So what is a positive mindset?
We particularly love this description from Kendra Cherry at Very Well Mind (2017B):
“[P]ositive thinking actually means approaching life’s challenges with a positive outlook. It does not necessarily mean avoiding or ignoring the bad things; instead, it involves making the most of the potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.”
Poitive Psychology identifies the six key traits that characterise a positive mindset:
- Optimism: a willingness to make an effort and take a chance instead of assuming your efforts won’t pay off.
- Acceptance: acknowledging that things don’t always turn out how you want them to, but learning from your mistakes.
- Resilience: bouncing back from adversity, disappointment, and failure instead of giving up.
- Gratitude: actively, continuously appreciating the good things in your life (Blank, 2017).
- Consciousness/Mindfulness: dedicating the mind to conscious awareness and enhancing the ability to focus.
- Integrity: the trait of being honorable, righteous, and straightforward, instead of deceitful and self-serving (Power of Positivity, n.d.).
By being more positive about our outlook on life we bring more positivity into our lives, through people, our interactions and our enjoyment of everyday situations. Here are a few quick tips to help you re-frame and bring more positivity into your life:
1. Surround yourself with positive people: Some people just bring us down and others make us feel uplifted. These interactions influence our own mindset and views so try spend more time in the company of the uplifters.
2. Learn to say no: It’s impossible to please everyone all the time so start to be realistic in what you can achieve and deliver. This will avoid feeling disillusioned when you’re unable to fulfill all your promises.
3. Be thankful. Every day think of 3 things you feel grateful for: This repositions your focus on the positive elements in your life. Despite what else is going on there is always something to be thankful for.
Remember, small changes can have a big impact.