When it comes to our mindset, we can all struggle with negativity from time to time. It is normal to have negative thoughts about how we feel or certain situations, but what isn’t normal is to dwell on those thoughts. By doing so, you create a cycle of negativity that continues to grow. While it may not spiral into depression or anxiety, these thoughts and feelings can have an impact on our daily lives. Our minds are powerful tools. We need to focus on the positive, not the negative. But how do you change your mindset?
Of course, there are so many ways to do this. Physically, you can eat better, exercise, stay hydrated and get enough sleep. Mentally, you can look to try things like meditation or mindfulness. But I have found three ways that can really make a difference when it comes to changing your mindset, and it starts with singling out your feelings and taking one step at a time. Interested? Read on to find out how you can make a positive difference when it comes to a change of mindset.
Shine a light on your limited beliefs of negativity
This is one of the hardest things to do, but it is so essential if you want to change your mindset for the better. When we are stuck in a rut or a cycle of negative thoughts, it can be hard to deviate from them or not take them as being the truth. However, this is what will be holding you back. Instead, shine a light on those limited beliefs or negativity.
You can do this collectively, or focus on one thing at a time. Focusing on one thing could be beneficial in situations where your mindset has been triggered, such as in the workplace, your relationships or your home life. Shine a light on it, bring it to the surface, say it out loud or write it down. Do whatever it is you can to bring it to the forefront of your mind. This is when you can move on to the next step.
Look for the facts
It is a common cognitive behavioural tactic to seek out evidence and facts to support those negative thoughts, and this is what you now need to do when it comes to the limiting beliefs or negativity that you have just shone a light on.
What are the facts? Is there any evidence to support how you feel? In most cases, there won’t be, but make sure you take time to really look at all the factors. This is when journaling and writing things down can really help you to see more clearly. You could write down what you are thinking, or use a brain-dump format to gather evidence and facts. Write whatever it is in the centre and then draw from it with the factors and evidence you find. For example, your limiting belief might be that you are not getting anywhere in your career, which is causing you to feel down and negative.
But what are the facts? Why is this the case? You can then look for positive reasons rather than negativity. Perhaps you have just completed a project, or you have only just started with a company.
Create new beliefs and thoughts.
Now that you have sought after the facts and come to the conclusion that there isn’t really any hard evidence to support that limiting belief, feeling, or negativity, it is now time to create new beliefs and thoughts. You can do this in a few different ways.
Firstly, you could look to change the wording in the limiting belief or thought. For example, instead of I am not getting anywhere with my career it could be I am in the exact right place and time for my career to progress. Write this down, use it as an affirmation in the morning, and even seek out the evidence and facts to support it. You will find this much easier than previously.
Another way to create new beliefs is to adopt a more positive collective approach. When you notice you are on a downward spiral of negativity, take that step to the side and turn around. Turn it into a positive. A great way to actively do this is to journal each day. You will start to notice that the things you write down will change and have a completely different tone.
Hopefully, these suggestions will help you make a positive change to your mindset.
