How to Have a Positive Mindset at Work

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How to Have a Positive Mindset at Work

It often seems like it's the norm to dread walking into work every morning -- but it doesn't have to be.

It can be difficult to stay positive if you concentrate on all the negative aspects of your job and what it entails. But what would happen if you decided to change your mindset so that you could see things in a different light and view your obstacles as opportunities rather than setbacks?

According to Harvard Medical School, a positive mindset can keep your heart healthy as well as reduce stress and make you a happier person. It can be challenging to remind yourself to stay positive -- sometimes life happens and things don't go your way. That's normal, but it's essential to remember that it's not the end of the world and you can conquer anything if you train your brain to think about it the right way.

If you're trying to cultivate a more positive mindset at work, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Practice gratitude.
This isn't just useful advice for work life, but day-to-day life as well. Gratitude is something that should be mindfully practiced every single day so that, even when work gets chaotic or issues arise, you're able to remember the positives, too.

Research by Harvard Medical School found that gratitude is linked to happiness and helps people think and feel more positively. When you're actively going over the aspects of your life or your day that make you feel thankful, it changes your perspective from negative to positive.


Imagine all the wonderful things you could accomplish more efficiently if you focused on how to achieve those goals rather than complaining about them. It makes a world of difference in your attitude as well as your work ethic. Try to write down at least two or three things you're grateful for every day while at work and make it a continuous habit.

Help your colleagues.
You know that warm feeling you get when you do something for someone else without expecting anything in return? There's a science behind it. Several studies outlined in Psychology Today demonstrate that people who perform kind acts for others without expecting anything in return feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled. That's why it's essential to apply this to the people you work with every day.

Think about it. Why wouldn't you want to cultivate a healthy, teamwork-oriented relationship with your colleagues? If you have to see them every day, you want to make sure you're nurturing a positive environment so you can manifest a positive mindset when it comes to work life. Just because it's work doesn't mean it can't be a place you enjoy, even on the hard days.

Stop complaining.
A little venting session here and there is normal; everyone has their frustrations, and as humans, it's natural to feel the need to let them out. However, that doesn't mean the workplace is the spot to do it or the appropriate company to do it with. Is there an upcoming project that you're dreading having to complete? Do you have a meeting next week you'd rather not attend?

It's OK to feel negative emotions concerning different aspects of your job, but if the reality is that you just love to complain, it's time to stop that behavior. This will only hinder you from doing your best work and put you behind. Stop thinking of hurdles as unfair and instead view them as a way to perform better.

Smile often.
Research conducted by the University of Kansas found that smiling reduces stress and lowers your heart rate during tense situations. When you're facing obstacles and all you want to do is scream or rip someone's head off, take a second to relax your breathing and practice smiling instead.

Whether you're faking it or not, smiling can help trick your brain into believing you're in an ideal situation or feeling content even if you aren't. When you come in contact with your coworkers, be friendly and smile. Wearing a scowl will present you as standoffish and will give your colleagues the wrong idea about you. It's always better to let people see the best of you, especially when you're stuck with them.

Over to you.
If you want to live a life at work you're proud of, carrying around a negative attitude is the last way to do it. How you present yourself in a professional environment shows others whether or not you're worth working with, and you want to leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet. Cultivating a positive mindset takes time and practice, especially if you're used to a negative train of thought, but it can enhance your professional life drastically.

By Young Entrepreneur Council