The challenges of 2020 may have put some of us with great expectations to a grinding halt. The world changed and the way we carry out our daily lives has too. Some of the changes will even become permanent. As difficult as this pandemic has been for people, we must continue to believe we will come through this. Because we will. A famous Persian adage comes to mind “This too Shall Pass”, reflecting the hopeful temporary state of the recent situation around the world.
Let’s look at three secret recipes of how we can develop a positive attitude to have a better 2021.
- Start with A Growth Mindset
A smart way to usher in the New Year is by creating a growth mindset. Mindset is loosely defined as a habitual mental attitude that determines how you interpret and respond to events. A growth mindset is a way of thinking and a belief that one can create a better future for oneself. Having a growth mindset offers the framework to help focus on solutions and not the problems. This helps us believe that we are in charge of our own destiny. With a positive growth mindset, you will process information and learn to react in a healthy, productive manner.
- Put Some Zen In Your Life
Zen is the art of being in the present moment with peace and relaxed mental state. You don’t have to be anxious about what will happen next week or in the following months, as it is not here yet. To achieve the art of zen, one need to focus on positive things. This will help calm down, relax and cope with everyday problems.
Developing a zen state is to take a deep breath, hold it and breathe out when feeling stressed. Clear the mind of anger and any bad feelings. Chant a positive mantra such as, “Although this time it didn’t go well, I will be able to do it better again!”. Consider this, the next time you make a mistake at work, it is not worth getting yourself stressed out over something that will soon pass and you won’t remember it ten years from now.
- Add some Gratitude
A gratitude journal is, quite simply, a tool to keep track of the good things in life. No matter how difficult and defeating life can sometimes feel, there is always something to feel grateful for. Gratitude practices, helps us feel calmer, and can gives a new perspective on what really matters to us, what we truly appreciate in our life and what we can do without.
Keeping a gratitude journal helps us learn more about ourself and become more self-aware; Your gratitude journal is for your eyes only, so you can write anything you feel without worrying about judgment from others. On days when you feel blue, read through your gratitude journal to readjust your attitude and remember all the wonderful things in your life.
Most importantly, an overall positive attitude awakens happiness within ourselves and those around us. So, here’s to a better 2021!
Asnina Anandan
Lecturer & Academic Leader
School of American Degree Program
SEGi College Penang