Thought #2 - What Does a Positive Mindset Mean to Me?

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges; it’s about facing them with a mindset that says, “I can work through this.”

To me, it’s a choice to see possibilities over obstacles, a way to reframe the struggles and bring out our inner resilience. This season, I’m reflecting on how I can approach each day with a bit more positivity and perspective.

Positivity isn’t just about “being happy.” It’s about gaining perspective. It’s easy to hear terms like “positive thinking” or “optimism” and find them vague or even cliché. So, I’m grounding my mindset shift with a few tangible practices that work for me—not simply by focusing on “good vibes,” but by actively reshaping my reactions and responses.

Here’s what I’m working on:

1. Transforming Negative Self-Talk into Positive Self-TalkNegative self-talk sneaks in so quickly, often unnoticed. You might catch yourself thinking, “I’m terrible at this” or “I shouldn’t have tried.” These words can become internalized beliefs, holding you back. When I catch myself thinking this way, I pause and consciously reframe it: “I’m terrible at this” becomes “With practice, I’ll get better.” “I shouldn’t have tried” turns into “I learned from this, and I’ll try differently next time.” Each small shift reshapes my self-view, slowly building resilience and self-compassion.

2. Staying in the Present MomentThis is one I come back to constantly: focusing not on today or even this hour, but this exact moment. I ask myself, “What, in this moment, is so bad?” Often, our stress is anchored in past regrets or future worries that amplify our reactions. By focusing on the here and now, I find I can tackle situations with a clearer mind. It’s easier said than done, but with practice, staying present can ease so much of the mental burden.

3. Surrounding Myself with Positive PeoplePositivity is contagious. When I surround myself with people who have an optimistic outlook, their words and energy naturally influence my own. Finding mentors, friends, and coworkers who uplift rather than drain is essential. And when I can contribute positively, it’s a two-way street of mutual encouragement. Creating a support system like this isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial to cultivating a lasting positive mindset.

These are practices I’m working on every day. They require patience, especially since it’s so easy to default to a negative mindset. But the more we practice, the more natural they become, leading to compounding benefits. Positive thinking, when applied consistently, brings real change—not only in how we feel, but in how we show up in the world.

Every step forward, however small, is progress. So here’s to positivity and to making those small, powerful shifts every day