Steps to Shift Your Perspective for Positive Living

Isn't life just a rollercoaster of ups and downs — full of wonderful, memorable experiences, as well as challenging times of worry and uncertainty?

When I decided to leave the security of my permanent role earlier this year taking a huge gamble considering the current job market, I did it with one clear mantra in mind: "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters". I was ready to face the uncertainty, so long as I did with a positive mindset.

Shifting to a more positive mindset isn’t about ignoring problems, but about choosing how to respond to them.

How can you change your mindset?

To start living positively, you need to become aware of your current thought patterns. Are you often critical of yourself or others? Do you focus on what’s wrong instead of what’s right? Recognising these habits is the first step to change.

Practical tip: Keep a journal for a week and note down negative thoughts. Then, write a positive or neutral alternative for each. This exercise helps retrain your brain to see things differently.

A peaceful garden symbolising growth and positivity

Steps to Shift Your Perspective for Positive Living

Changing the perspective takes effort and practice. Here’s what works for me:

1. recognise 3 things I'm thankful for

Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. It rewires your brain to notice positive experiences and appreciate small joys.

• Start or end your day by listing three things you are thankful for.

• Be specific. Instead of “I’m thankful for my family,” say “I’m thankful for the supportive conversation I had with my sister today.”

  
  
  
  

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts often become automatic. To change them, you need to question their truth and usefulness. When a negative thought arises, ask yourself:

• Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?

• What evidence do I have that contradict this thought?

• How would I advise a friend who had this thought?

  
  

3. Embrace Meditation

Meditation can reduce stress and increase emotional regulation.

• Spend a few minutes each day practising mindful breathing.

• Use guided meditation every morning - I try to do a minimum of 20 minutes each morning. If you are new to the practice you can start start with 10 minutes,

• Notice how your thoughts come and go without getting caught up in them.

  
  

4. Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Progress

Having clear goals gives you direction and motivation. Celebrate small wins to build confidence and maintain momentum.

• Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps.

• Track your progress and reward yourself for achievements.

• Adjust your goals as needed without self-criticism.

  
  

A checklist symbolising goal setting and progress tracking

What are the 4 pillars of mindset?

Understanding the core elements of mindset can help build a strong foundation for positive living. The four pillars are:

1. Self-Awareness

Knowing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours allows you to identify patterns that hold you back. Self-awareness is the first step to change.

2. Self-Belief

Believing in your ability to grow and overcome challenges fuels motivation. It encourages you to take risks and learn from failures.

3. Resilience

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from setbacks. It involves adapting to change and maintaining optimism despite difficulties.

4. Growth Orientation

A growth mindset means seeing abilities as developable through effort. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes talents are innate and unchangeable.

By focusing on these pillars, you can strengthen your mindset and support positive living.

A person journaling to enhance self-awareness and mindset growth

Making Positive Living a Habit

To sustain a positive perspective, I integrate these practices into my daily routine:

• Morning rituals: I start my day with gratitude and meditation.

• Positive language: I use encouraging words when talking to myself and others.

• Healthy lifestyle: I exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep to support mental clarity.

• Acts of kindness: Helping others is a great mood-booster and creates a positive ripple effect.

  
  

By making these habits part of your life, positive living becomes natural and effortless.

Embrace the Journey of Positive Living

Shifting your perspective is a journey, not a destination. It requires commitment, self-compassion, and openness to change. Each step you take towards a positive mindset enriches your life and those around you.

Start today by choosing one small action from this guide. Over time, these small steps will build a resilient and a more optimistic outlook.