Ten ways to have a positive mindset in 2018

Amongst all the fireworks and celebrations, entering into a new year, did your dreams magically manifest into reality? Did everything suddenly transform into pots of gold and rainbows?

Probably not.

The reality is, that if you want change, then you have to make it happen. But that is a lot easier said than done, especially if you are not in the right mindset.

If you have a negative mindset and a pessimistic outset in life, then all you will attract into your life is negativity. How you think determines how you feel, how you feel determines how you act. It is the actions you take, that will drive you to reach your goals.

So here are ten ways to cultivate a positive mindset in 2018:

 

1) Be grateful

Sometimes we can be so consumed with the things that we don’t have in our lives, that we don’t appreciate the things that we do have.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude, can make you more optimistic and happy and also lower feelings of stress and depression.

Regularly take time to contemplate on everything in your life that you have to be grateful for – both the big things and the little. Because those little things that you may have taken for granted, someone is likely praying for.

Put together a gratitude list and you will start to realise how blessed you truly are.

 

2) Be mindful of your self-talk

Your thoughts are very powerful.

The thoughts you have about yourself, not only affect your feelings but also your actions and this may be holding you back from reaching your goals. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy (check out my blog post on how we are own enemy of progress).

Be very mindful of your thoughts and the things you say to yourself and about yourself.

You need to be able to encourage yourself and compliment yourself. Know your worth. However, be realistic and please don’t be big headed lol.

Daily affirmations are an amazing way to encourage positive self-talk and get the day started right.

Every morning, talk to yourself in the mirror and say a few affirmations such as: “I am beautiful and accept myself for who I truly am” and “I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose happiness”.

 

3) Consume positive media

If you are feeling demotivated, watch a motivational video.

If you are feeling down, listen to uplifting and cheerful music (gospel music is my go to).

If you are feeling troubled or going through a difficult situation, read a self-help book or better yet the Bible.

Be conscious of the media you consume and the huge effect that it can have on your mood and your mindset.

 

4) Stop comparing yourself to others

A lot easier said than done right?!

It’s so easy to compare yourself to others especially in this social media age. We are constantly bombarded with the glamorous and amazing pictures of people “living their best lives”.

But just like you can select what you post on social media and how you want others to perceive you and your life, so can others.

Yes, the pictures may look amazing, but you don’t know the backstory. You don’t know what that person did to get where they are. You don’t even know if they are truly happy in that position or lifestyle that you may be coveting.

Instead of focusing so much on what others have that you want, focus on you and how you can get to where you want to be. Stop wasting your time being envious, when you could be using that time to further yourself.

If you find that social media is having a dramatic effect on your self-esteem, take a break from social media or simply unfollow those people and instead find people to follow that inspire you without making you feel like you are less.

 

5) Keep a journal

There are some things in your life that you may not feel comfortable sharing with even your best friend. It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable confiding in someone, but it is not okay if you just bottle up your thoughts and emotions until they implode.

That’s what makes keeping a journal so beneficial, you can get all your emotions and thoughts out without having to confide in someone until you are ready.

 

6) Break your goals down

It can be overwhelming to look at your goals as a whole.

Break your goals down into mini goals that will be the stepping stones to reaching your end goal. Make sure to include dates for each goal and reward yourself upon completing a goal.

 

7) Live in the moment

Stop dwelling so much on the past and stressing about the future, that you forget to live in the moment.

Y’all, life is way too short! So make sure that you are making the most of the time you have.

Enjoy your life, you only get one after all.

 

8) Get an accountability partner

Your support network is everything! You need people that you can talk to about both your personal and professional development. This could be family members, friends, work colleagues or a mentor.

Take this a step further and find yourself an accountability partner. This is someone who will hold you to your commitments and ensure you stay on track with the steps you need to take to reach your goals.

I tend to pick a close friend as an accountability partner, as we both want to see each other do well and are able to push and motivate one another.

 

9) Learn from your “failures”

I’m not a fan of the word “failure”. I prefer to use the word “lesson”.

In life, we will all undoubtedly come across stumbling blocks. However, it is up to you whether you stay down and let this “failure” stop you or whether you get up and try again and turn that “failure” into a lesson.

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.”

 

10) Visualise your goals

Sometimes your goals can seem a bit two-dimensional. You need to be able to visualise your goals in your mind and bring them to life.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of putting pen to paper and writing down those goals.

Take an hour or two to create a vision board of images and text that bring your goals to life. Put your goals and vision board up on your wall, as a daily reminder of what you are working towards.

 

Well, I hope you were able to take away something positive from this post. Please do share your own methods for cultivating a positive mindset – let’s all help each other out!

Well, until next time guys!

Debbie???

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