Adopt a Positive Mindset
It really is easier than you think to adopt a positive mindset. When you make up your mind and choose to live a happier life, the words you say over and over to yourself begins the process. Your thoughts and words are powerful and the tips below will help you overcome bad habits so you can create new ones.
The average person has an estimated 70,000 thoughts per day! Imagine how powerful those thoughts are and how they can steer your attitude and responses. Wow! Take just a moment to think about the thoughts that run through your mind when you wake up in the mornings. Upon waking up each morning, think of at least one positive thought you can start your day with.
Think about this for a minute. Are your thoughts positive and uplifting? “Today is going to be an amazing day!” ” I know I’m going to pass the test!” Or negative and self-defeating? “I don’t have the energy to get through today.” “I know I’m going to bomb the interview!”
Positive thoughts boost your mood, spirit, and tend to generate even more positivity and happiness in your life. Conversely, negative thoughts can create a domino effect of destructive energy. Falling into a spiral of negativity tremendously affects how you live your life and how others perceive and accept you.
Thankfully, you don’t have to accept the negative internal chatter. You can choose to switch to a happier perception and reach for better thoughts. It takes a little consistent practice, but rather quickly, your mind will gravitate toward the brighter outlook. Practice cultivating a positive mindset with these tips. Let’s look at some bad habits you can let go of right now:
Negative self-talk.
Bashing yourself on a daily basis takes a toll and destroys your emotional well being. When you hear the negative self-talk, say “STOP!,” then immediately follow it with a positive comment to condition yourself to speak positively. Hearing yourself saying the word “stop” out loud helps your mind to wake up and pay attention to the following positive words. Doing this exercise in your head (non-verbally) is not the same.
Limiting Beliefs.
Replace beliefs that just aren’t serving you anymore and rework them to into self-supporting goals. Keep your focus on what’s ahead of you and on what you want. Then strive forward to making it happen. Let friends know what goals you’re working toward. This helps to hold you accountable for accomplishing them, and it’s easier to ask for help or reminders when needed.
Comparing yourself to others.
While it’s easy to want what others have, comparing yourself is like discarding everything you’ve got going for you at this very moment. Using someone else as a benchmark is healthier than comparing yourself, so distinguish between comparison and admiring. Shoot for admiration. But shoot for learning more about who you are as well. Create the person you wish to become!
Resisting change.
If you want different results, do something different! Create change one degree at a time. Learn to accept change and make small challenges with yourself that make you smile. Change is inevitable and embracing it is far easier (and less stressful) than fighting it.
The need for perfection.
Does perfection make you happy? Or does perfectionism make you stressed, overwhelmed or anxious? You can’t be perfect at everything, nor should you try to be. Learn what your strengths are and use those to achieve your goals. And accept your weaknesses for what they are and strive toward strengthening them over time. I’ve had to learn how to let go of certain beliefs so I can enjoy what’s important at the moment. You too can do this once you set your mind to it and commit to enjoying life more than being perfect.
Now for the fun part! We’ve just covered what you can start getting rid of. But there are simple ways to achieve balance and harmony in life. Now it’s time to create new habits and practice. Let’s make space for:
Gratitude.
Even when you think you don’t have it all, focus on what you do have today. Years ago I started keeping a gratitude journal, and each day I write down three things I am grateful for. I love going back to read them! I also love seeing how many of those things open up and reveal more positive things.
Walking with energy and purpose.
Strut your stuff, baby! Make a conscious effort to strut when you walk! Even when you’re feeling down and discouraged, stand tall and smile! Posture affects your mood; make it work in your favor. As you perfect this you will suddenly become more aware of others’ posture.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded, uplifting people.
This is SO important! People who are vibrating on the same positive frequency will keep you grounded, inspired, and connected to your greater life’s purpose. They will help you believe in yourself, too, and be there when you need help. So choose your friends wisely and distance yourself from “dramatic” people who can drain your energy.
Reflection.
Take time to reflect, meditate, pause or simply release all thoughts and emotions. Create stillness in a quiet space and get back to a neutral state of mind and body. This only takes a few minutes and recharges you more than you can imagine. Add quiet, reflective time into your daily schedule and don’t allow other things to cause you into overlooking this powerful tool!
Doing something good for someone else.
Focus your energy on lifting up someone else and notice how your spirits elevate as well. You can make them laugh, cheer them up or let them know you appreciate their input, ideas or time. This also shows them your authentic self and builds trust and admiration.
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Cathy lives in Roanoke, Virginia and specializes in supporting families who desire to change their relationship with health–the way they eat, feel and live. She is a certified Health Coach & Educator with a strong passion for supporting each client in their journey to feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic. Cathy presents workshops online and locally and regularly talks about real food, fitness, natural living, and all things ADHD.
Cathy is the creator of the Holistic Wellness Academy, an online training platform that will soon provide other wellness advocates a place to share their expertise with their clients so they too can learn how to eat smart, move more, feel better and live longer.
