Family Life Radio
Go

How to Break Free from Negative Thinking

Author: Dr. Randy Carlson
Date Posted: Friday, June 8, 2012

Break Free from Negative ThinkingHave you ever had days where you feel completely overwhelmed by problems at work? Your thinking is negative and clouded. And then you bring that attitude home, making things worse.

It’s not unusual. Many challenges in your family life can become worse when things at work are bringing you down. You can change your attitude, though—and it starts by looking up!

Bertrand Piccard, who became the first to travel around the globe in a hot air balloon, once compared balloon flight and daily life:

“In the balloon,” he said, “you are prisoners of the wind, and you go only in the direction of the wind. In life people think they are prisoners of circumstance. But in the balloon, as in life, you can change altitude, and when you change altitude, you change direction. You are not a prisoner anymore.”

You can break free from negative thinking.

One Things 

Here are four One Things you can do right now to raise your altitude and feel better about what life brings your way. Try these practical, proactive ideas:

  • Manage your expectations—Instead of focusing on what isn’t going to work out tomorrow on the job, focus on the things that you expect will work out. Positive expectations tend to govern the actual outcome.
  • Take a walk—Sometimes a quick trek around the block will remind you of all the positives in your life and give you a new perspective, reinvigorating your joy.
  • Take a praise break—Sing a favorite worship song. Your spirit will immediately feel less burdened.
  • Go to Scripture—Revisit a Bible verse you read in a devotional or heard on the radio, and apply its teaching to your circumstances.

Identify the thoughts or emotions that trigger your negativity—then counter them with a reminder of all that’s positive in life and in the workplace. It will lift you up!

Tell Us 

How do you overcome thinking that brings you down? Post your comment below.

 




Post a comment:

Full Name:

Email Address:

Comments:
250 Characters Remaining
Submit

Comments:

  • I take a moment and ask God to change me and my way of thinking; help me to be the person I should be.
    Posted Thursday, June 14, 2012 by Isabelle

  • I think about all the blessings that God has allowed us to have. Like our home, food on our table, healthy children, allows me to take care of myself every day without no one having to dress or feed me. God is Good!
    Posted Thursday, June 14, 2012 by Cheryl Harrell

  • Thank you great advise and ways to channel your thoughts.
    Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2012 by Mark Esch

  • Remember how God has always worked things out with you and for you before.
    Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by jill auld

  • Pray, Pray and Pray again!
    Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by Kimberly Rush

  • Good Morning, I feel bad today in my thinking and this brought light. I love My Jesus and he has my Heart! My Jesus is My Heart! Please pray for me today. I want my Jesus to keep and have my heart always everyday! Thank you
    Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by Debbie Zamora

  • Encourage others!! This always brings me out of "the daily work woes."
    Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by Betsy Newton

  • Dr. Carlson, You are so right "we can be free in any circumstance or a prisoner in any situation in life." Thank you for this word from God.
    Posted Monday, June 11, 2012 by Leslie Salisbury

  • I suffered severely from anxiety and depression about 10 years ago. After getting some help for this, the best skill I took away was journaling. I would write down my negative thoughts AS THEY OCCURRED, then challenge them in writing. It helps!
    Posted Monday, June 11, 2012 by Lora

  • I ask myself "What's the big picture" to find perspective.
    Posted Monday, June 11, 2012 by martha Berggren

  • Thanks, Randy, I needed that! ; - ))
    Posted Monday, June 11, 2012 by Kathy McGuire

Related Products

  • Unlocking the Secrets of an Intentional Life (DVD set)

    New Small Group Study Kit. Find practical steps to help you know your purpose, enjoy living out your purpose and finish strong. Living a better life is easier than you think!

    Product Details

  • Free eBook

    To jump start your intentional life, we’d like you to have our free eBook called "Really Live" by Dr. Randy Carlson

    Product Details

15,785

people on their Intentional Journey

Look who's living intentionally

Pam B. from South Wayne, Wisconsinkeri b. from scottsdale, ArizonaSandra B. from Topeka, KansasLauri F. from Lawrence, KansasSusan R. from Albuquerque, New MexicoCarol Jean G. from Balsam Lake, WisconsinMelissa B. from Midland, TexasJudy P. from Scottsdale, ArizonaJim C. from Overland Park, KansasBob G. from Mustang, OklahomaTamara S. from Olathe, KansasLorraine T. from Johnson City, New YorkChristian M. from Saraland, AlabamaShelley F. from Prescott, ArizonaJennifer K. from Ferguson, MissouriLiz C. from Peoria, ArizonaMarcia L. from Glendale, ArizonaJulie C. from Phoenix, ArizonaAmanda A. from Shepherd, MichiganKelli C. from Casa Grande, Arizona