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Simply Life By Bri

Productivity
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May 22, 2021

6 Mindset Shifts That Will Change Your Life

Your life is only as good as your mindset. Learn these easy mindset shifts to completely change how you go about life!

mindset shifts

Ever since I have started to take productivity seriously, I have realized that so much of living a “productive lifestyle” is about your mindset.

Whether you want to wake up earlier or just accept who you are, your mindset is so important. But, it can be really tough to master your mindset.

This is because not only do you have to learn how to fix it, but first you have to recognize that there is something to fix in the first place. This is the first step to living an intentional lifestyle.

After analyzing my own life for way too long (oops!), I have complied a list of the 6 biggest mindset shifts that have given me HUGE mental growth.

This post is all about mindset shifts!

Recognize what you have control over

For control freaks like myself, of all the mindset shifts on this list, this one was definitely tough to accept. I like to be in control of everything in my life. For me, I needed to realize why I felt like this before I could learn how to stop like this.

So, I sat and stared at a wall and thought about my life for a while. Eventually, I realized I liked control because I thought everything would just fall apart without it. Yes, I realize this sounds silly, but on some level I really thought this was true.

Once I could put this fear into words, it became a lot easier from there. I was able to accept that my entire life will not fall apart if I don’t have control.

This was so crucial to learning to live my life with intention. By accepting that you don’t always have control, you are able to live a free and less stressful life. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason. So, holding onto this belief when I don’t have complete control has helped me so much.

Stop living in the past

While I completely agree that it is important to use the past to better yourself in the future, you should only do this to some extent. I like to think about it like this: if thinking and living in the past is giving you happiness in the future, by all means keep doing what you’re doing.

BUT, if you constantly over-analyze your actions and it is causing you problems in the present, that is a red flag.

I think this quote from Pride and Prejudice sums it up pretty well. Please don’t ask me why I know this quote haha!

Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.

Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice

You don’t have to live life according to a plan

I will be the first to tell you I love a good plan and I really love a good list. But, at some point, the plans and lists and everything else becomes too much. Life is about living, not about planning.

For me, it was hard to realize that sometimes I have to divert from my original plan. This can be something as big as college plans or something less significant like the order you do your homework.

While I think its extremely important to have a plan, that doesn’t mean that plan should dictate your life. As some point, these plans are going to hold you back from your potential.

You don’t have to do everything at once

I used to make a to do list every single day. I would write down unrealistic tasks that I’d barely finish if I had an entire week, let alone one day. Nighttime would come and I would look at what I did during the day and feel disappointed.

Not because I wasted my time or did nothing, but because I didn’t finish everything. Some days, I would work on the list the entire afternoon and still not feel accomplished because there were unfinished tasks.

Since then, I have implemented this mindset shift by changing how I go about my day. I no longer make unrealistic and ultimately disappointing to do lists.

Instead, I make lists while keeping my schedule in mind and factoring in some rest time (more on this later!). I have accepted that even if I make a realistic and achievable to do list and STILL don’t accomplish everything, that is still okay.

Self worth is NOT defined by how much you do each day and how many things you can cross off of your to do list. While this should without a doubt be used to motivate you, it should not be your only source of importance.

Breaks are okay and rest is important

I want you to read that heading again. Then maybe again just to stress how important this mindset shift is. Of all the mindset shifts, this tends to be the hardest to accept (at least that was the case for me).

Personally, I still don’t fully recognize the importance of taking breaks, but we are all a work in progress right!? I used to work and work and work and motivate myself with breaks.

But, when the break times came, I would just end up doing more work. I used to be so attached to the idea that I felt good when I can cross something off a list that that became the only thing bringing me joy. When I finished a list, I was happy.

When I couldn’t, I was disappointed.

And while I definitely got a lot done when I had this mindset, it was not beneficial for me in any way and I want to help YOU steer clear of my mistakes.

I know this is easier said that done, but once you are able to understand the importance of taking a break, the rest of your life becomes so much better. Taking a break AT LEAST once a day lets your mind take a break from constant stress.

mindset shifts tips
When I rest, I like to read a book, write in my journal, or watch some tv!

You need to “turn yourself off” once in a while. If not, you are going to burn out and it’ll be ten times harder to get yourself back up after that.

Resting can be whatever you want it to be. Whether you enjoy exercising, reading, or watching tv, it is all considered rest if it gives you a chance to “turn off.”

Bonus mindset shift!

As a little bonus, I just wanted to add one more to this list of mindset shifts! Always remember that you are doing your best and that is enough.

Just keep trying to live the life that you want and I promise one day you will get there! You’re doing amazing so far!!

If you an extra boost of motivation, check out these funny and inspiration letter board quote ideas!

I also want you to remember that these mindset shifts do not happen overnight. It takes a huge amount of self acceptance and time to truly change your mindset. But, once you do, it is life changing! If you need some help creating new mindsets and habits, check out this article!

This post was all about mindset shifts!


Other posts you may like:

  • How to Stay Focused on School (when you feel lazy!)
  • Beginner, Crash Course Guide to Start A Journal
  • 23 Best Books For College Girls That You Have To Read
22 Comments
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Bri

Hey there! My name is Bri and I am a college lifestyle blogger! I love organization, productivity, cooking, baking, reading, and photography. Throughout my blog, you will find a little bit of all these passions! My goal is to help high schoolers, college students, and young adults, whether it be by creating a functioning living space or learning how to cook healthy meals.

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  • Love and Literature
    June 4, 2021

    I love this post! It’s so relatable, especially the ‘You don’t have to do everything at once’ section. I used to write huge lists of tasks, and it was simply impossible to get everything done. Now, I write smaller lists and spread out my tasks better – making me feel more accomplished and reducing stress, which in turn actually made me more productive hehe

    Reply
    • Bri
      Love and Literature
      June 4, 2021

      I used to do the exact same thing and changing how I make my lists has helped so much! I am so glad you liked the article!

      Reply
  • Charity
    June 1, 2021

    These are all such great mindset shifts! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome and helpful post!

    Reply
    • Bri
      Charity
      June 1, 2021

      Of course, I am so glad you enjoyed the article!

      Reply
  • Susan B
    May 27, 2021

    Such simple ideas, but so powerful and truthful! Thank you for sharing! xoxo

    Reply
    • Bri
      Susan B
      May 27, 2021

      I am so glad you liked the article!

      Reply
  • Maria
    May 26, 2021

    I absolutely love this “you are doing your best and that is enough”

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Bri
      Maria
      May 26, 2021

      Yes that is the truth! So glad you loved it!

      Reply
  • Dee
    May 26, 2021

    Wow… This truly resonates with me! Thanks for an uplifting post!

    Reply
    • Bri
      Dee
      May 26, 2021

      Of course! I am so glad you enjoyed the article Dee!

      Reply
  • teenabachher
    May 26, 2021

    Great post. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bri
      teenabachher
      May 26, 2021

      Of course! I hope these tips help!

      Reply
  • thewelderandhiswifegmailcom
    May 26, 2021

    Great reminders!

    Reply
    • Bri
      thewelderandhiswifegmailcom
      May 26, 2021

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  • Alicia
    May 26, 2021

    These are so important!

    Reply
    • Bri
      Alicia
      May 26, 2021

      Thank you so much! I hope they help!

      Reply
  • Della Driscoll
    May 23, 2021

    Yes to all of these points! Rest days are so important and I also especially agree with not living in the past xx

    Reply
    • Bri
      Della Driscoll
      May 26, 2021

      I couldn’t agree more Della!

      Reply
  • Deanna
    May 22, 2021

    These are really good points! Great post!!

    Reply
    • Bri
      Deanna
      May 22, 2021

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  • Arti
    May 22, 2021

    Great post. And i totally agree and try to live in present as much as possible. Timely reminder for me. Thanks for sharing?

    Reply
    • Bri
      Arti
      May 22, 2021

      Of course I am glad this helped you!

      Reply

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hey there, I’m Bri

hey there, I’m Bri

I'm so happy you're here!

I'm your not-so-average college student. This blog is a look into my head at all things dorm decor & organization, productivity, and school tips to help you simplify your life!

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