5 Ways to Develop a Positive Mindset

Since our mindset directly influences the direction we go in life (and most importantly, how we interpret experiences), it’s worth the effort to develop a positive mindset.  Read on the 5 Ways to Develop a Positive Mindset.

By establishing a regular mindfulness practice, it gives us the mental bandwidth to handle challenges that might arise throughout the week while helping us to feel more centered, no matter what is going on (personally or professionally in our lives). 

When life and work are flowing smoothly, staying positive is pretty easy. But, during difficult or uncertain moments, that’s usually when we need to find new sources of inspiration.

The good news is, there are mental and physical ways that you can hit the “reset” button on your own mind. By learning how to tap into your power to shift your perspective (which is one of the keys to thriving), it will greatly help you to develop and maintain a positive mindset, no matter what type of curveball life throws at you.

From simple ways to overcome obstacles to techniques that help you shift your perspective, here are 5 ways to develop a positive mindset to help you become more successful.

5 Ways to Develop a Positive Mindset

1. Author Eckhart Tolle says, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.”

• When you wake up in the morning, make time to just breathe and become present. Focus on how you feel, your surrounding atmosphere, the noises you hear, and the things you see. Be aware of the present moment without allowing your mind to fixate on your to-do list that day. When we mentally focus on the future or the past, we lose our connection with the present moment, which is where our true power lies. Each choice you make happens in the Now, so slow down and be here. You’ll end up creating a life that you love if you spend more time being present in each moment.

2. Carl Bard says, “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

• Mornings are a wonderful opportunity to start fresh. As you wake up in the morning, start to imagine how you’d like your day to flow, think about your goals and what you want to accomplish. Set intentions for how you want to feel, act, and think. For example, your intention that day might be to joyfully accomplish tasks that move you ahead towards your goals. 
• Allow yourself some time in the morning to think about your higher purpose, including the things that motivate and inspire you. When you think about the big “why” behind “what” you do, it fuels your passion toward taking action because it creates a greater sense of value and purposes in your mind.
• While we can’t control the external world, use this as an opportunity to remind yourself that the one thing in life you can control is yourself. Your thoughts, your beliefs, your actions, and your reactions – these are in your control. When you remind yourself of this truth, it helps you to feel more in control of situations, even when they might be challenging to handle. By doing this, you’ll feel more empowered. 

3. John Wooden says, “Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be.”

• Always remember that each day is a new opportunity to strive to become your best self. To transform yourself into who you want to become, the first step is to be open to change. Learning how to be adaptable is one of the keys to succeeding in life.
• If you shy away from new experiences out of fear of the unknown, remind yourself that you’re stronger and more capable than you even know. To empower yourself to embrace uncertainty and new opportunities, think about all the challenges you’ve overcome thus far in your life. I can bet that you have probably grown and evolved more during those difficult times than ever before. 
• To become your best self, be willing to release old habits (that don’t serve your best interest), and challenge yourself to try new (and improved) ways of living. Make a practice of committing to habits and behaviors that align with your image of your best self. 

4. Lisa Sugar (Co-Founder of POPSUGAR) says, “Work Hard, Play Nice.” 

• Whether your job is making you feel stressed or your family is driving you bananas, learning how to remain calm around others is often easier said than done. However, it’s one of the best mindfulness techniques to learn and practice, as it can radically transform your relationships and improve situations that are stressful.
• When stress levels rise, it often ends up in a state of chaos rather than cooperation. During these unsettling moments, give yourself permission to just take a break. Go for a coffee run. Take a walk around the building. Do something that helps you to just relax. This will help to calm your nervous system (which takes you out of the “fight or flight” reactionary mode), and enables you to feel more calm and centered.
• When you learn to stay grounded and to be able to more easily control your reactions, you end up feeling better. This helps you both in the present moment and toward building a happier, more harmonious future.

5. Dr. Caroline Leaf (author of Think Learn Succeed) writes, “Willpower is the mindset that allows us to persevere even if we do not feel like persevering.”

• When you face disappointments or negative feedback – choose to perceive these experiences as positive learning lessons. By reframing situations (to your benefit), learning how to shift your perspective toward the constructive side of things helps you feel empowered. Rather than letting a negative situation hold you back or throw you off course, view it as a catalyst for your growth. 
• If a prospective customer declined your proposal, learn why. Maybe it’s the wrong time, or the budget wasn’t right? The reasons behind the why are often the keys to helping you figure out a smarter, more successful strategy. 
• Keep using everything in life to fuel you towards achieving your goals and making your dreams come true. Every setback, every challenge, every difficult moment – these are your greatest learning opportunities. Continually ask yourself what you have learned by facing these moments. The more often that you do this internal assessment, the more willpower you develop to help you take action towards achieving your goals. Keep focusing on thoughts that empower you.

No matter how big your dreams are if there’s one thing to remember it’s that your mind is the foundation upon which your life is built. The more often that you practice mindfulness, the more capable and progressive you can become. By taking steps to improve your state of mind, you will naturally notice other aspects of your life improving. Your emotional well-being will improve. Your health and physical wellness will be enhanced. A positive mindset is one of the greatest tools you can develop to help you not only survive in life but to actually thrive.