How to Adopt a Winning Mindset in Times of Uncertainty
As we’ve all experienced, these past two years were characterized by hardship, set-backs, and isolation. But, now that things have returned to normal, they don’t feel like normal, especially when dreams have been shattered, and businesses permanently closed.
Having to re-define and re-structure life after COVID is a step by step, day by day process, one that most definitely takes time. And even now, as much as we’d like to believe differently, an uncertain future hangs over us like a dark cloud.
You’re probably wondering how you can adopt a winning mindset, accomplish your goals, and live your dream life when the future seems so uncertain and bleak.
As hard as it is to do some days, it is quite possible — and essential to our mental health and overall well being — to adopt a winning mindset.
1. Pray or Meditate
When you receive life-altering news, or life deals you a few blows, and you wonder how you can keep on coping, take a deep breath.
It’s easy to react when hardship strikes un-expectantly, but that’s the worst thing we can do. Instead, take time for prayer or any form of meditation. It will help calm those desperate, negative emotions that are flooding your mind, and give you greater mental clarity.
2. Journal
Another great way to eliminate stress and calm anxiety is to write in your journal. Journaling also helps channel your thoughts onto paper. Once you are able to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper, it makes it much easier to set new goals.
Once you start writing, you get those creative juices flowing, and you just never know where they will lead; which new opportunities will present themselves.
3. Set Goals, But Don’t Make Plans
It’s important to have goals; we all need them in order to stay motivated, inspired, and productive. Our goals are what gives us purpose and meaning in life because they are what drives us to keep on working and striving to live out our dream lives.
In the the pursuit of our goals, we end up living for the future (I’m as guilty as charged), and so we plan away our lives. Don’t underestimate the importance of planning, and don’t stop making plans, but do stop planning your life.
John Lennon once said, ‘Life happens when you’re busy making other plans.’ That statement is ever so true today, especially since the advent of COVID. We can make the best-laid plans for our lives, and within a blink of an eye, those plans can fall through. Then what?
Nothing in life is for certain, so it’s much better to set goals for yourself, but keep yourself grounded in the present. There is no better time like the present, and oftentimes, opportunities present themselves when we’re not looking and trying too hard to find them.
4. Eliminate Negative Self-Talk
This can be easier said than done, especially if you’ve recently come out of a bad relationship. But, when you turn the “I can’t” into “I can”; “I’m not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough,” into “I’m good, I’m pretty, I’m smart, and I’m strong,” you set yourself free from those heavy chains that are holding you down.
Freedom is every man and woman’s desire. Freedom also means being free from depression and anxiety, the two biggest things that hold us back from living our best lives.
Only when we eliminate negative self-talk, can we move forward and more energetically in the pursuit of our goals.
5. Think Successful, Act Successful
You may be unemployed, cash poor, or in debt. Regardless of your current situation, do know that there is a way out of it and that you can live your dream life. It all depends on your mindset.
When you wake up every morning, tell yourself, “I’m successful. Life is good. I may not be where I want to be, but I’m getting there, and good things are in store for me.”
The more you tell yourself this, the more motivated you will be to put in the work necessary in order to become successful. And the more successful you will become.
A Takeaway
A winning mindset is not easy to adopt and it is a process in itself, especially in the face of hardship and uncertainty. But, it’s absolutely necessary in order to persevere and thrive.
Thanks for reading. Want to get in your Flow State? Continue journaling by downloading the Minute Journal app — the smart journal that integrates into your workflow so you can stay energized and accomplish your tasks.