Have you ever heard the saying You can't afford the luxury of a negative thought? I used to hate that saying, thinking that it was setting me up for failure in my efforts to manifest the life of my dreams. After all, who can avoid having a not-so-positive notion sneak in every once in a while?
Over the years, I've realized the truth of the saying. It's not about never allowing your mind to stray to the dark side. After all, we all occasionally have moments of anxiety or frustration where a negative thought makes its way in. The secret is in shutting it down and shooing it away, replacing it with a positive idea or intention.
You are what you think
I probably read The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale for the first time when I was 13 or 14 years old. I checked it out over and over from my church library and it really changed the way I approached the world.
I had grown up in a household where negative thoughts ran rampant, courtesy of my long-suffering mother. Thoughts like:
You just can't win for losing.
When it rains it pours.
It's ALWAYS something.
If it's not one thing it's another.
Whatever can go wrong will.
And her favorite
We're on our way to the poorhouse.
That early conditioning left me scared and feeling like I lacked agency. Positive thinking, on the other hand, helped me to reset my mindset and continues to help me pull out of a slump.
Now, unlike those who subscribe to The Secret and its ilk, I don't find positive thinking and daily affirmations are cure-alls or magic wands for suddenly changing my circumstances, but they do provide perspective, inspiration and, most importantly, hope, even when times are tough.
If you've ever gotten into a negative spiral, you understand the truth that You can't afford the luxury of a negative thought. Negative thoughts feed each other, feed your anxiety, and keep you in that sad, scared, hopeless place. Replacing them with positive thoughts and practices creates the space for things to get better.
100 ways to reset your mindset
There's a lot of anxiety in the industry right now. You can't control NAR, the DOJ, industry watchdogs, colleagues or consumers. The only thing you can do is get your mind right, open yourself up to new possibilities, and practice time-tested strategies and techniques that can and will make you feel better and more in control of yourself and your attitude.
You don't have to do this whole list. If you did, you wouldn't have time for anything else. Choose just one thing to pull you out of your routine and elevate your vibe. I guarantee you'll feel better, and I hope you'll come back and keep adding to your positive mindset routine in the days ahead.
1. Practice Gratitude Daily: Reflect on things you’re thankful for.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve.
3. Meditate Regularly: Calm your mind and reduce stress.
4. Visualize Success: Imagine achieving your goals.
5. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Choose uplifting people and environments.
6. Read Inspirational Books: Fill your mind with positive stories and ideas.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment.
8. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace them with positive affirmations.
9. Exercise Regularly: Boost your mood and energy levels.
10. Learn from Failures: View setbacks as opportunities to grow.
11. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself.
12. Stay Curious: Always be open to learning new things.
13. Develop a Growth Mindset: Believe in your ability to improve through effort.
14. Limit Negative Media Consumption: Focus on uplifting content.
15. Engage in Creative Activities: Stimulate your mind and express yourself.
16. Build Healthy Habits: Consistency builds confidence.
17. Spend Time in Nature: Recharge and gain perspective.
18. Seek Feedback: Use it as a tool for improvement.
19. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Encourage yourself daily.
20. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Train your mind to be solution-oriented.
21. Get Adequate Sleep: Rest is essential for a healthy mindset.
22. Stay Organized: A clear space leads to a clear mind.
23. Cultivate Patience: Understand that change takes time.
24. Practice Deep Breathing: Reduce stress and stay calm.
25. Surround Yourself with Motivational Quotes: Keep inspiration close.
26. Stay Hydrated: A well-hydrated body supports a clear mind.
27. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and reward your progress.
28. Avoid Comparisons: Focus on your journey, not others'.
29. Practice Empathy: Understand others' perspectives.
30. Keep a Journal: Reflect on your thoughts and experiences.
31. Limit Social Media Use: Avoid the comparison trap.
32. Focus on What You Can Control: Let go of what you can’t.
33. Practice Forgiveness: Release grudges to free your mind.
34. Embrace Change: See it as an opportunity for growth.
35. Invest in Personal Development: Continuously seek improvement.
36. Practice Acts of Kindness: Boost your mood and others’.
37. Find a Mentor: Learn from someone you admire.
38. Take Breaks: Avoid burnout by resting regularly.
39. Listen to Uplifting Music: Enhance your mood instantly.
40. Practice Minimalism: Declutter your life for mental clarity.
41. Spend Time with Loved Ones: Strengthen positive relationships.
42. Try New Things: Keep life exciting and stimulating.
43. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Enjoy the journey.
44. Develop a Morning Routine: Start your day with purpose.
45. Practice Self-Discipline: Build resilience and self-control.
46. Be Open to Criticism: Use it as a tool for growth.
47. Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Avoid mood swings from energy crashes.
48. Practice Active Listening: Truly understand others’ points of view.
49. Set Boundaries: Protect your mental and emotional well-being.
50. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals: Share goals and aspirations.
51. Engage in Regular Self-Reflection: Understand your thoughts and behaviors.
52. Take Responsibility: Own your actions and their outcomes.
53. Seek Positivity in Challenges: Find the silver lining.
54. Practice Consistent Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal.
55. Focus on Your Strengths: Build confidence by recognizing your talents.
56. Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals and dreams.
57. Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed: Balance information intake.
58. Practice Yoga: Combine physical and mental well-being.
59. Limit Time with Negative People: Protect your mindset.
60. Stay Humble: Always be willing to learn and grow.
61. Practice Mindful Eating: Nourish your body with intention.
62. Take on Challenges: Step out of your comfort zone.
63. Surround Yourself with Nature: It’s proven to boost mental health.
64. Engage in Community Service: Gain perspective by helping others.
65. Stay True to Your Values: Live a life aligned with your beliefs.
66. Keep Learning: Constantly expand your knowledge.
67. Practice Daily Affirmations: Reinforce positive beliefs.
68. Engage in Physical Activity: It’s essential for mental clarity.
69. Foster a Support Network: Build connections with supportive people.
70. Practice Gratitude for Challenges: They make you stronger.
71. Focus on Solutions: Shift your mindset to problem-solving.
72. Maintain a Positive Work-Life Balance: Prioritize your well-being.
73. Stay Grounded in Reality: Focus on what’s within your reach.
74. Practice Self-Awareness: Understand your emotions and triggers.
75. Read Personal Development Books: Continuously improve yourself.
76. Be Adaptable: Flexibility in thought leads to a healthier mindset.
77. Practice Mindful Technology Use: Use devices intentionally.
78. Develop a Positive Inner Circle: Surround yourself with positivity.
79. Stay Persistent: Keep going, even when it’s tough.
80. Practice Visualization: See your goals as already achieved.
81. Limit Negative Self-Talk: Replace it with constructive thoughts.
82. Practice Humility: Stay open to new ideas and perspectives.
83. Engage in Regular Self-Care: Prioritize your mental and physical health.
84. Build Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions.
85. Stay Optimistic: Focus on the positive possibilities.
86. Avoid Procrastination: Take action and get things done.
87. Practice Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks stronger.
88. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Keep your mind sharp and open.
89. Cultivate a Sense of Humor: Laughter is good for the soul.
90. Create and Stick to a Schedule: Organize your time effectively.
91. Find a Creative Outlet: Express yourself and relieve stress.
92. Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs: Break through mental barriers.
93. Focus on Abundance, Not Scarcity: There’s plenty for everyone.
94. Practice Patience: Understand that growth takes time.
95. Take Time for Yourself: Recharge and reset your mind.
96. Practice Financial Discipline: Reduce stress by managing money wisely.
97. Engage in Positive Media Consumption: Uplift your mind with good content.
98. Reflect on Past Successes: Use them as motivation for the future.
99. Develop a Consistent Routine: Stability fosters a healthy mindset.
100. Stay Committed to Personal Growth: Never stop improving yourself.