How To Maintain A Positive Mindset

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“Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.” 
-Harvey Mackay

Kendra Cherry at Very Well Mind states, “Positive 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.” Having a positive mindset is intentional. Bad things or negative situations happen to everyone, but it is really about how we respond to these events that is most important. Positive thinking can give us more confidence, improve our mood, and even reduce the likelihood of developing stress-related conditions. In almost 12 years of working directly and indirectly with all types of people, all over the world, we find that there is one common enemy that dwells amongst all of us; the self. When we learn how to control the self, we can begin to control how we respond to the world around us and therefore how the world responds back. Here are a few tips that help me maintain a positive mental attitude:

1. First tip: Focus on what you can control. There's a famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that says, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." This has been key in my life. What do I think and speak about? I don't watch the news, I don't participate in people's drama and I don't get caught in current events. I do not spend endless time scrolling through social media. I focus on what I can control like my attitude, my work habit and the people I choose to serve. Some might think that is crazy, but if doesn't support growth, I don't support it. This helps me keep a clear mind so it doesn't get clouded by the negative of others.
2. Second tip: Be aware of your environment. Have you ever heard the proverb, "birds of a feather, flock together?" There is a lot of validity to this saying. I am very aware of my environment from the people I hang out with, to the events I go to, to the types of movies I watch, to the music I listen to. I am very aware of what I put into my mind.    I deliberately choose to put myself in environments and around people who have similar ideas and values. I also evaluate who I take my advice from. I ask myself: Does this person have success in the area in which they are giving me  advice? I also ask myself: Does this person share similar values to me? This has helped me use discernment in who I actually listen to verses who do I simply hear.
3. Third tip: Choose gratitude. I truly believe that challenge and struggle end, where gratitude begins. I believe that you are not presented with challenges or struggles that you cannot handle. I believe that we all are designed for greatness. I stifled my greatness for a long time because of my self doubts and my self fulfilling prophecies. Find joy in chaos and smile through the growth pains. If I am not stretched, I don't grow. I believe faith and gratitude must coexist. You cannot have one without the other.

I hope you found these tips helpful. The mind is a powerful tool. We choose what we put into our mind on a regular basis. Your input will always determine your output. Choose wisely!

Love,
Brandon & Amanda