are just. In other words, think about things that are morally right and fair. We should not only think about doing what is right, we should also do what is right. You shouldn’t feel bad for doing the right thing.
We should also think of things that are pure, lovely, and of good report. Are you thinking clean thoughts? Are your thoughts acceptable and pleasing to God? Are you thinking of things that are admirable and of good report? Would God be pleased with your way of thinking?
We must take control of our thoughts and the things we imagine. We need to cultivate a positive way of thinking that is pleasing to God. Changing our thoughts can change the way we feel about ourselves. You need to train yourself to be more positive so that you will feel happier and more productive in your life.
4. Improve your health.
Research suggests that by improving your health, you will also improve your mood. You can change your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing the number of sweets, chocolates, and fast food we consume each day. We should also drink less fizzy drinks and drink more water. When you start to eat healthier you will gradually notice a change in your body. You will start to lose weight, have more energy, and feel good about yourself.
Exercising is another way to improve your health. You can ride a bike, take a walk in the park, go swimming, or play outdoor games such as rounders, football or cricket. You can even dance to your favorite music. You can either join a gym or purchase some exercise equipment. You can practice yoga or low-impact exercises. Look for easy exercise videos on YouTube to get you started.
5. Have an attitude of gratitude.
There are so many things that you should be grateful for. One of the ways to think your way to happiness is to be thankful for the many blessings you received from God. Make a list of things that you are grateful for, such as having a place to live, a bed to sleep in, clothes and shoes to wear, and a good job.
You should also be thankful for your life, your health, your family, your friends, and so much more. As you go about your daily activities, think of more things that you are thankful for. Thank God for getting you to work safely, providing you with money to pay your bills, and helping you to deal with difficult colleagues or customers.
Thank God for his protection, his compassion, and saving grace. Having these thoughts of gratitude can help to improve your mood and make you smile. Praise and thanksgiving are the other elements you need to think yourself happy.
6. Remind yourself that God is in control.
Since the start of the pandemic, the world was thrown into chaos. People lost their jobs, many businesses failed, and many families lost loved ones to Covid-19. Instead of looking forward to a bright and prosperous future, many people were filled with fear and anxiety as they could not imagine what their lives would be like as they suffered through financial hardship and instability. But even though we are faced with all of these challenges, we can remind ourselves that God is still in control.
Remember that God is more powerful than all the crazy chaotic things that are happening in this world today. Whatever situation you find yourself in, such as having poor health, being in debt, losing someone you loved, trying to get out of a bad relationship, or being forced to go to the worst job you ever had, you can be sure that God is in control and he will help you through the tough times.
If you want to be happy, then you need to cultivate a habit of thinking happy thoughts. A good way to start is by developing a more positive, optimistic, solution-oriented way of thinking. Follow the six steps to think yourself happy. Let’s reshape our thoughts so that we may have a more positive outlook and live a life of joy and happiness. Let these six keys be your guide to living your best life.
Also read: Five Ways to Prepare for a Successful New Year
Ready to make positive changes to improve your life? Then you need to read: Never Give Up: 20 Life-changing Steps to Help You Get What You Really Want.
