Let's Talk Mindset

Hello my loves! Happy Memorial Day, but more importantly HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEST FRIEND AND SISTER SOPHIA :-) My baby sis is finally 18!! I really don't know what I would do without your constant jokes, guacamole bowls, or 80s/90s movie recommendations. You inspired me to write this post, and you inspire me to be courageous every day. Your artwork makes people feel things and your talent is beautiful; never stop doing what you love. thank you for always being here for me, and knowing what to do in times of hardship. You will forever be my sunshine and I hope you have a fabulous day at the beach ☼

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Now we get down to the nitty-gritty topic of today‘s post day: mindset. I tended to push this idea off when i was younger, especially during the times in my life where people would repeatedly say "things will get better" or "this hard time will pass, don't worry!" I kept asking myself, when? When will these times change or become any easier? The truth is, most of the time, life does not become inherently easier. As soon as one problem is solved or the situation is fixed, there will be another that pops up. And another. And most likely another one after that! These challenges are what strengthen each of us as well as provide experiences of growth through strife.

In my senior year of high school, I was lucky enough to be accepted into Fairport's AP Leadership course, which lasted the entirety of the first semester. Towards the end of the course, Mr. Mallaber assigned a short unit on grit. I didn't really understand why we were focusing so much on this specific word, but sometime last week, it finally clicked.

grit noun

\ ˈgrit \

Definition of grit 4: firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger

I want you to take a look at this definition, and pick the word or phrase that sticks out the most to you. Is it firmness of your mind? Unyielding courage? Hardship? Whatever it may be, GRIT is what is going to allow you to push through your own obstacles as well as strengthen your own mindset. These next few paragraphs are going to be on HOW to start changing your mindset using grit, as well as consciously taking a look into your own thought patterns.

1. FEEL THE FEAR, AND DO IT ANYWAY

One of the biggest things holding us back from pursuing something new or unfamiliar is the fear of failure or receiving disapproval. Do you know what failure means? Each failure means that you are one step closer to success and finding your groove/what drives you. Whether it's a search for a new job, taking on an extra class or two, or experimenting with a new hobby; failure means that you took the initial leap to start, which is something that not a lot of people accomplish in the first place! The people that do not want to see you succeed are most likely the ones that are intimidated by your drive, uneducated, or simply toxic. Do not take the haters personally, for they are the ones that are watching you thrive!

2. CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Many times when we are looking to make a change, whether big or small, we tend to start off strong but slowly dwindle as a few days go by and we don't see or feel immediate results. In reality, it takes the average person 66 days to fully form a new habit! This is why consistency is so important. For example: say that you want to eat healthier - you probably won't get very far if you only eat well for a few days and then go back to eating all processed foods on the weekend! Finding a balance and implementing that balance is what is going to lock in that consistency. Maybe it's limiting yourself to one "unhealthy" food a day to start your journey. Find out what plan works the best for you, and set it in motion one day at a time.

3. ESTABLISH YOUR GOALS

Has anyone ever told you that your dreams are too big? Or how about that your goals are too unrealistic? Well, I am here to tell you that dreaming big can be a WONDERFUL thing if you do it right! The easiest way to see your goals is to write them down on paper, whether it's in a small notebook or sprawled across a canvas in your room, or even sticky notes in your office! These aspirations will serve as an important driving force when it comes to manifesting a positive mindset. Your goals are essentially driven by why you're doing what you do, or why you're trying something new. By writing your dreams and aspirations down, you can make a plan of how to get from point A (why you are doing what you do, what drives you) to point B (your dream life or future goals).

4. ACT, DON'T REACT

One very important thing that I've been learning and improving upon in my own personal life is acting instead of reacting. It's imperative to understand that there are certain things you have no control over. At the end of the day, the only person who controls what you can achieve is YOURSELF! If a difficult situation arises, whether it be in a relationship, job, etc. the best thing you can do is to take a step back, breathe, and look at your personal life, as well as the goals you have set for yourself. How does this event or incidence change your perspective? What sacrifices are you willing to make? What can you do to continue moving forward in a positive direction? Change is often riddled with feelings of anxiety; this is why it's so important to re-evaluate your own goals and make sure that at the end of the day, you're doing what is best for you.

I really hope that this post can help you to look a bit deeper within yourself and start to change the way you think! How has your mindset been shaped since the start of quarantine, or how are you looking to change it? Let me know in the comments!

Until Next Time,

Anna xxx