The Power of Mindset: How Does Your Mindset Control You?

Mindset. Your brain. The signals you INTENTIONALLY send to your brain through self- talk.

Is your mindset typically positive? Or is it negative?

"The body achieves what the mind believes" is a saying that I heard for the first time a couple years ago. Every once in awhile, it will pop back into

my head as a reminder to shut down negative self-talk.

You know, we all do it to ourselves. "I'm never going to be able to do ___", "I give up", "This is too hard", "Why can't I be like ___?" MILLIONS of negative self-talk phrases can ping through your brain on a daily basis! The impact of which can cause anxiety, depression, and feeling lack of control.

But, you know what? You can control it. Shifting your mindset to be more positive can drastically change a moment, a situation, or your entire day.

I recently went for an outdoor run. Not my all-time favorite activity, but I do enjoy running events with my friends, especially when there is beer at the finish line, AND the time alone when doing training runs. (Remember, I'm a mom to 3 boys!) So, I have to lace up my running shoes, twist my earbuds in (seriously, though...these Yurbuds are THE. BEST ) and get out there to train so I don't die on the course for the events I enter. Often, when I run, I find I tell myself things like "I'm breathing too hard," "my damn toe hurts again," "I have to slow down," "I have to stop," "I suck at this running shit." All of this negative talk inside my own head. All of it slowing me down. Weighing me down. Controlling what my body does.

I decided that for this particular run I would really focus on having a positive mindset. I tuned my internal stereo into "The Positive Mindset" channel, logged into my Spotify playlist sprinkled with inspirational Christian songs as well as upbeat songs from my past that make me happy ("Ice, Ice, Baby" by Vanilla Ice, anyone?), and got to it. I repeated over and over and OVER the following: "I'm strong," "I can do this." "He will carry me." "I've got this." "I'm alive." I also used imagery to help fuel me. I imagined seeing myself running fast and strong. Oh, those negative thoughts did try to creep in every once in awhile, but since I had awareness that I wasn't going to let them get to me, I shut them down. It was pretty amazing how well this worked for me. I ran my fastest 5K EVER and I didn't even feel like dying!

So for me, for this specific activity, I found the truth of "the body achieves what the mind believes."

This thought process doesn't have to apply only to athletics. It can apply to all different aspects of your life. For example, are you trying to hit a goal in your business? Do you tell yourself "I'm going to do it!"? Can you picture yourself meeting your goal? Can you imagine the emotions you will experience?

Engaging in a positive mindset can help fuel you. Your BELIEF in yourself, your capabilities, can become your reality!

What about the feelings and thoughts you experience when you wake up in the morning? Are you likely to tell yourself "today is going to suck" or "I wish I didn't have to work today"? What if, instead, you wake up saying "today is going to be a great day!" and "I'm so grateful to have a good job."

I highly recommend trying to shift your mindset the next time you feel yourself listening to the negative chatter inside yourself. Whether it be during a certain activity, athletic endeavor, or just a moment in time.

Try the following:

1. Bring awareness to your thoughts. Identify your negative mindset.

2. Think of a phrase that works for you that can help shift your mindset. Examples are "I will do this." "I am amazing." "I am capable."

3. Close your eyes for a moment, take a couple deep breaths, and imagine yourself in a positive mood. You see a content look on your face, you can imagine how your body feels when it is in a positive state. You like how you feel.

Try it. Tell me what you think.

My other must-have running items I am wearing in above photo:

** Flip belt - awesome, comfy belt that slips onto your waist and can hold your phone, energy gels, ID, money, etc...

** Scunci headband visor - holds my hair out of my face and collects sweat. Ponytail slit in the back. Also very comfy.

** Zensah compression leg sleeves - these are FUNKY COOL and have really helped my legs during and after my runs. I used to get nasty shin splints and calf cramping after longer runs, but after I started wearing these guys my legs have been so happy!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Please understand that I have experienced all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.