Positivity is something we have to actively seek even when it isn’t easy. It is important to have a strategy to know how to shift from a negative place to a more positive one. This shift is known as a mindset shift because we can choose to voice our feelings, state our goals, and come up with a plan that is obtainable. You are literally shifting from a negative place to a positive one with a specific set of steps. A mindset shift can be used for a variety of reasons:

• You woke up in a funk

• You don’t feel like getting out of bed

• You are having a bad day where it feels like one thing after another

• You don’t want to work out

• You are dreading doing something

• You are struggling with motivation or procrastinating on a project

• You are completely overwhelmed

• You are cranky and no cup of coffee is helping

This post contains a quick video tutorial on how to do a mindset shift in any notebook or journal. You can also get some ideas of when to use a mindset shift from the informational slides that follow.

Everyone can use mindset shifts, I try to use them all the time inside and outside of my classroom. While I am a huge advocate for trying to shift to a place of positivity, I didn’t realize how badly I needed the journal work of mindset shifts until I became a mom. Parenthood is overwhelming. Being the person and part of the unit of persons for a little being that you are still figuring out is exhausting. There is a rush of emotions that happens with wanting to keep the new little one safe, wanting to take care of yourself and your partner, and adjusting to a new life routine. Even if the new addition isn’t your first, new moms (of any kind) can benefit from mindset shift work. This post is for the new moms that need to work themselves out of the funk, and all they have is a notebook and a pen or pencil.

When I became a mother, I knew that the most important person talking to me was myself. However, it became impossible at times to feel positive because I was tired, discouraged, or lost in all of the new information. All while trying to keep a tiny baby alive and not dread going to the restroom with my peri-bottles and larger-than-life pads. I am a firm believer that we are the mindset we make each day. While it was easy to find joy in newborn snuggles, I think everyone can use a journal to make the postpartum period of life a bit more joyous on the inside as well as the outside. Everyone kept telling my husband and me: “Trust me, it gets better.” I am here to tell you, yes it gets better, but you can also use mindset shifts along the way to help your own sanity until little one gives you that first long sleeping stretch at night.