ARTICLE
Starting 2021 with a positive mindset
I think we can all agree that 2020 caught us off guard, and you may be exhausted from having negative feelings. 2021 has just begun and a new year can be a perfect time to throw away all our negative thoughts and feelings and enter it with positivity.
January 07, 2021
A Positive Attitude
The first place to start is with your attitude and being able to control yourself and how you decide to approach certain things in life. If we keep a positive attitude it will help you tackle mundane or difficult tasks creatively, which could make them easier to accomplish. Additionally, having a positive attitude can also inspire those around you to accomplish their dreams or goals.
Positive Communication
Communicating with our colleagues and students with a positive outlook will keep you from going down a vicious cycle of disruptive and un-effective behaviour. You can even use positive communication when you’re talking to yourself, you might feel a bit silly but think about what you’re saying – don’t be uncomfortable telling yourself how well you’ve done or giving yourself a pat on the back. Being positive about yourself will help improve your mood and confidence as well as reduce the stress of depression or anxiety. Remember only you can hear what you’re saying anyway!
Set your focus
You will always come across challenges no matter how great or small but be sure to focus on all the good things! 2020 no doubt brought on some challenges that may have caught you off guard - for example, when your college closed did you think of the benefits that came along with this? Being able to have a coffee from your favourite mug in the morning, or not having to stand at the bus stop in the cold are just some of the silver linings you could think about.
Positive People
Surrounding yourself with positive people will in turn make you more positive! Keeping negative company can increase stress in your life so being around positive people can help you focus and manage uncomfortable situations. Keeping positive friends can lift you up and give you support and advice which you can then utilise to help your less positive friends and family.
Remember, do small positive changes frequently, but don’t expect it to be an overnight success. You will need to practice and eventually you’ll become the optimist you want to be!
“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence; the past is a place of learning, not a place of living.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
