how to start 2021 off right
Thinking positively: How to banish negative mindsets
Well, we made it - we made it through what seemed like a never-ending year and are on the cusp of 2021.
While we’re under no illusion that when the clock strikes midnight on December 31, we’ll be rid of all the problems of 2020.
Along with all the bad stuff that 2020 brought, it also opened our eyes to many important things: rampant, systematic racism to the many, many humanitarian crises happening around the world. From continuing to combat climate change to holding those elected to office accountable, there’s a lot that we as a society have to work on.
Life isn’t perfect. It will always be a balance of both good and bad. But while there will always be negative things in the world that we can’t control, what we can control is our mindsets.
Keep reading for our tips on how to start the new year off on a positive note!
First of all, what are negative mindsets?
Negative mindsets can:
- Damage your health
- Increase anxiety & depression
- Impact relationships
- Alter your mood
Thinking negatively isn’t simply thinking about all the bad things out there in the world. Specifically, there are three common types of negative mindsets:
- Overthinking is the process of going over every single choice and every single outcome you can think of.
Combat overthinking by recognizing when you are in a spiral and breaking the cycle. Keep in mind that going over it in your head won’t change the situation and your efforts are best directed to something that you can control. There’s a saying that worrying is putting yourself through a bad situation twice.
- Judging happens because of our past experiences, education, our beliefs, and culture. These are our biases.
We’ve all judged someone or something, and have even been judged before. It’s an unconscious action based on our biases. But it’s about understanding your biases and getting to the root of why you feel a certain way and ultimately unlearning them.
- Mental filtering is a thought process where you fixate on the negative things, hindering your ability to look at a situation holistically, which ultimately results in a negative outlook on life. This cognitive act may increase depression and anxiety, as well as take a toll on your mental health.
A tip for overcoming it is to write down all the positive things that happened, from the big rocks to the small pebbles. Try to do this consistently. Even if the same positive thing happened every day, try writing it differently. This will help train your brain to think more positively.
We might never be free from negativity, but we have the power to control our mindsets and think positively in 2021.
Tips for starting 2021 off right
In addition to actively combatting those three negative mindsets, there are also some easy ways that you can ensure you start 2021 off on a positive note.
Adopt a ritual
Your morning ritual can include anything from journaling to mediating to doing yoga. And your nighttime routine can be taking a bath, prepping for the next day, or putting on a face mask. Whatever it is, make sure you carve out some time consistently. It will help bring a bit of structure and happiness to your day.
Elevate your space
The way your space looks has a major impact on the way you feel. Small but impactful upgrades, like buying fresh flowers, making your bed, turning on your diffuser can go a long way in boosting your mindset and mood.
Treat yourself
It’s important to celebrate wins no matter how small. Treat yourself when you nailed a big presentation or even when you make it to the weekend, no celebration is too small and it feels nice to work towards something. And that’s not to say you have to go out and spend a lot of money every time you celebrate, it’s more about the intention behind it. Maybe it’s letting yourself binge a season of a show you’re watching if you get some work done. As long as it’s something that excites you, a reward is a reward.
Recognize your self-worth
Look at the areas in your life that are making you question your self-worth - maybe it’s time to cut those things or people out of your life. If imposter syndrome is getting in the way of you recognizing what a badass you are, read this article.
All the best. Muff love.
