How to be Your Best for the Holidays and Beyond
At the beginning of one of my favorite podcasts you can hear Coach Nick Saban say, “Get your mind right.” As I am sure Nick would tell you, he is exactly right! A positive mindset is key to unlocking your greatest potential and being your best through the Holidays and into next year! A positive mindset prevents limiting believes from clouding your ability to be your best. The great thing about a positive mindset is: anyone can develop one! Here is how:
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Shawn Achor in his book, “The Happiness Advantage” list 3 different scientifically proven ways you can use to develop a positive mindset.
- At the end of each day write down 3 different things you are grateful for about that day. The next day write down three new things, and keep the cycle going for at least 21 days. Once you complete the 21 days you will have written 63 different things you are grateful for. Soon you will develop the habit of gratitude which leads to a positive mindset.
- Start your workday by sending a two or three sentence positive e-mail to a friend, family member, or a co-worker. The next day do it again for someone different. Repeat this for different people for 21 days and see how developing the habit of encouragement and believing in others changes you and the world around you.
- Take a picture of something different each day that inspires you for 21 days. This will allow you to see the inspiration that is always around you changing your mindset about what you see and experience each day.
Once you do one of these for 21 days you will start to notice your mindset is shifting towards being more positive. I would encourage you to go beyond the 21 days, but 21 days is a great start. When you focusing on gratitude (3 different things), encouragement (e-mails), or inspiration (pictures) you begin to see the world around you in a more positive light and that changes you and those who are around you each day.
On September 24, I had the privilege of sharing about these habits at the Southern Collegiate Leadership Conference to almost 100 college students from around the Southeast. One of those students, Faith Williams, posted in her blog about what she gained from these habits. Here is a small excerpt from her blog post:
About a month ago, a particular speaker at an event I attended, Bryan Bulmer, spoke on this. Particularly, he encouraged us to read, listen, or write something positive as soon as we wake up in the morning. I started to begin my days with telling at least one person how thankful I was for them. Whether a text, email, or (my personal favorite) a hand-written letter, a detailed description of what that person means to you goes a long way… for them and for you.
I encourage you to do the same. I have seen the effect it has had in my attitudes and relationships. Whether it be starting a gratitude journal or just letting those around you know how much they mean to you, it is so important to be thankful on a daily basis.
Which proven method will you start today?
Helpful Resources:
Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles That Fuel Success and Performance at Work
Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change