Some days it’s easy to feel like the only luck you have is bad luck. When this happens, it’s easy to get stuck in a negative mindset, thinking only bad things will happen continually. If there’s one thing this past year has taught us, it’s that life can be difficult. But I am here to tell you that you have more control over your mindset than you think! If you choose to let them, challenging situations once faced and overcome can actually bring positivity and important lessons to your life, inspiring you to continue Making Impact on those around you.
Choosing to approach difficult situations with positivity is hard, but the benefits of positive thinking are astronomical. I have compiled four simple strategies I employ to help me turn around negative energy and add more positivity to my life:
- See Challenges as Opportunities – A great way to understand your thinking patterns is to notice how you react when things don’t go the way you expect. Just the other day, I was running late to meet a friend and spilled coffee on my top. I was already feeling a little flustered, so this only added to the frustration of having to go back inside and get changed. In this moment I could have chosen to sit in my negative thoughts and emotions, letting them fester and effect not only my own day but my friend’s day as well. Or, I could take a moment to breathe and refocus on how excited I was to catch up with my friend. When I chose the second option, my whole day turned around and I was able to use that moment as an opportunity to grow my patience!
- Read Inspirational Books – I have found reading to be a powerful force in changing the way I think of myself and others. As you spend time reading books that inspire, encourage and motivate you, you will begin to experience a more positive mindset day to day. If you are curious on where to start, I shared several of my favorite books here.
- Make a Daily Gratitude List – I have made it a habit to write down three things that I am thankful for each night before I go to bed. It may be hard for this to become a consistent habit at first, but soon enough it will become natural for you to focus and see more of the good things that are happening in your life. Take time to share your lists with others too, whether it’s over a phone call or social media.
- Prepare Healthy Meals – Nutrition has a huge impact on your mindset. Trust me, I like burgers and fries as much as the next person, but if this is what I ate on a regular basis I couldn’t help but feel tired and irritable. This is why it’s so important to eat foods that are high in nutrients and mood-boosting foods like salmon, whole grains, berries and nuts. Studies have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Life can be hard and unexpected, but my hope for us in this community is that we consistently make small choices daily that add positivity into our lives, and in turn the lives of others. I would love to hear in the comments how you are going to implement these tips in your life – or tips of your own – so we as a community can continue Making Impact together!