Maintaining a Positive Mindset Amidst Chaos and Uncertainty

How much negative “noise” do you have going on in your mind? It could be worrying about the upcoming election, global warming, work, relationships, the list can go on and on. Because there are always multiple moving parts in our lives, chaos, the unknown, anxiety, and fear can be all around us. So, how can you take control of your mind and find a good way to navigate your day, your week, your life?

Of course, the first thing I would recommend would be to hire a coach. Coaching can help you to identify what is going on with your mindset, and if there is an area that you can improve in, or a general strategy that you can use to improve your mindset. Talking through where you are at with someone focused 100% on your can be really helpful.

Pulling out one of my favorite resources, I would like to quote “Hard Optimism” by Price Pritchett, PH.D. It is a short read that I highly recommend, especially for those that optimism does not come naturally to. Here is what I want to share:

“Life always gives us a choice: We can focus on what’s wrong or what’s right. Whichever one we feed our attention to will grow. The one we tend to ignore will wither, weaken, and sometimes die. We can choose to occupy our minds with anger…resentment and blame…all the things that are going wrong. Or we can forgive – other people, circumstances, even ourselves. We can empty our minds of these emotional poisons, and fill that mental space with a grateful attention to things that are wonderfully right. And optimism will flourish. The darkness of negative thinking cannot survive the spirit-brightening light of forgiveness and gratitude.”

What other ideas are out there on mindset? I love to use ChatGPT to give us some ideas so I asked for 5 ways to maintain a positive mindset in uncertain times. Here is what ChatGPT recommends:

Maintaining a positive mindset during uncertain times can be challenging but achievable with the right strategies. Here are five effective ways to foster positivity:

1. Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Keeping a gratitude journal where you write down things you’re thankful for each day can help shift your perspective to a more positive one.
2. Stay Connected: Maintain relationships with family and friends. Regularly connecting with loved ones, even virtually, can provide emotional support and a sense of community. (Quick side bar on this one, this is the foundation of my entire business. We are so much better together, not isolated and struggling to figure things out a lone!)
3. Limit Exposure to Negative News: Constant exposure to negative news can heighten anxiety and stress. Set specific times to check news updates and ensure you balance this with positive content and activities that bring joy.
4. Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nurture your body and mind. This can include exercise, meditation, reading, hobbies, or simply taking time to relax and unwind.
5. Focus on What You Can Control: Uncertainty often brings a sense of helplessness. Concentrate on actions and decisions within your control, setting small, achievable goals to foster a sense of accomplishment and stability.

This is a great start! If you want to talk things through and make a plan for you, schedule that free 30-minute sample coaching session today!

Stay positive, and remember, we are so much better together!

Barbara