Mindset – How you can change your mindset in 5 steps

A negative mindset often hinders people’s ability to develop personally and achieve the goals they want. However, our way of thinking largely determines our ” level of happiness “.

By a “mindset” we mean the beliefs of ourselves and our most basic qualities. These include, for example, our intelligence, our talents, our body awareness and much more. Our way of thinking determines how we deal with challenges and defeats in life. Accordingly, it is bad if we maintain a negative mindset.

On the whole, we differentiate between fixed and growth-oriented thinking. With a fixed mindset, people believe that their most basic characteristics are fixed from birth. The growth-oriented mindset makes people believe that through determination and learning they can change and develop even their most basic properties.

The passion to stretch and hold on to it – even if it doesn’t go so well – is the hallmark of the growth mentality. That is the way of thinking that enables people to thrive even in the most difficult times of their lives. (Carol Dweck)

Research has shown that 80 percent of our nearly 60,000 thoughts a day are negative. In addition, it has been found that an estimated 98 percent of this negative thinking involves a cyclical return of yesterday’s thoughts, so we often expect the worst at an unconscious level. This recurring mindset turns into a belief over time.

And that belief turns into a basic and negative way of thinking. Fortunately, we can use parts of our brain to change other parts. We can shift from a fixed mindset into a growth mindset!

How you can dramatically change your mindset in 5 steps

First step – a confusion of thoughts

A very powerful and proven technique to escape the constant flow of thoughts is to look at them with a neutral – rational mind. In general, it is easy to spot negative thought patterns because they are accompanied by at least one emotion.

Recognizing these emotions – mostly fear – gives us the ability to name the things we think about as they are. Incidentally, this applies to all emotional patterns.

As soon as you bother to examine your negative thoughts and feelings repeatedly with your neutral and rational mind, they lose their intensity and slowly start to disappear.

Second step – Examine Your Beliefs!

Based on the perspective gained in step 1, you can now begin to review your belief systems. The fixed mindset creates an internal monologue aimed at assessments such as: “I’m a loser”, “I’m better than …”, “I’m not a good wife and mother.”, “My partner is selfish.” etc.

The key is a growth-oriented mindset that enables you to learn and develop positive beliefs.

For example, if you notice that your mindset is hard on yourself, then rephrase it positively. Change the tone in your inner voice!

Example: Incorrect internal communication: “I am a loser – I am doing everything wrong.”

Example: Correct internal communication: “People make mistakes and I am a human being. Nobody does everything right – so I am not the exception. Next time it will go better.”

Learn from your mistakes and you will do a lot better next time. (Growth perspective!)

Third step – balance exaggerated fears!

Being risky in life can open up unpredictable opportunities, but on the other hand, risks in a fixed mindset can generate fear and anchor the belief that change is impossible. These beliefs mean that we cannot experience our lives for fear.

The best way to overcome fears is to set goals and develop detailed plans that give us more clarity on how we can achieve those goals. As soon as we put our goals and plans on paper, we know what we have to do and where we are going. We can make good decisions and avoid negotiating with our fears.

Fourth step – Maintain the daily mindfulness meditation ritual

What is meditation anyway? Basically, it is the mind’s ability to look inside. With meditation, it is possible to look at the thoughts, emotions, beliefs, fears, hopes, of yourself. It can gradually calm the negative inner monologue. Research shows that daily meditation increases the feeling of happiness and contentment. It creates space for growth orientation and can eliminate stress, depression, and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation has been practiced for over 2500 years. It can help us see the big picture and not focus on the effects of now. Mindfulness meditation can delve into every single detail – old fears, ordinary self-loathing, loathing of challenges and the elimination of all this pain. Here you can try mindfulness meditation if you have no experience.

Your mind is powerful. If you give it positive thoughts, your life will change. – Buddha

Fifth step – Shape your mindset with visions and goals

Everyone has hopes and dreams that they want to achieve. However, we often feel powerless. By setting specific goals and detailed plans, you can free yourself from negativity and fears. Break the goals down into small, achievable steps. Allow each of the small milestones in your plan to achieve a sense of achievement and self-esteem.

The best way to sum it all up is to believe that you can break out of a negative mindset. Through mindful meditation, develop an understanding of how your current mindset is negative and fixed. With this insight and understanding, you can set achievable goals for positive growth and use the same mindfulness to measure your success.

Work with these five steps and you will quickly find that your determination and consistent practise having changed your mindset in a way you never thought possible. Remember there is always room for mistakes. There is no growth without failure.

Don’t fall into the trap of negative thinking just because you didn’t achieve what you set out to do in one day. Humans are imperfect beings and it is impossible to reprogram your brain in a day or a week.

Your previous way of thinking will continue for a while – this is completely normal. Most importantly, you have to constantly reprogram yourself. Your mind will change over time. Just give it the time it needs!