Mindset Matters: 5 Days of Inspiration for Positive and Optimistic ThinkingSample

According to the National Science Foundation, the average person has between 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 80% are negative and 95% are repetitive thoughts.

In other words, 4 out of every 5 thoughts are negative. And almost all these thoughts are repeated time and time again. So, we have negative thoughts way more than positive thoughts.

Behavioral Therapists have a term for this — ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). Now not all negative thoughts are bad. We need to be aware of negative realities, being alert can help us survive. But most negative thoughts are useless. They create anxiety, worry, and fear.

More fascinating research reveals that in relationships, we need to share five positives (compliments) for every one negative (criticism). This is the inverse of the way our minds work. We need to flip the script on negativity.

Giving into negative thinking is so easy. We are bombarded by negative news all day long. We are around people who have negative thoughts 80% of the time. We can be related to people who bring up past mistakes and failures on a regular basis.

Our thinking needs to change. We must replace the negative with the positive, pessimism with optimism, doubt with faith. Imagine if 4 out of every 5 of our thoughts were now this way.

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” This is the mindset we should have. This is the thought that should be repetitive in our minds. We can do everything because of the strength we have in Christ.

This “Can Do” mindset means we have the strength to overcome our weaknesses and struggles. Whatever the challenge might be, our mindset is positive and optimistic. We believe the power of God in us is greater than anything we face.

This mindset means we have the strength to face any situation. There may be difficulties that seem impossible to handle. But our mindset is faith-filled, knowing we can do anything with God’s help.

This mindset means we have the strength necessary to accomplish our dreams. We believe that if we act, God will work in powerful ways. What God has ahead of us is greater than what we have behind us.

Changing to the “Can Do” mindset will lead us to a place of peace, love, joy, gratitude, awe, and growth. When our thoughts change, our words change, our actions change, and we can become who God created us to be.