Do you struggle to keep your thoughts positive? It can be a challenge. We can’t help being exposed to rude people, unkind remarks, and the endless litany of negative thoughts from our ever-(un)helpful inner critic. How do we get our minds back to positive thinking when we’re bombarded by so much negativity?
By taking a lesson from fishermen.
Know which thoughts to keep and which to throw back
Fishermen don’t keep every fish they catch. They must follow local regulations that specify which fish they may keep (the keepers) and which must be put back in the water.
The concept of keepers is a great visual for considering which thoughts we should entertain in our heads and which we shouldn’t. We can’t control which thoughts get snagged on our mental fishhook, but we can choose which ones we allow to stay in our heads.
How to tell which thoughts are keepers
A fisherman has a rule book that defined which fish are keepers and how many of them may be kept each day. These regulations are designed to be clear and specific, so fishermen can easily determine if the fish they just reeled in should be thrown back. That way, non-keepers can be returned to the water quickly.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a list to help us decide which thoughts are keepers and which are non-keepers?
We do! Philippians 4:8 gives us an excellent set of guidelines for choosing which thoughts to keep. I use it as my “Keeper Test”
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8 CSB
First get rid of the weeds
To continue the fishing analogy, sometimes when you reel in your line, all you’ve caught is a snarl of seaweed or some other flotsam that isn’t a fish.
Likewise, we don’t want seaweed or pond scum filling our heads. Any thoughts or ideas that are corrupt, unethical, offensive, sinful, crude, or just patently false are obviously not the thoughts we want to keep.
These thoughts are the opposite of true, honorable, just, etc. They lead us to negative thinking and unhealthy behavior.
Then see if the thought measures up
Unfortunately, many negative messages are more subtle. We must take a closer look to see whether they are keepers or not.
Here are some examples:
“I never do anything right.” – Is this true, or is it an exaggeration? Thoughts like these masquerade as truth while actually filling our heads with condemnation that isn’t true, noble, just, or commendable. I think Paul put true at the top of the list, because many of the negative thoughts we entertain aren’t as accurate as we think.
“I’m not lucky like some people.” – This may seem true, but only because you have chosen to focus on the bad luck while ignoring the times your luck is just fine. Your perception is skewed. Instead of dwelling on the unlovely moments, think about times that were lovely.
Lastly, be intentional about keeping positive thoughts
Unfortunately, we can’t toss unwanted thoughts out of our heads as easily as a fisherman frees a fish. Those negative thoughts want to elbow in and take over our mental space. What can we do?
Intentionally replace non-keeper thoughts by focusing on positive thoughts instead. Think about something that’s inspiring, beautiful, admirable, or wholesome.
Here’s an example:
It’s a dreary, rainy day. You could dwell on the fact it’s a dreary day and allow it to suck the joy from your attitude. Or you could intentionally shift your focus by thinking about things that inspire you.
The drearier or more challenging our day, the more we must take action to bring positive thoughts into our heads to dispel the gloom. Yes, it takes effort, but consider the benefits.
Will you apply the Keeper Test to your thoughts this week?
What would happen if you started throwing back your non-keeper thoughts instead of allowing them to play on endless repeat? Imagine how much happier you might be if you focused on things that were delightful, noble, or excellent instead of stewing over mistakes.
What inspires you to think keeper thoughts? Bible verses? Poetry? Mantras? An inspiring podcast or song? Become more intentional about filling your head with those things this week.
“Be positive. Your mind is more powerful than you think. What is down in the well comes up in the bucket. Fill yourself with positive things.”
Tony Dungy
