You have goals, dreams, ambitions — big things you’re excited to do! And maybe you’re a little scared, too. Whether you’ve barely started or you’ve been working for a long time, it’s normal to fear failure. But there’s a skill you can hone to make it easier: the power of having a positive mindset.

This isn’t as simple as thinking good things are coming your way and poof — all your dreams come true! It’s a deliberate effort to make sure you are making all the best choices you can to support your chances of success.

Identify Habits Keeping You Stuck in Unhappiness

What do you do with your time? Is it all spent on responsibilities and obligations that leave you feeling drained? Do your downtime activities recharge you? Or are they just distractions to disconnect from your day-to-day? When it feels like you’re stuck in a miserable rut, the first thing you can do is take a critical look at your habits.

That’s not to say it’s always bad to watch a few episodes of a favorite show or spend some time scrolling through social media. It all comes down to moderation and balance. Find activities that make you feel energized again, both emotionally and socially. Maybe that means taking time for yourself or interacting with certain people.

Bring in Outside Help

Sometimes figuring out why you’re unsatisfied with your situation is harder than you expect. Maybe everything looks great on paper, so you should be happy. But you wonder if you’d be happier if things were different. . . An outside perspective can help you figure out what’s not right.

For many, a trusted friend, family member, or partner can provide a sympathetic ear. You can also look into counseling services if you’d like to work on things with a neutral party. If you want to work with a professional, be sure to do your research on those trained and experienced in relevant practices. For example, if you’re struggling to feel satisfied in your job, consider looking for someone who offers career counseling. 

Add More Physical Activity to Your Routine

The impact of exercise on having a positive mindset is a major reason many people go to the gym. Some people feel healthier and more positive simply by being more active. Others get more of a boost from working toward a goal, such as improving their mile time or lifting heavier weights.

But you don’t have to adopt a whole new fitness routine to enjoy the benefits. Little changes to your routine can have a bigger effect than you might expect. Take a break from working every couple of hours to stretch and walk around if you can. Even doing a few sitting exercises gets your blood moving and releases tension stored in your muscles.

Rewrite Your Internal Script for a Positive Mindset

It’s hard not to roll your eyes when someone casually tells you, “Just think positive!” As if everything will work out the way you want if you just have a better attitude. But we know that isn’t true (and so do the people you’re trying not to roll your eyes at).

The power of positive thinking doesn’t come from forcing yourself to have a glass-half-full perspective. It comes from building your mental and emotional resilience to negative feelings. Don’t punish yourself for going through a hard time. Show yourself some compassion for your struggle. Try keeping a gratitude journal or using this challenge to fuel taking action. Maybe that looks like channeling your stress into a creative hobby or financially committing to a class that will help you level up. Remember: how you respond is completely within your control, even when nothing else is.