Four Tips to Help You Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Never read the reviews. I’d been told this, but did I listen? No, I did not. Yesterday I saw a two-star review of my book on NetGalley. I read it and immediately regretted reading it. For the rest of the day I moped. I pouted. And finally in the evening I called my best friend and let her remind me of all the wonderful parts of this writing journey.

On the path to any dream there are going to be rewarding parts and discouraging parts.  Developing a positive mindset can help you have more of the former, and cope better with the latter. 

Here are four tips to cultivate a positive mindset:

Practice gratitude daily. Before I write each morning I write down ten things I’m grateful for. Some days I have to get creative. “I’m grateful the vomit only got on the floor and not the couch.” But most days my list fills up quickly. Consistently writing these things down has primed my brain to look for positive things throughout the day. Expressing gratitude each day, whether it’s in prayer, a dinner conversation, or your private journal, changes the way you feel about your life. 

Surround yourself with supportive people. During my writing journey my husband grew skilled at turning rejections into positives. “So glad this literary agent doesn’t want to rep you, now you’ll be available when that other amazing agent reads your stuff and wants to sign you.”  Find people that will encourage and support you. (And if you’re low on supportive people at the moment, hit reply. I’ve got a pep talk ready for you.)

Replace negative self-talk with empowering language. Deepak Chopra said “Every cell in your body is eavesdropping on your thoughts.”  Fill your thoughts with excitement and hope. Talk to yourself the way you talk to the people you love. Instead of “I’m never going to get this,” remind yourself “It takes time. I’m making progress. There is a package of cookies under the bed.”

Take care of yourself. The second my husband or children hear me utter the words “I’m hungry” they race to find something edible to offer me. They know hunger transforms me from a positive person to a monster. Eating well and sleeping well make it so much easier to maintain a positive mindset. 

You can’t control the reviews people write. You can’t control the obstacles that appear in your path. Fortunately, maintaining a positive mindset is 100% within your control.