Positive Mindset

We all probably already have an idea of what a positive mindset is – but it’s always easy to start with a definition.

A popular author, Remez Sasson once defined positive mindset at “a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expect positive results.”

I’d call this a good description that helps us understand that being positive doesn’t always refer to smiling and being cheerful – but it is more about our overall perspective on life and the ability to focus on all that is good in life.

It might be fair to say that having a positive mindset means that making positive thinking a habit, continually searching for the positives to make the best out of any situation in our lives.

Characteristics of a Positive Mindset:

So, how does a positive mindset look like? Some of the many characteristics associated with positive mindset include:

· Optimism – this is our willingness to try and take a chance instead of assuming our efforts won’t pay off.

· Acceptance – acknowledging that things may not always turn out how we want them, but we learn from our mistakes and accept reality.

· Resilience – this is our ability to bounce back from adversity, disappointment, and failure rather than giving up on ourselves or giving up on the situation.

· Gratitude – this is about how we can actively, continuously appreciate the good things we have in our lives.

· Consciousness/ Mindfulness – how do we dedicate the mind to conscious awareness and enhance our ability to focus.

· Integrity – this is the essential quality of us being honorable, moral, ethical, and straightforward, rather than being deceitful and self-centered.

It is interesting to note here that not only these characteristics are of a positive mindset, but they may also work in the opposite direction – such that actively adopting these characteristics in life can help an individual develop and maintain a positive mindset.

Now, we may start to wonder why a positive mindset is considered significant to success? Or why having a positive mindset is so important, so impactful, or life changing?

Well, research says that the characteristics we listed above are linked to having a better quality of life and can shift an individual from describing their life from being “okay” to the “good” mode.

When we start to develop a positive mindset, we can benefit from the function of the thoughts we cultivate. Hang on - we are not claiming that thinking happy thoughts will bring success by itself and we certainly don’t believe that optimism is reasonable in every situation in life. Because developing right thoughts is not about being constantly happy or cheerful, it is not about ignoring the negative or the unpleasant in life – but it is about combining both positives and negatives into perspective and choosing to stay optimistic overall. It is about accepting that you will not always be happy and you are acknowledging that you will also not always be sad – it is learning to accept your bad moods and difficult emotions when they arise.

Most importantly, it is about increasing your control over your own attitude - you may not be able to control your mood and control your thoughts all the time, but you can choose how you handle them.

When you choose negativity, and pessimism you are not just submitting to loss of control, but you are also missing out on the opportunity for growth and development. Because, when you allow negative thinking, and negative emotions to take over – you are also allowing them to sharpen your focus on dangers, threats, and vulnerabilities.

Now, let’s discuss what could be some outcomes of a having a positive attitude?

Aside from improving your skills and personal resources, research shows that having a positive mindset can benefit overall health, better ability to cope with stress, and greater well-being. Positive mindset can increase lifespan, improve psychological distress, build coping skills, and is also linked to improving cardiovascular health.

And, finally, how to have and keep a positive mindset in life and at work?

You can do a quick google search and you will see that there are tons of suggestions and resources out there! I’ve put together some practical tips that can help you get more positive:

· Start your day with positive affirmations.

· Focus on the good things, no matter how small they are.

· Find something silly or humorous in a bad situation.

· Turn your mistakes/ failures into lessons – and learn from them.

· Shift from negative self-talk to positive self-talk.

· Focus on your present instead of ruminating in your past or losing control of the future.

· Most importantly, find positive friends, co-workers, peers, mentors, coaches who support and encourage you.

Always remember:

· It is always your response that determines the outcome of any situation.

· Positive affirmations or phrases can chase off negative thoughts.

· Read inspirational quotes or messages to boost your positivity.

· Stay happy by being grateful and assume people around you have the best of intentions.

· Continue to challenge yourself to maintain a positive attitude when something goes wrong – show the world how resilient and positive you are!

Please feel free to comment on any other activities that you find are useful for children or adults to help build a positive mindset.

*Please contact this posts author for research references, if needed.