When we change our mindset to one of growth, we change the course of our lives. Mindset is a set of attitudes, says Carol Dweck, a world-renowned Stanford psychologist, who discovered after years of research that dedication, hard work and resilience are much more important to growth and success than brains or talent. We can do these simple steps every day, quickly and easily, to improve our mindset:
“I truly believe in positive synergy, that your positive mindset gives you a more hopeful outlook, and belief that you can do something great means you will do something great.”
– Russell Wilson
1. Quiet your mind.
Studies show that just a few minutes a day of quiet can open our brains and make it available for our most innovative ideas. Sit or stand in a quiet spot, feet on the floor, and hands by your side or on your knees. Now just quiet your mind—picture a place that is your idea of peace, such as a beach or a mountain.
2. Choose your thoughts.
Our thoughts are powerful. They create feelings, which leads to actions and behaviors that determine whether our day goes well. Learning that we can choose our thoughts is one of the most powerful things we can do to take charge of our lives.
3. Be grateful.
Write down five things you are grateful for every day. According to research by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, keeping a gratitude journal contributes to a positive life attitude, and makes us feel better, sleep better and even have stronger immune systems.
4. Set your intention for the day.
Set an intention of how you want the day to end. How do you want the actions you accomplish today to make you feel at the end of the day? It doesn’t have to be major. What is one thing you can do that will make you feel better at the end of the day?
5. Turn off the noise.
Find something else to listen to when you begin your day. Do your morning commute without listening to the news, talking on the phone or checking social media. There will be plenty of time to find out what’s happening in the world when you get to your destination. Do this for a week and you will find yourself arriving at work in a calmer, more positive and relaxed mindset. Best of all, you will discover you haven’t missed a thing.
Try these true and tested methods and you are well on your way to a positive mindset. Practice this for just two weeks. You will see a tremendous difference in your productivity and your attitude.