3 Steps to Cultivate a New Mindset and Achieve New Results
Challenge the Negative. When it comes to cultivating a
new mindset and achieving new results, the first step is challenging negative thoughts and words with positive ones. More often than not, negative feelings stem from remembering something from the past or imagining a bad situation instead of the reality of positive possibilities.
Negative thinking is a bad habit that can quickly spiral into a downward cycle of irrational thoughts. The good news is that you can reverse the pattern of negative thinking with practice. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to see and experience the positive!
Action to achieve new results: Each time a negative thought crosses your mind (or lips), challenge it with something positive. Take it up a notch with journaling! Writing down positive affirmations can be more effective for uplifting your mind and mood.
2. Get Personal With Your Inner Critic. Yup, I am referring to that voice in your head that won't stop putting you down and pointing out all your mistakes or mishaps. It's time to make it personal. Begin by noting the situations your inner critic likes to make an appearance. Identify the patterns of what conditions might trigger this inner critic to use its voice. As you become more aware of when and why your inner critic likes to show up, you can empower yourself on how to keep it quiet.
Action to achieve new results: Retract the invitation. Next time you prepare for an event or situation where your inner critic has historically made an appearance, let them know they're not invited. As silly as this might sound, there is a lot of power in you taking control of the situation and letting this inner critic know their opinions are not welcomed. And each time they attempt to interject with their unwanted thoughts and comments, remind them they are not invited, and therefore, you're not listening to their negative notions.
3. Practice Praising Yourself and Others. While it's essential to identify and replace the negative, it's even more meaningful to practice praising yourself and others! The more you practice noticing the positive, the more natural it becomes to see the good, in yourself, in others, and the world around you. Challenge yourself to cultivate the habit of seeing the positive in all things.
Learn the art of praise. For many people, it can feel uncomfortable to praise and acknowledge achievements or deeds, especially when it comes to oneself. But what if you thought of praise as simply the act of admiration and approval for something or someone? Can you admire and approve of all you have achieved and accomplished? Can you respect and support the work of someone else?
Action to achieve new results:
Journal what you've done in your life that you approve of while reflecting on things about yourself that you admire.
Think about other people in your personal and professional life and tell them why you admire them.
Note the times you've shown up for yourself and for others that are worth celebrating!
The more you praise good work in yourself and others, the more good you'll experience.
And the key here is to keep practicing! Practice challenging the negative. Practice getting personal with your inner critic. Practice praising yourself and others.1.