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Empty Out the Negative

Empty Out the Negative

Make Room for More Joy, Greater Confidence, and New Levels of Influence
by Joel Osteen 2020 160 pages
4.18
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Empty Out Negative Emotions to Make Room for Positivity

"Imagine your life is like a container. You were created to be filled with joy, peace, confidence, and creativity."

Limited emotional capacity. Our lives have a finite emotional capacity, much like a container. When we allow negative emotions such as guilt, resentment, doubt, and worry to occupy space, we leave less room for positive emotions like joy, peace, and confidence. These negative emotions can consume a significant portion of our emotional capacity, leaving little space for the good things we need to thrive.

Daily emotional reset. To combat this, we must practice emptying out negative emotions daily. This involves consciously letting go of offenses, disappointments, and worries from the previous day. By doing so, we create space for positive emotions and experiences, allowing us to approach each day with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Benefits of emotional decluttering:

  • Improved mental health
  • Increased resilience
  • Enhanced relationships
  • Greater productivity
  • More room for creativity and growth

2. Adopt Power Thinking to Overcome Challenges

"Your thoughts are running your life."

Thoughts shape reality. Our thoughts have a profound impact on our lives, influencing our actions, emotions, and ultimately, our outcomes. By adopting power thinking – a mindset focused on positivity, possibility, and personal strength – we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals more effectively.

Overcoming limiting beliefs. Power thinking involves consciously replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones. Instead of focusing on obstacles, we shift our attention to opportunities. This mental shift allows us to approach challenges with confidence and creativity, rather than fear and doubt.

Strategies for power thinking:

  • Visualize success
  • Use positive affirmations
  • Reframe negative situations
  • Focus on solutions, not problems
  • Celebrate small wins

3. Cultivate a Fresh Mental and Spiritual Attitude Daily

"Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind, putting on a fresh mental and spiritual attitude."

Daily renewal. Just as we change our clothes daily, we need to put on a fresh mental and spiritual attitude each day. This involves consciously choosing to approach life with positivity, gratitude, and faith, regardless of past experiences or current circumstances.

Intentional mindset. Cultivating a fresh attitude requires intentionality. It's about making a deliberate choice to focus on the good, to be kind to others, and to stay in faith. This practice helps prevent the accumulation of negative thoughts and emotions that can weigh us down over time.

Steps to cultivate a fresh attitude:

  • Start each day with gratitude
  • Set positive intentions
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Engage in uplifting activities
  • Reflect on daily blessings

4. Let Go of Past Hurts and Disappointments

"Drop it, leave it, let it go."

Freedom through forgiveness. Holding onto past hurts and disappointments can prevent us from moving forward and experiencing the fullness of life. By choosing to forgive and let go, we free ourselves from the burden of negative emotions and create space for new opportunities and relationships.

Breaking the cycle. Dwelling on past injustices or failures keeps us stuck in a negative cycle. To break free, we must make a conscious decision to release these thoughts and emotions, trusting that better things are ahead. This doesn't mean forgetting or excusing wrongdoing, but rather choosing not to let it control our present and future.

Strategies for letting go:

  • Practice forgiveness (of others and yourself)
  • Focus on the present moment
  • Create a "letting go" ritual
  • Seek professional help if needed
  • Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations

5. Replace Negative Self-Talk with Positive Affirmations

"You control what's in your container. You control what you think about and what you choose to allow in."

Power of self-talk. The way we talk to ourselves has a significant impact on our self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being. Negative self-talk can limit our potential and hold us back from achieving our goals, while positive affirmations can boost our confidence and motivate us to reach new heights.

Rewiring the mind. By consciously replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations, we can rewire our thought patterns and create a more supportive internal dialogue. This practice helps build resilience, improves self-image, and enhances our ability to face challenges.

Effective affirmation techniques:

  • Use present tense statements
  • Make them personal and specific
  • Repeat affirmations daily
  • Combine affirmations with visualization
  • Address areas of self-doubt directly

6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People and Environments

"People are contagious. You're going to catch what they have."

Environmental influence. The people and environments we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our thoughts, behaviors, and overall success. Just as a seed needs good soil to flourish, we need supportive relationships and positive environments to reach our full potential.

Selective associations. It's crucial to be selective about who we spend time with and what we expose ourselves to. This may involve distancing ourselves from negative influences and actively seeking out relationships and environments that inspire and uplift us.

Creating a supportive ecosystem:

  • Identify and nurture positive relationships
  • Limit exposure to negative media and influences
  • Seek out mentors and role models
  • Join supportive communities or groups
  • Create a positive physical environment

7. Protect Your Potential by Guarding Your Thoughts

"Pay attention to what you're dwelling on. You are drawing in what you're constantly thinking about."

Thought vigilance. Our thoughts are powerful determinants of our reality. By being vigilant about what we allow our minds to dwell on, we can protect our potential and steer our lives in a positive direction. This involves actively choosing to focus on uplifting, empowering thoughts and filtering out negative, limiting ones.

Mental diet. Just as we are careful about what we eat to maintain physical health, we need to be mindful of our mental diet. Consuming positive, inspiring content and limiting exposure to negativity can significantly impact our outlook and personal growth.

Strategies for guarding thoughts:

  • Practice mindfulness and meditation
  • Regularly audit your thought patterns
  • Challenge and reframe negative thoughts
  • Engage in positive self-talk
  • Limit exposure to negative influences (people, media, etc.)

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.18 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Empty Out the Negative received mixed reviews. Many readers found it uplifting and inspiring, praising Osteen's positive message and practical advice for overcoming negativity. Some appreciated the biblical references and personal stories. However, critics noted repetitiveness, shallow theology, and a lack of depth. Several reviewers mentioned it was similar to Osteen's previous works and sermons. While some found the book life-changing, others felt it offered little new insight. The book's emphasis on positivity and self-improvement resonated with many readers seeking encouragement.

Your rating:

About the Author

Joel Osteen is a prominent American pastor, televangelist, and author. He leads Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which boasts a weekly attendance of over 45,000 people. Osteen's televised messages reach millions of viewers worldwide, and he has a significant presence on social media and satellite radio. He has authored seven New York Times bestsellers, focusing on self-improvement, positivity, and Christian living. Osteen's influence extends globally, with publications recognizing him as one of the most influential Christian leaders. He lives in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children.

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