How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Strategies for Nigerians

Life in Nigeria is surrounded by a mix of realities and happenings, and can be demanding. From the hustle and bustle of everyday life to balancing your aspirations and ambitions with reality, it is easy to get caught up in the drive and be clouded by it. 

What if I told you a solution that can help you navigate these challenges with more optimism and confidence? The secret weapon is called a Positive Mindset. 

A positive mindset is not just about neglecting the tough stuff. It is more about developing a mental attitude that allows you to see setbacks and challenges as opportunities, stepping stones, and lessons. This entails believing in yourself and your ability to overcome anything that comes your way. 

In this blog post, we are delving into practical strategies to help you cultivate a positive mindset and approach life’s challenges better as a Nigerian. So, come along. 

Understanding The Positive Mindset

There is an inherent negative bias in humans. Understanding this is the first of many phases in cultivating a more positive mindset and a brighter and healthier outlook. A negative mindset is a regular pattern of thinking that focuses on the negative aspects of oneself, life, and situations. 

It is characterised by negative bias, which means giving undeserved weight to negative experiences and information, leading to a lack of motivation, discouragement, and self-doubt. 

A negative mindset mainly stems from simply being humans and, sometimes, our personal experiences. We all experience negative thoughts from time to time, but when they become endless and critical, they may begin to hinder our progress and well-being. A negative mindset can play out in several ways, such as: 

• fueling self-doubt and limiting beliefs
• mental filtering
• over-generalisation 
• jumping into conclusions
• sabotaging relationships 
• heightening stress and anxiety 
• hindering one’s ability to learn and grow 

This kind of mindset is consuming, and it can hold you back from achieving your goals. Being mindful of a negative mindset is crucial to effectively combating it. 

A positive mindset on the profitable end is not just rose-tinted glasses. It is a deliberate cultivation of thoughts, actions, and habits that nourishes your confidence, resilience, and belief in your potential. It doesn’t always translate to simply smiling and looking cheerful. 

Positivity is more about the overall mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the brighter side of things and expects positive results. A positive mindset can help you turn experiences around for your greater good. So, below are some strategies for cultivating a positive mindset.

Read also: Effective Communication Strategies for Teenagers and Young Adults

Strategies for Cultivating a Positive Mindset 

1. Focus on solutions, not problems

It is wrong if this seems impossible to you. When you dwell too much on your problems, it drains your energy, slows down your progress, and makes more negativity come alive. Instead, consciously shift your focus to solutions. 

Ask questions such as “What can I learn from this situation?” and “What steps can I take to overcome this challenge?” These proactive approaches can empower you to navigate obstacles and pave your path to success.

2. Practice gratitude

I present to you a rich tool for enabling a positive mindset: Genuine Gratitude. When you are genuinely thankful for the things you have and possess, trust that it shifts your focus from lack to the abundance surrounding you. Though this may appear as a not-so-easy attitude to life, it is powerful.

You can begin with a gratitude journal where you write down at most three things you are grateful for daily. This simple strategy can rewire your brain and shift your perspective always to appreciate and pay close attention to the positive parts of your life. 

Read also: How to Improve Your Mental Health With 9 Simple Steps

3. Subject negative thoughts

There is an inner critic in everyone. Another strategy for a positive mindset is to question those inner thoughts of doubts and subject them to more realistic and positive ones. Negative thoughts come, but they shouldn’t control your mindset. Challenge these thoughts when you think negatively and tame them with positive, empowering affirmations. 

Instead of “I can’t..”, say, “I am growing, learning, and I can”. Seek to know if the negative thoughts are based on truths or assumptions because they can be illogical and are best replaced with better and positive ones. Remember, your words shape your reality. 

4. Surround yourself with positivity

Positivity is contagious. The company you keep primarily impacts your viewpoint. You can also develop a positive mindset by surrounding yourself with individuals who inspire, uplift, and encourage you. 

Connect with like-minded individuals who believe in you and your dreams. Their optimism can beam and produce a fertile ground for your positive mindset to blossom. Embrace positive influences such as inspirational books, motivational podcasts, pursuing a hobby, and volunteering. 

Insight. ng’s Whatsapp community is a perfect example of one with positive and growth-minded people. It’s exactly what you need. Join us now.

5. Embrace self-care

Your body and mind are interconnected. You need to keep them healthy and nourished to keep the wrong things off your mind. So, you can develop a positive mindset by engaging in activities that support your mental and physical well-being, such as making time for events that bring you joy and fulfilment. 

Good nutrition, restful sleep, and exercise can boost your spirit and birth a resilient and stronger you. 

6. Develop a growth mindset and practise mindfulness

Developing a growth mindset will help you see barriers as learning opportunities and failures as lessons to better approach situations with persistence and grace. Treat yourself with some kindness as you do with others. A growth mindset ensures that you don’t see yourself as small and you don’t stay small. 

Mindfulness also helps you become aware of your emotions and thoughts without getting consumed by them.

It is the act of being fully present in the moment without judgment. Mindful practices such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can reduce anxiety, negativity, and stress, stimulating a more positive mindset. 

Read also: Morning Routines to Start a Healthy Day

7. Set realistic goals

We get disappointed and unmotivated when our plans fall through. Many times, it is because we do not set goals that are realistic and achievable. Setting goals and achieving them is a notable driver of a positive mindset. 

Your confidence and sense of accomplishment are boosted when you set and accomplish your goals, no matter how small they appear. 

As these strategies provide actionable insights and directions to developing a positive mindset, it is essential to remember that challenges and setbacks may arise. Still, with a positive mindset, you are better equipped to face them. 

So, how do you maintain a positive mindset over the long term?

• Stay truly committed, be intentional, and always remember your why. 
• Monitor your progress
• Share positivity always. 
• Always adjust as needed. 

Conclusion 

Cultivating a positive mindset is a decision that can transform your life profoundly. It is continuous and not a one-time practice. Continually and intentionally enforcing these strategies will furnish you with the right tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater hope and stability in a country like Nigeria and everywhere else. I encourage you to begin the conscious journey today. Choose positivity and empower a prosperous future you truly deserve. 

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Edited by Oluwanifemi Akintomide.

About Author

Oluwapelumi Eweje

Oluwapelumi is a young, vibrant, and experienced creative content writer, product designer, freelancer and diplomat.

She’s passionate about words, and their usage to make utmost meaning to every audience. She’s an author of several blog posts and articles in the Personal Development, Business, Health, and Travel fields on Medium and a devoted lover of God.

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