#56: Harnessing the Power of Mindset: How Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality
Ever feel like your day’s going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? If you’ve ever read the book “Alexander’s Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day” you know exactly what I’m talking about. And guess what, if you ever do feel that way, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing, it could be that very mindset that’s doing more harm than good.
In this episode of the Make Happiness Happen podcast, we’re breaking down how what you tell yourself shapes the life you create. From tackling fixed versus growth mindsets to using the power of positivity, we’re digging into practical ways to shape your reality for the better.
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast player or read a summary below.
Introduction
Today, we’re diving into the power of mindset. I bet you’ve heard people say, “Your thoughts create your reality,” right? Well, it’s more than just a catchy phrase…it’s true…and it’s life-changing once you understand it.
In this episode we talk about two types of mindsets, how beliefs shape our reality, and, of course, practical ways to make positivity part of your every day routine. If you’re looking to feel more peace, calm, and joy, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to it!
Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets
Mindset is the lens through which we see the world, and it’s what makes all the difference when life throws a challenge our way.
Have you ever felt like you’re just “not good at something” or thought, “This is just the way I am”? That’s what we call a fixed mindset. When we’re in that space, we believe things can’t really change, so we shy away from challenges or feel defeated before we even begin.
But then there’s a growth mindset—the belief that we can learn and improve. With this mindset, challenges become opportunities to grow. I’ve had times when I leaned toward a fixed mindset and moments when I embraced a growth mindset. In those growth moments, I felt a little spark, a bit of hope. Imagine tackling a big project with the thought, “I can learn as I go.” Suddenly, that mountain doesn’t seem so steep, does it? Choosing a growth mindset is powerful because it shapes not only what we can achieve but how much joy we find along the way.
How Beliefs Shape Reality
Have you ever thought about the words you tell yourself? Well guess what…they matter…a lot! Our beliefs shape the way we experience life and influence how we show up in the world. When we say things like, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never get it right,” we actually start acting like those words are true, and we’re likely to quit or avoid the very things we care about.
It’s like a story I loved as a child called “Alexander and the Terrible Horrible Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst. It’s about a little boy named Alexander and his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He woke up with gum in his hair. Alexander decided his day would be awful, and that belief stuck with him all day, making everything feel even worse. Thoughts like that can become self-fulfilling prophecies.
But if we tell ourselves, “It’s going to be a good day,” or “I’m capable of doing hard things,” and focus on finding solutions, we approach our day and the challenges it brings with it in with a whole new energy.
Think of it this way: What you believe about yourself and your abilities is a choice, and that choice creates the reality you live in.
Cultivating a Growth-Oriented Mindset
So, how can we create a positive mindset that helps us grow and see the world in an empowering way?
One of my favorite tools—and I know you’ve heard me talk about it before—is gratitude. When we choose to focus on what we’re grateful for, we start seeing abundance instead of scarcity.
Download your free daily gratitude list.
Writing down just one gratitude each day can change your year…and even your life!
Another great tool is reframing. Think about it: instead of seeing a big challenge as a reason to worry, try seeing it as a chance to learn something new.
Daily practices like affirmations are another way to feed our minds with positivity. Repeating things like, “I am capable and resilient,” reminds us of our strength.
And don’t underestimate the power of surrounding yourself with uplifting, supportive people! Whether it’s books, podcasts, or spending time with friends who lift you up, these small choices build a positive environment that supports your mindset journey.
Wrapping It Up
To sum it all up: understand your mindset, recognize how beliefs shape your reality, and make room for a growth-oriented outlook. These are powerful tools for creating a life full of peace, joy, and resilience. And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, head on over to listen to the full episode of Make Happiness Happen. It’s packed with more stories and practical steps to help you harness your mindset and build your best, happiest life. Listen wherever you tune in to your favorite podcasts, and let’s make happiness happen, together.
Next Steps
I’d love to hear your insights and ahas! Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook, or drop me an email at shelly@makehappinesshappen.com. And if you haven’t joined our community yet, be sure to request to join The Happiness Vibe Tribe on Facebook. Most importantly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes!
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Episode Resources
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
- Carol Dweck TedTalk on Not Yet
- Daily Prayer and Gratitude Journal by Shelly Covert
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