Your mindset matters. We have all heard it a million times and yet we still allow negative thoughts to creep in and do damage at times. Thoughts like:
It’s just not meant to be.
When X happens, then I will be happy.
If I don’t do well, I’m a failure.
Nobody cares about what I’m going through.
I couldn’t possibly do that.
Bad things will happen if I…
I don’t have enough time/money/support/energy/opportunities.
I’m not brave/smart/experienced/strong enough.
Sound familiar? We have all been there. And although we know better, it’s easy to slip into unhelpful, negative thought patterns. Such thoughts stagnate your personal growth and success because they act as self-imposed limitations that hold you back from taking risks, introducing yourself, asking for the promotion, opening the business, going back to school, building relationships, building a better life, etc. The list goes on and on.
The stories you tell yourself matter so work on changing the narrative by telling yourself a positive truth whenever you catch yourself thinking a self-limiting thought. For example, if you have the thought, If I don’t do well, I’m a failure, don’t lie to yourself and say If I don’t do well, I’m a success. Instead, identify a positive thought that holds truth such as I have worked hard to get to this day and will put forth my best effort. Over time, that sort of intentional thought transformation can reprogram your thought patterns to be more positive and empowering. As Wayne Dwyer said, “Change the way you see things and the things you see will change.”
Here are some additional tried and true ways to improve your mindset and be more positive:
- Recite affirmations. Create your own or try an app such as I Am.
- Practice gratitude. Write down what you’re thankful for in your journal each day.
- Make a playlist of music that makes you happy and listen to it when you are in a funk (pun intended).
- Surround yourself with positive people. As they say, you are the company you keep.
- When you engage in physical activity, you increase your brain’s production of endorphins which are feel-good hormones.
- Meditate. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your mind wander between the present and calming, peaceful thoughts which reduces anxiety.
- Practice mindfulness. Strive to live in the present moment, paying careful attention to your thoughts and actions, and reacting to other non-judgmentally.
- Do random acts of kindness. You will be amazed how great you feel after doing something to brighten another person’s day.
- Celebrate your wins. Big or small, celebrate them all because it stimulates dopamine in the brain which makes you feel good.
- Watch a few videos on You Tube of babies giggling or cats chasing the Roomba if needed.
- Get out in nature. The earth is abundant with natural beauty to explore and instill a sense of wonder in you.
- Download my Positive Thinking Guide below which is designed to help you transform common negative thoughts into more positive, truthful ones…
