5 Mindsets for a Happier Life

This post is about creating healthy mindsets for a happier life.

1. “I get To” Rather Than “I have to” Mindsets

With how hectic life is, it is completely normal to feel more pessimistic than upbeat most days. There are two mindsets that you can approach. One is negative while the other is positive. On my finding happiness journey, this is the number one mindset shift that made me look at life in a more positive light.

Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is one of many of the keys to finding happiness. Next time you are dreading or thinking negatively about something, instead of thinking “I have to do this”, switch it to “I get to do this”. Often, we take life for granted and don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone. Here are a couple of mindset examples:

For example, if you are dreading doing homework, instead of saying, “Ugh I have to do homework”, say to yourself, “I get to do homework”. Many people would love to get an education and go to school but can’t.

Another example would be, “I have to go to work”. Instead, be grateful you have a job. In today’s economy, it is hard to land a job, so find appreciation in the fact you have some income coming in.

2. Choosing Peace over Being Right

Within my 20’s this is the biggest lesson I have learned so far. Your peace of mind is more important than getting a little dig in. Protect your peace. Your mind, heart, and soul deserve to be stress-free from unnecessary problems.

Think about the implications of your actions before committing to it. It may feel good at the moment to snap back or prove your point, but that could lead to bigger negative effects. Sometimes it is ok to let another person rant or be right in order to protect your heart.

People who are more articulate in getting their point across are those who calmly express their emotions. When one is using a derogatory tone or language when trying to get their point across, it only hurts their cause.

3. Burnt Toast Theory

The burnt toast theory suggests that small inconveniences can lead to something positive. As LinkedIn states, “It derives from the idea that if you burn your toast in the morning, it might cause a chain reaction of delays that prevent you from being in the wrong place at the wrong time later in the day.”

Everything happens for a reason whether we like it or not. These negative occurrences can be a blessing in disguise. Although whatever you are going through may suck in the moment, this might lead to something greater for your future.

For example, for years you could be applying to jobs and still not land a job. After seeing all of your colleagues and friends land a job in the field you wanted, it hurts a lot. However, what if all of those rejections led to a new path and purpose? Because you hadn’t been able to land a job in the workforce, you decided to start your own business. And what if that business led to amazing opportunities that you wouldn’t have if you landed in a regular job?

The burnt toast theory mindset is a great one to have in times of hopelessness. There is always something to learn from negative events.

4. Find Something Small to Look Forward to Everyday

In a chaotic and busy world, it’s important to treat yourself at least once a day with something you can look forward to. This simple mindset can help get you through your long days when there is a reward at the end.

Simple enjoyments could be seeing your partner after a long day of work, making your favorite meal, taking a relaxing bath, watching your favorite show, journaling, reading a mindset book, lighting your favorite candle, or any hobby you enjoy. Give yourself something to look forward to every day, whether big or small.

5. Be Your Own Best Friend Mindsets

Out of all the mindsets, being your own best friend is the most important in my opinion. You are with yourself every second of every day of your life. No one else will ever be attached to you the way you are to yourself. If you don’t like yourself, you should learn to love yourself since you are always going to be stuck together.

mindsets to have

If you are mean to yourself and say, “You’re so fat” or “You’ll never succeed”, ask yourself, “Would you say those things to your best friend, family member, or partner? The answer is probably no. So if you wouldn’t say nasty comments to your loved ones, why are you saying it about yourself?

Accept your flaws. A true best friend would love you unconditionally, so do the same for yourself.

Take yourself on a date. Compliment yourself. If you’re a people pleaser, learn to say “no”. It’s ok to set boundaries and do things for yourself. Feel good about the accomplishments you achieve.