5 Ways to Cultivate a More Positive Mindset

While some are sending kids back to school and others are longing for more time for summer adventures, this month is a chance to reset and reevaluate your health and fitness habits.

One habit we are constantly trying to improve in my house is the habit of positive thinking. September is a challenging month for us. The transition of going from summer back into a school routine has always been hard. It is particularly challenging for one of my daughters who is prone to anxiety as well as a negative mindset.

She will spend a tremendous amount of time and energy focusing on the one thing that went wrong on any given day as opposed to all the things that went right.

Most people understand that having a positive mindset can help you better respond to stress, feel more confident, and even improve your health. But if your brain has a tendency toward negativity, like my daughter, it’s not as easy as flipping a switch to “be positive”.

If you tend to lean toward negativity, cultivating a positive mindset can be difficult - you can’t just flip a switch and “be positive”.

Cultivating a positive mindset has to be intentional and takes consistent effort - it's a habit. This is the conversation I have with my daughter on a regular basis.

If you struggle with slipping into a negative mindset, here are a few things to try.

Create a Gratitude Routine

Give yourself a reminder to take note of something you are thankful for each day. This could be as simple as making a short list of 3 things you are grateful for each morning or mentally cataloging your successes as you fall asleep each night.

Choose Your Company Carefully

Positivity is contagious. Say no to activities that involve people who make you feel down and yes to spending time with those who give you a happy vibe.

Look for Opportunities

Feeling stuck or like roadblocks keep being thrown in your path? Shift your focus to find the opportunity in the moment. Much about positivity has to do with where you choose to focus your thoughts.

Check Your Thoughts

Take a moment to pause throughout the day and check on what you’re thinking. If your thoughts are negative (like “I can’t do this” or “there’s no way this will work”), get creative. Reframe those thoughts for the positive (like “I’ll see if I can learn” or “I’ll try to make it work”).

Laugh (and Forgive) Yourself

Everyone makes mistakes. Brush it off, accept that you are not perfect, and move on. Having grace, acceptance, and forgiveness for yourself go a long way in cultivating positivity.

Do any of the ideas resonate with you? My daughter inspired this list and these ideas are all things that we try to implement regularly that have helped. If you can commit to adding one of these habits into your routine every day for a month, you may start to see some shifts toward a more positive outlook in all areas of your life.

Which do you choose?