We all have moments when our thoughts spiral into the negative – and this is natural – we are human afterall. Whether it’s self-doubt, fear of failure, or feeling stuck, our mindset can either hold us back, or help us move forward. The good news? Mindset isn’t fixed. It’s a muscle we can train.
A positive mindset isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to see opportunities instead of challenges or barriers, growth instead of mistakes and failure, and learning instead of limitation.
Your mindset shapes how you interpret the world, how you show up every day, and what actions you take. A negative mindset can lead to procrastination, burnout, or self-sabotage without you even knowing it. Unconscious negative mindset is something we need to work on bringing forward.
A positive mindset, on the other hand, fuels motivation, clarity, and consistent progress, even when things get tough. Easy? Not always.
The shift doesn’t happen overnight. But with small, intentional steps, you can begin to change your negative inner narrative.
A few tricks to try;
1. Notice It.
Start by noticing your inner dialogue. What are you saying to yourself? Is it kind, constructive, or harsh and judgmental?
Awareness is the first step. When a negative thought pops up, challenge it: What are the facts that prove this is true? Is this thought helpful? What would I say to a friend who felt this way?
2. Practice Reframing
Reframing means looking at a situation from a different perspective. For example, instead of thinking, “I failed,” try, “I learned something important for next time.” It’s not about sugar-coating reality. Sometimes we have to own mistakes, but when you intentionally shift focus from what’s wrong to what’s possible, your mind changes and you can see solutions or ways forward, easier.
3. Build in Gratitude
Gratitude is a mindset shifter. Take one minute each day to write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big either. Maybe it was that nice cup of coffee someone gave you, a good conversation, or a quiet moment. This simple habit rewires your brain to scan for the positive.
4. Surround Yourself with People who Lift You Up.
The people and media we engage with influence our mindset more than we realize. Seek out conversations, communities, and content that uplift, motivate, and challenge you in healthy and positive ways. You don’t need toxic positivity, but you also don’t need voices that keep you stuck.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Progress builds confidence. Perfection builds pressure. When we strive to simply improve, rather than focus on perfection, we can go so much further.
Focus on small wins and consistent effort. Every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Shifting your mindset means recognizing that growth is messy. Be okay with that.
Mindset isn’t just about how you think. It’s about how you live. Every time you choose a more compassionate, forward-thinking, or solution-focused perspective, you strengthen your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
You don’t have to wait for a perfect moment to shift your mindset. You just need a willingness to try, a bit of self-awareness, and the courage to reframe the narrative, yes, even when it’s hard.
Again, this takes time and is a muscle that always needs worked. Take each day as it comes with a small shift and it will become easier over time.
What 3 things will you be grateful for today?
Written by: Tara Lehman
