12 Steps To A Positive Mindset

Photo by  Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

12 tips to help create a positive mindset

Here are some ways you can increase your self-awareness, transform your way of thinking  and develop a more positive mindset.

1.                 Be conscious of your thoughts

As part of our survival instinct, our ancient brains are pre-wired for negativity.  So, it is important to be conscious of your thoughts and to take time to ensure, they are positive.

2.                 Acknowledge the feeling

Constantly thinking in a negative way causes your mood to drop and your energy to become depleted. If you notice these symptoms, stop and consider what it is that you are thinking about? Is there something more positive that you can focus on instead?

3.                 Check your perspective

When we are caught in a negative mindset, we create a perception that everything is as we see it. To help shift your thinking, take a step back and see how others might view the same situation. Is there a different approach you could take?

4.                 Listen to your self-talk

How positive is your internal dialogue? Being aware of the words that we say to ourselves can help to identify what we need to change. Instead of,  “I’m useless at this” , try  “I’m not quite there yet”. Using the word ‘yet’ gives you more optimism.

5.                 Practice mindfulness

Using guided meditation can help to bring about a positive mindset. Imagining scenarios that emulate positive emotions and feelings can help to shift your thinking.  You might like to try the meditation apps Calm or Headspace as a first step.

 
6.                 Repeat Affirmations

Affirmations are statements of positive intent. Repeating them on a regular basis helps to form new ways of positive thinking.  Try one of the following affirmations:

- Focussing on the positive is easy for me

- I am filled with positive thinking

- I welcome positivity into my life

7.                 Know your values

Values reflect what is important to us or what we feel is missing from our lives.   Fulfilling your values enables you to create a sense of wellbeing, positivity, and happiness. Email ali@aliarmishaw.co.uk to request your free copy of Discovering Your Values.

 Photo by Jeremy Bazanger on Unsplash

8.                 Say no to social media

Research shows that spending a dis-proportionate amount of time on social media is damaging to our mental wellbeing.

Six ways social media negatively affects your mental health (msn.com)

Being aware of the information you are absorbing is key to keeping a positive mindset. Start by becoming more conscious of the topics you are engaging in. Do they actively encourage a positive outlook? Are they promoting positive role models? 

9.                 Be active

Exercise is a positive way to improve your overall wellbeing. In the context of positive thinking, there are two key benefits. Firstly, the brain chemicals (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin)  that are released positively impact your mood and therefore your thinking. Secondly, when we exercise, we focus on our bodies which gets us ‘out of our heads’, thus reducing the propensity towards negative thinking. 

10.            Immerse yourself in nature

Time spent in the outdoors is a great way to rebalance negative thinking. Being absorbed by your surroundings and the beauty of the countryside helps to engage your thinking in a more positive way. As little as a 10-minute break outside can have a positive effect over a sustained period.

11.            Seek out positive people

We are all influenced by the people we spend the most time with. Surrounding yourself with people who think and talk in a positive way, will enhance your own experiences, and help to improve how you think and feel about yourself. 

Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash

12.            Practice gratitude

Reminding yourself that there are good things happening around you (no matter how small) will help to build a positive mindset. A great way to capture your positive experiences is in a Gratitude journal. Take time each day to list 5 things you are grateful for. 

Summary

We can’t think positively all the time, life does have its challenges. Working on your self-awareness and incorporating some of the tips in this blog, means you will create greater positivity, happiness, and fulfilment in your life.

If you have any questions or would like to see how life coaching can help you transform your thinking, please feel free to contact me using  ali@aliarmishaw.co.uk or use the FREE taster button on my website to book directly into my calendar.