For those that see psychology as a bunch of hokey, you are going to have a rough go of this article. I encourage you to read through the whole article before you share your concerns.
Positive thought placement is a cognitive behavioral therapy idea that states sometimes we struggle with motivation, depression and anxiety symptoms, or self-esteem but simply changing our thoughts can change our attitude and motivation.
The Psychology Behind This
The research behind this, and there is a lot (more than most other therapies out there), is our thoughts impact our emotions, which leads to an escalation of both, and ultimately impacts our choices and behaviors that lead us away from our life goals and beliefs about life. When we stop our negative thinking and force our positive thoughts, our emotions become more positive which inevitably leads to more positive choices.
The idea of hating Mondays for work is a good example. Stop falling in line with everyone else, regretting you have to leave the weekend. Instead, identify three positive thoughts for why this week is going to be great. If you enjoy your job, how amazing is it you get to go spend five days doing something you love. If you do not love it, isn’t it amazing you get to practice in a difficult environment so when you do get a job you enjoy, you will have more appreciation for it?
Obviously, this is not going to fix a broken marriage instantly, magically give you five hours a day to accomplish your side hustle, mend co-worker relationships, or help with your relationship with God. But it will put you in a better place today so that tomorrow will be marginally better, where you can use this skill again and repeat as many times as needed.
Scripture Actually Thought of This First
Hebrews 11:1 says “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The very thoughts that we have to allow us to trust God to lead to a deeper faith in Him.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
The whole book of Proverbs is filled with positive thought placement statements like 3:5-6, 3:24, 12:14, and 14:16-17. The Psalms are also filled with these positive thought placements, but you need to read the entirety of the book with the context for the full meaning of the verses to be impactful. Seriously, go right now and read a bit of Psalms and come back. Then tomorrow do the same a little further.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 says “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (By the way, Ecclesiastes is one big positive thought statement after going into frustration and depressive thinking that all is for naught.)
What do you think about this whole concept of positive thought placement? And how do you feel about it being our jobs to bring Scripture into the world for both our own motivation and for others as well?
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