Mindset Shifts That Will Change Your Life

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.

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.

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!