7 Mindset Shifts That Help Me Through Hard Times — A Psychologist & Fellow Human
As a human, a being with complex cortical structure and multivariate emotional, mental, and physiological aspects, it is inevitable we might go through something that may present as a potential threat to our physiological and mental equilibrium. In simple words, we are meant to go through hard times in our life, we are meant to go through multiple failures and we are meant to experience the whole spectrum of emotions possible, be it negative or positive.
In times like these, when it feels like the world is against us, or we feel like a failure, or our internal dialogues are nothing short of a horror movie, it is extremely easy to fall prey to negative self-talk, acquire unhealthy behavioral patterns and take ourselves on a dangerous ride. Here are 7 mindset shifts that help me get through these times, and look at them with a fresh perspective. Any type of mindset shift requires a certain amount of effort on your part and like it’s said- “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”.
- The universe is in my favour
This is something that makes you let go of unhealthy thought patterns. A person who knows how to differentiate the things that are in his/her control and which aren’t, practices not only healthy thought patterns but a healthy attitude. It is important to know that what isn’t in your control, it’s in the universe’s, and the universe isn’t out there to do you harm, it is working in your favor. Embody this belief and let it sink, only then will you be able to see the hand of a higher power at work.
2. Energy should not be static
There should always be a to and fro happening in terms of energy. Invest in yourself and do something valuable, build something that provides value. Give out value into the universe and it will give back 10x. Let go of the ‘hoarding mindset’, only when you make space for newer things will they arrive. This is something that can also help you when you feel stuck in life.
3. If things go as you wish, it’s good. If they don’t, it’s even better
It’s a very famous hindi proverb, which translates to “मन का हो तो अच्छा, ना हो तो और अच्छा”. If things happen according to our desires and wants, it’s good, and if they don’t, it’s even better, because something much much greater and of value is on the way. You’ll be able to recognize multiple examples from your life when something didn’t go as per your plans and it turned out to be a good lesson or something much better happened.
4. Learning curve happens in situations that aren’t in your favor
You’ll see, major learning happens not when your learning status is ascending and things are balanced and smooth, but when you face a major challenge. You’ll be pushed to do better, you’ll be challenged and you’ll be left to guide yourself and take accountability for your growth. Threatening situations bring out the highest potential of you as a human.
5. Embody the confidence, completely.
Remind yourself daily, of your achievements, of your overcome struggles and of your strengths. Embody that confidence wholly, in terms of your beliefs, mindset, emotions, body language and your actions. Let your whole body fall in sync with that one mental state- confidence.
6. Dare to know yourself
It is not for the weak-hearted. Explore who you are, your value system, your beliefs, your weaknesses, and your vulnerability. It takes a whole lot amount of time and effort to step up for yourself and understand who you are as a person. When you know who you are, confidence is automatic, it is fun and it is adventurous, so begin with your journey, with yourself.
7. Genius is in knowing when to seek help
Yes, there are going to be times, when you feel stuck and clueless. It is then therapy comes into the picture, people still picture it as a sign of weakness to get help, but on the contrary, I see that as a sign of their strength and intelligence. You know when you need help with something and you take a move on that investment, or on that asset, you know you have, you start working on yourself and your goal, how can anyone see that as a sign of weakness? Think and evaluate people!
These are certain mindset shifts I have worked on that are helping me every single day and more when things get hard. Hope you find these valuable too.
