I was running a meeting with a group of women executives the other day, and we began talking about how much negativity there is in the world. We framed the conversation around how much happens around us that we can't control.
This led to a rich discussion about the importance of mindset and how your self-talk profoundly impacts what you think and how you feel as you move through your day.
Mindset is how you think about things, and you can train yourself to adopt a healthier, more constructive mindset that allows you to feel good and also positions you for success.
Our conversation had many highlights, and a few gems of wisdom stayed with me:
One of the women had recently listened to the Mel Robbins podcast, and one of her favorite nuggets was, "Look for a heart in the person you're talking to, and your brain will find the good."
Another chimed in, "What emanates out of you begins inside of you, with the way you talk to yourself."
And a third shared, "Digging in when it's hard is what sets the best people apart."
Listening to the wisdom of this group left me energized, and also reminded me of some of my own realizations and learnings about mindset:
1. The people who have influenced me the most profoundly in my life haven't imparted knowledge as much as they've shared with me a new way to think about something.
They have changed the way I think, and helped me develop as a person because of it.
2. So many of the leadership programs I have looked at recently start with leaders being intentional about harnessing a positive mindset.
There will always be challenges and problems all around us, but when we stay focused on what we CAN do, and move forward with HOPE, we can create change.
3. Positive self talk takes you much further than negative self talk.
There is a cultural belief that you have to be hard on yourself to get the best results out of yourself.
It's the idea that toughness leads to discipline.
But really, strong performance starts with a strong mind. And a strong mind has many ingredients, including hard work for sure, but also, self-compassion, self-awareness, and a desire to grow and reach new heights.
Talking to yourself in a kind way decreases anxiety and depression, and increases your ability to cope with stress and stay regulated and balanced despite all that comes at you each day.
Kindness is a sign of mental strength. And bonus: Self-kindness leads to other-kindness.
4. And one of my personal faves: optimists live longer than pessimists.
Interestingly, pessimists are more accurate in their perceptions of events, but the positivity that optimists feel greatly benefits their health and leads them to love longer, more joyful lives.
We all fall into ways of thinking that become repetitive for us, and affect our behavior. Some of these are positive, and some are negative.
It is within your control to change your mindset, and how you talk to yourself, which then positively shapes your behavior, your choices, and your life.
