How to Grow a Positive Mindset
Having a positive mindset is the key to living the life that you want.
We all want to be positive and have a positive mindset don’t we?
I am not suggesting that you bury your head in the sand about your life’s challenges, what I am saying is that you need to approach your current reality with a positive mindset.
I have gotten myself into more tough situations then I care to talk about, but what got me through them was maintaining a positive mindset. You see, the mind is a head game, it’s something that can be altered, changed, stretched and grown. No matter how “bad” your life get’s, choose to keep a positive mindset.
How to be positive when things look bad.
Napoleon Hill tells a story in his Book: Think and Grow Rich where a very wealthy family’s house burns down to the ground. Everything was destroyed, well almost everything. This couple had a fireproof safe that they kept all of their “valuables” in. What do you think the first thing they looked for was when the fire was out? You guessed it, the fireproof safe.
Even though they lost “everything” their mind was focused on the one thing that they knew would survive the fire and that is the safe. They eventually found the safe that held all of their gold, diamonds, money and other physical items that they valued.
Moral of the story: Find the diamonds, the valuable lessons in every perceived bad situation in your life.
“Every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” Napoleon Hill.
I used to get all freaked out when something came up in my life that I thought would be difficult to deal with until I heard this quote by Napoleon Hill. What Hill is saying is that when life gives you a situation that seems beyond your ability to handle that in return you will gain in some way as well.
So when life seems to be getting way out of control, beyond what you can deal with or just plain bad, remember that in return for your growth challenge you will gain in another area of your life in ways that you could not imagine. You just have to be open to receive it and look for it when it comes because it will.
About 9 years ago I bought a CD program from Nightingale Conant titled: The Science of Personal Achievement – The 17 Universal Principles of Success. It’s a CD program that has all of Napoleon Hill’s recordings that he had done back in the 30′s I believe. He was ahead of his time in the Personal Development field. The things that he was saying back then still applies now.
Here are some of my favorite Quotes by Napoleon Hill about staying positive:
“Don’t ever let me hear you say that it is God’s Will that we are poor. We are poor — not because of God.”
“If you know what you want you are more apt to recognize it when you see it.”
“Unless your goal is against the laws of God or society, you can achieve it.”
“What you try for is up to you.”
“Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement. “
“You are what you think.”
“Develop an obsession — a Magnificent Obsession — to help others.”
“Share yourself without expecting a reward, payment, or commendation.”
“No matter who you are you can have a Magnificent Obsession. Every living person can help others by sharing a part of himself.”
“Regardless of who you are, or what you have been, you can create inside yourself a burning desire to be helpful to others .”
“Be a part of a great cause!”
“A Magnificent Obsession will conquer despite the obstacles that stand in its way!”
“The price of ignorance is sin, sickness and death.”
“There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference! The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”
The key to having a positive mindset is how you view your life. Look for the diamonds in any given situation no matter how painful or bad it appears on the surface. All situations are temporary and maintaining a positive mental attitude during them will make the experience go by a lot faster I promise you.
Category: Personal/ Spiritual Growth
About the Author (Author Profile)
I became curious about what motivates people’s behavior and attitudes, and what is the secret formula to success. As a result I got my hands on every piece of material that I could find to answer these questions.
I have immersed myself with knowledge and experience for over 15 years pertaining to the fields of Psychology, Personal Development, Spirituality, Physical Health and Vitality, and Metaphysical Studies. I have read over 700 books, 1000s of blog posts and listened to over 100 audio programs pertaining to personal growth. I’ve made tons of mistakes along the way but more importantly I learned from them.Now it is my turn to share what I know with you. Are you ready? Let’s Rock!
Subscribe
Free eBook:The Guide to Being Human Part1 when you sign up
I've been a big fan of Napoleon Hill for years. His book was a really big inspiration for me and really motivated me.
I think you're right about maintaining a positive attitude. It can really help when bad things happen to you. When you're negative about everything, you just get demotivated and give up. I see failures as inevitable since everyone makes mistakes. If you let one bad thing get you down, you'll just give up on everything. That's not a good winning mentality.
agreed. it's all about mindset. sometimes its hard to control (as when i was in severe depression and its was hard to control my thoughts), but once biological / medical means has done its job, it depends on the mind set to get better
Noch noch
So true Noch, the body can become like a prison when it is not at optimal health. Just to maintain a feeling of well being can be a lot of work. I wish you good luck in keeping yourself free of depression my friend.
My latest conversation: HostGator - 30% off Baby and Business Hosting Packages
Good day Justin Mazza
Of course you had to have known that I would thoroughly enjoy this post! :) With taking a lot of self-inventory over the last year, I have come to understand just how incredibly important having a positive mindset is in our daily practice of living. Most people pick and choose when they will adopt positive thinking; believing it to be something that renders to us rewards or accolades for practicing it. And so they only practice being positive when "the need" for them arises to do so. You and I, both know that this isn't and should never be the reason it's being done. It should take place simply because we have it in us to do, and because we were created to do so, as much as we can, with what we've been given to do so with. Meaning, we are fully equipped to take control of our thoughts, and even though we can't change the situations of life and when or how they happen; we can very much control our mindset and attitude towards any and every given situations. Learning to control our reactions to things that occur in life will render rewards to us that would surpass our greatest imagination of what a reward is. I loved each of the quotes you shared here by Napoleon Hill... I simply cannot choose which is my favorite. Each of them speak volumes in their own individual way. So, thank you for sharing them with us, my friend. AWESOME post, man! :)
KingskiddD1 Hey Deeone, So true and well said my friend!
My latest conversation: HostGator - 30% off Baby and Business Hosting Packages
Hi Justin you have an excellent topic here and I really enjoyed the post. I am a fan of positive thinking and positive feeling. I know things are going to work out because on a spiritual level we are energetic beings and positive energy follows positive energy. This post reminded me though to stay and feel positive even through the bad times.
MMAacupuncture Exactly my friend!
My latest conversation: HostGator - 30% off Baby and Business Hosting Packages
Lovely bro..
I have always keep a positive mindset throughout my life. In life you can't always expected good things to happen. There are always some point in time where you need to think straight and to do that you must have an attitude of a positive thinker. One more things to ponder. Do not be afraid of failing, when you fail many times failing will be afraid of you ! The key is to learn more from other people mistakes to get you ahead in life.
Dzulhelmee I agree, so what if you didn't reach your goal. The important thing to remember is to get up and keep on going.
My latest conversation: HostGator - 30% off Baby and Business Hosting Packages
Hi Justin,
Love your topic on this post. We have the capacity to look at every situation in a variety of ways, but finding the diamonds, as you say leads to a happier, more calm existence. We've all had personal experiences that were not so wonderful and they are all lessons to be learned and an opportunity for growth. I have found there is usually a silver lining with each experience and it was meant to be, even if the reason is not clear at the moment. Thanks for sharing and enjoy a positive Sunday.
Cathy Treatment Talk Hi Cathy,
In the end we are not going to care about the mistakes that we made but the chances that we didn't take. My goal for this post is to get people to let go of their fear of mistakes and take some "risks" in life. Perhaps even start a blog or something like that. :)
My latest conversation: Ebook Review: Why Every Business Needs a Website and How to Get it Going by Ruan Oosthuizen
Hi Justin, These words are great and true: "Having a positive mindset is the key to living the life that you want. I am not suggesting that you bury your head in the sand about your life’s challenges, what I am saying is that you need to approach your current reality with a positive mindset." life chance every day. One day the life is good, but it also gives bad days or situations for all people. i agree with you, the key is a positive mindset. You can make so many things... but you must do it. Thanks a lot for this inspiring post and the good feelings. with best wishes and greetings from germany. Sandy :-)
Hi Sandy,
So true and we have to take the good with the bad or as Dr Wayne Dyer says, "what we resist persists."
My latest conversation: Ebook Review: Why Every Business Needs a Website and How to Get it Going by Ruan Oosthuizen
Optimism is one of the strongest qualities one might have. The way we move on with things and how we face them is a strong determinant of how we shall perform on those activities. Having the positivity in your head and facing tasks with the mindset that you will be able to do it is just as vital!
Hajra Very well said Hajra!
My latest conversation: Ebook Review: Why Every Business Needs a Website and How to Get it Going by Ruan Oosthuizen
Justin,
Having a 'positive mindset' gets things done, you take action knowingly, your thoughts are constructive. More than anything, it's a 'Belief' in yourself, a Belief that nothing is impossible. Thankyou.
be good to yourself
David
Thank you David for adding value to the conversation with your positive words.
I choose a positive mindset because life is hard, and there's nothing I can do about that, but it doesn't have to stop me from living a happy life. I've experienced significant suffering, loss, and abuse and while I could choose to live the rest of my life in the role of victim, there is no happiness for me there.
My happiness comes from picking myself up when I'm down and making the best of what I have today. I have a choice to focus on what I have or what I don't have. I may have legitimate complaints and challenges, but those will always be there, as will the many blessings and gifts in each day. The bottom line is I'm happier when I focus on the positive and I'm miserable when I focus on the negative.
When I am positive in belief, thought and action, the most amazing thing happens and not only am I happier, my situation improves! People are attracted to my positive energy and more likely to want to support and celebrate my achievement and success.
Have a grateful day!
Chrysta
livelovework You said that right when it comes to the victim mindset. It just makes us feel weaker when that is the last thing that we want to feel. Positive energy is contagious for sure, I like to be around positive people, especially when I am feeling down. Great points.
Hey Justin,
I love that phrase "Magnificent Obsession". That so describes how I feel. I'm obsessed, sure, but magnificently, passionately, joyously. Man! I'm in a good mood today!
Huge hugs,
Melody
DeliberateBlog Thanks Melody, that is awesome. Share that good mood with the rest of the World, we all need it.
Hey Justin,
That's the truth. See the possibilities in all things horrendous, and it will lead you through what you most need to know and understand about yourself. The hard times are really the best times - they get you closer to seeing the true you. If we can maintain faith that "all is well", regardless of outside appearances, then it is. Simple as that.
Julie | A Clear Sign Well said Julie. I agree and it's better than wallowing in our "stuff."
Thanks for the positive ideas, I agree with everything. And I am hearing a lot about this Napoleon Hill lately, sounds like he had some good stuff. Read an interesting old story about using your defeats this morning in a devotional called "Streams in the Desert". "The ancient Phrygians had a legend that every time they conquered an enemy the victor absorbed the physical strength of his victim and added so much more to his own strength and valor." What an empowering thought!
Wendy Love Hi Wendy, Napoleon Hill is such an interesting person and if you get the time read his famous book: "Think and Grow Rich." That's so interesting about the Ancient Phrygians story. Sounds right to me.
Hi Justin
This is a great post and I am also a big fan of Hill. How we think determines so much about our life and we always have the power to choose our perspective. While it is certainly not easy due to the faulty programming instilled in many of us from a young age. Hard times definitely help us grow and while we do not need to reach the point of utter suffering and everything falling apart to make a positive change, for most of us, that is the only thing that will get us there and I am guilty of this as well. I am going through some challenges right now and have had spurts of not feeling so great, but it is forcing me to grow and expand and I feel like I am entering a new chapter in my life. It is scary but I know it is what I need to do to get where I want to be.
kcooper1102 So true and well said too. It sounds like you have learned a lot in your life. You are right about faulty programming that was instilled upon us at a young age.
Hi Justin,
It is amazing what Napoleon Hill has done with his positive mindset. He was indeed ahead of time in the personal development field.
I love the inspiring story of Napoleon Hill about 'FInd the diamonds'.
Thanks for sharing
marc van der Linden Thanks Marc, I still have that CD collection from Hill. I must have listened to it over 100 times while driving.
Hey Justin, I love "Think and Grow Rich!" Napoleon Hill has got to be one of the greatest communicators of his time and of that era. We're still learning from him today. And amazing just how many success stories came out of his "Andrew Carnagie" formua.
I love this: “If you know what you want you are more apt to recognize it when you see it.” One of the best!
Bryan Thompson Thanks Bryan. I was checking my Google analytics today and someone found my site through a search for "Ways to Grow a Positive Mindset." So it peaked my interest to write about it. It was totally random because I was not even thinking about writing about it.
Some great quotes from Napoleon Hill!
Conversation from Twitter
harleenas Thanks for the RT Harleenas!
mazzastick - Always a pleasure ~
