“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…”

Romans 12:2

In a previous post we talked about how big of a factor attitude is in just about everything. It is no exageration to say that attitude is the most critical ingredient in the recipe of life.

The cool thing is that you’re not stuck with the attitude you have right now, unless you want to be. Your attitude can improve. In fact, it can be rebuilt from the ground up.

How so? Well, just like the body responds positively to exercise, so our attitudes will respond to consistent healthy attitudinal movements.

So, let’s get back to it. Following are five more attitude exercises to go with the previous five. These basic movements – if used consistently – will help get your mindset back to a healthier place so that you can be your best in 2022.

6. Humble stretches. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (James 4:10). Humbling ourselves doesn’t come easy for any of us. That’s why we’re calling it a stretch. Example? When you confess wrongs and ask the forgiveness of God and others. This is uncomfortable, kind of like when you’re stretching out tight hamstrings. Yes it hurts, but it hurts in a healthy, stimulating way.

7. Community curls. “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). This is when we bring people, especially people of faith, closer to us so we can work it out together. We share space consistently for the sake of Christian fellowship. Rather than keeping people at a safe distance, we curl them in closer. Sure, it can get messy at times, but community curls are a risk worth taking.

8. Setback spins. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2-3). A setback spin is when something challenging comes at you, but you spin it as a positive based on the promise from God’s word that He uses everything, even the painful things, for our good. No setback is off limits. Even the worst things can be spun for good.

9. Gratitude raises. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Some call it “gratitude therapy” because gratitude is so healthy for you on so many levels. Whether it is good for you because it is God’s will for you, or whether it is God’s will for you because it is good for you, you decide. Either way, regularly listing the things for which you are grateful to God is ultra-healthy.

10. Disappointment throws. “Casting all your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). A disappointment throw is when you take that heavy burden that you are carrying and heave it in God’s direction. Regularly off-loading the heavy stuff will keep it from accumulating and weighing you down internally. This is the essence of prayer. When you pray, it might be helpful to visualize yourself literally throwing the situation to God so He can take care of it.

Add these five to the previous five attitude exercises and you have yourself a tried and true regimen for keeping your mindset in a good place. There are more movements to discover later, but these 10 will have you well on your way to a top-notch attitude.

Welcome to the Attitude Gymnasium! Change your mindset, change your life.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.