The Power of a Positive Mindset
There’s a common belief passed through schools, companies, parents and society.
It’s likely been a driving force in your own life.
“If you work hard, you’ll be successful…. and then you’ll be happy.”
The problem is, this formula is backwards.
Research in the fields of positive psychology and neuroscience have proven that happiness is actually the precursor to success, and that happiness and optimism actually fuel performance and achievement.
A meta analysis of over 200 studies on 275,000 people worldwide concluded that happiness leads to success in nearly every domain of our lives including work, health, athletics, friendship, sociability, energy and creativity.
It’s true. We achieve greater success when we’re happier and more positive.
Doctors put in a positive mood before making a diagnosis show 3 times more intelligence and creativity than doctors in a neutral state, and make accurate diagnoses 19% faster.
Optimistic salespeople outsell their pessimistic counterparts by 56%.
Students primed to feel happy before taking tests far surpass their peers.
Our brains are hardwired to perform at their best -not when they are negative or neutral- but when they are positive (Shawn Anchor, The Happiness Advantage).
Positivity doesn’t refer to simply smiling and looking cheerful—positivity is more about one’s overall perspective on life and tendency to focus on all that is good.
What is a Positive Mindset?
Experts continue to find evidence that our thoughts — positive and negative — have both physiological and physical effects on our overall being.
When your mind is focused on problems, more problems ensue:
Anxiety
Lower confidence
Loss of focus
Uncharacteristic mistakes
Intense negative emotions
A positive mindset focuses on solutions, and broadens opportunity and hope. It’s anticipating happiness and success instead of expecting the worst. Research shows individuals who nurture a positive mindset experience improved:
creativity
mental focus
problem-solving
physical health
endurance and stamina
stress management
pain tolerance
resistance to illnesses
psychological resilience
A positive mindset does not mean avoiding or ignoring the bad. Instead, it is making the most of challenging circumstances, choosing to see the best in others, and viewing oneself and abilities in a beneficial light.
“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.”
Helen Keller
How to Create a Positive Mindset
Neuroscience has made amazing discoveries in neuroplasticity and the ability to change the way our brain works. The good news is we are very capable of retraining our brains, and developing a strong positive mindset (even if you’re not an optimist!). How awesome is that?! Just like conditioning our bodies to get into strong physical shape, we can train our brains to get into healthy positive shape by being self-disciplined and practicing positive mindset practices regularly.
6 Characteristics of a Positive Mindset
The following traits are strongly tied to a positive mindset and overall success. Actively fortifying these in your day to day life will help you develop and maintain a success-magnifying positive mindset:
Optimism
“Heart of Hope.” A willingness to make an effort and take a chance instead of assuming your efforts won’t pay off.
Acceptance
“Bless & Release.” Acknowledging things don’t always go as you want, but learning from such circumstances.
Gratitude
“Attitude of Gratitude.” Actively, continuously appreciating the good in life.
Integrity
“Aligned with Upright Values.” The trait of being honorable, righteous, and straightforward, instead of deceitful and self-serving.
Consciousness/Mindfulness
“Be Here, Now.” Dedicating the mind to conscious awareness and enhancing the ability to focus.
Resilience
“Get Back on Your Horse.” Bouncing back from adversity, disappointment, and failure instead of giving up.
Here are some awesome exercises to help develop a more positive mindset, if you’re interested!
“Its about the journey, not the destination” may sound cliché, but science is proving it! Cultivate a positive mindset in your day to day living (at home, by yourself, at work, with your family) and you will be creating a catalyst for success in all areas of your life!
The power lies within you.
As a Life Coach, I help smart individuals who feel stuck get clear, and make breakthroughs in their habits, health and relationships and be successfully fulfilled in life.
If you’re interested in personal coaching for yourself, click here and we can book a free clarity call where you will get clear on exactly what it is you desire, barriers that may be currently in your way, and the next steps to get you where you want to be.