Do you have a growth mindset?
A growth mindset is the foundation for my life. The way I choose to think about everything that enters my mind. The idea and belief that what I set my mind to will happen. That is why learning how to change my mindset shifted the way I experience life, no matter what kind of day I’m having.
My mindset used to be on autopilot based on my environment, upbringing, and culture. When I finally discovered I had the power to change my mindset, I made some significant changes in my life. I want to share my 3 steps to a positive mindset, even when you’re having one of those days.
3 Steps to a Positive Mindset
The choice is yours. When you’re ready, infinite possibilities await you. All you have to do is make a decision to improve your mindset, keep yourself present, and get clear on your life’s purpose.
Step 1: Make a Decision.
Each of us has the power of choice. Who we become is a product of the choices we’ve made – from the types of people we surround ourselves with to the way we spend our time to the career we choose to pursue to the time we wake up each morning and what we choose to eat for breakfast.
What we often don’t realize is that we have the power to decide exactly how we want to feel and act in any situation, too.
I was in the midst of a group conversation. One woman was dominating, tirelessly trying to get everyone to see her point of view. I began to get irritated. (Truly, I did.) Then, I remembered I could decide not to be irritated. I could choose to acknowledge that she was doing her very best in life and that she was living her life with passion. It was that simple.
Once you’ve decided to change your mindset, you are well on your way to a positive mindset. There are countless ways to build and foster the life you see in your visions!
Step 2: Be Present.
What does it really mean to be present? It means fully experiencing all your senses at the current moment. It means you are so aware of your surroundings, in all respects, that your mind doesn’t have the space to think about past or future.
I was mentoring a young woman who had just checked out of rehab. We were eating pizza and talking about her next steps in life. She was worrying about things that had not happened yet and thinking way into the future. As her anxiety worsened, I gently touched her arm and suggested she look at her piece of pizza. She was a little puzzled at first, but I went on to explain that all she needed to be concerned about at that moment was that piece of pizza. Her body instantly relaxed.
Staying present is not always easy. I know, I know. Sometimes I have to constantly remind myself to “look at that piece of pizza.” Over time and with practice, it’s definitely gotten easier.
In a nutshell, being present will improve your self-esteem, making you calmer, healthier, a better friend, spouse, partner, parent – more successful in every area of your life. The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to make progress and give yourself grace while you’re taking steps to a positive mindset.
Step 3: Know your Purpose.
Knowing your purpose is one of the crucial steps to a positive mindset. Think of a time in your life when you accomplished something big. You were driven, laser-focused, and felt on fire! The point here is to determine the reason you were created.
Ellen was having a terrible day. She was sitting in traffic and thinking about how horrible her boss had been when she asked for time off to go to a doctor’s appointment the following week. She was ready to quit the J-O-B. She wanted to start her own business training employees how to positively interact with their co-workers with special needs.
That same week we had focused on her purpose. That purpose became crystal clear – she was here to advocate for adults with special needs, so they could gain and sustain successful employment. At that moment, she remembered an interaction with that same boss and how he had made fun of one of the diner employees. In that one instant, it became clear it was time to launch her biz! That new drive energized her. Her day had changed, even as she sat in traffic behind red taillights.
Knowing your purpose helps you identify the foundation for your mindset. It gives you a common ground, a golden thread, a touch point for steps to a positive mindset. A change in mindset ultimately changes your actions, helping you clarify your reason for being on this planet.
Don’t Forget
If you put these 3 steps to a positive mindset to work for you, you will learn how to change your outlook and, thereby, change your life. You will be amazed at the difference a positive attitude makes, even when you’re having one of those days!
How will YOU change your mindset day today?