Want to know the habits to create a joyful mindset? A joyful mindset can help you build resilience, grow your faith and help you become the most joyful version of yourself. The best part is that it’s not as hard as you think. This list of 10 habits for a joyful mindset will show you how.
____________________________________
Do you ever have those days when you just want to crawl back into bed instead of going to work? Or how about wanting to escape to a deserted island or maybe even just the bathroom to find a little peace?
Me too.
These are just a few examples of how running the rat race of life can get us down and discouraged and feeling like we’re not worthy of a joyful life. Some people even feel frustrated because their lives don’t look how society tells them it should look at this stage in their life.
Embracing a positive outlook regarding your life can make a huge difference and will greatly improve your joy and happiness. These 10 tips can be used in any aspect of life – faith, life or purpose – so start incorporating some of them and take some notes when you see a shift in your attitude.
Keep In Mind
Before we dive in, I just want to remind you that when starting any new habit to give yourself grace. You will not be perfect. There will be days when you don’t feel like doing your new habit and be aware of it so you can recognize the thought but commit to plow forward.
Secondly, start small. Too often we start our resolutions with such high enthusiasm and we bite off more than we can chew. It’s not long that we give up because the pace is just too hard to continue. So whatever change you want to make, start by taking very small steps.
Practice your new habit for 5 minutes each day and then add more time after you have mastered it for 5 min, 5 days straight.
Okay, let’s dive in…
10 Powerful Habits to Create a Joyful Mindset
Here are 10 powerful habits to create a joyful mindset. Of course, these are not the only ones but when you can master these you are well on your way to embracing more joy.
Habit #1
Recite positive affirmations. Sometimes we all need a little reminder that we ARE worthy and we DO deserve joy. Find a few affirmations that resonate with you and post them around your house where you’ll see them often. You can grab these affirmations here to get started.
Habit #2
Build a spiritual practice. Developing a spiritual practice where you are consistently spending time in prayer and connecting to God will greatly affect your outlook and give you more peace and joy. Prayer is simply a conversation between you and God and what you say does not matter as long as the focus is on God and growing closer to Him.
Habit #3
Surround yourself with positive people. Whether you notice it or not, we tend to mimic the people we spend a great deal of time with. This is why it is so important for us to surround ourselves with people who’s lives we respect and admire.
I visited a friend once, and I watched the way she gently spoke to her daughter and how she would stoop down to eye level whenever her daughter spoke to her. I thought “That’s the kind of mom, I want to be.” I found myself slightly doing the same thing when my kids spoke to me and I am grateful to that friend for being a wonderful example I can follow.
Habit #4
Examine your current beliefs and mindset. Our subconscious internalizes limiting beliefs, which in turn makes us feel less than worthy or joyful. Everyone encounters these limiting beliefs at some point; the key is to identify these beliefs (in all areas of your life and your faith), understand why they are blocking your joy, and turn these around into positive thinking that allows you to move forward.
Habit #5
Change your self-limiting beliefs and replace them with truth. It is so important to take your negative thoughts captive and replace them with the truth of God’s Words. The best way to do this is to write down the thoughts that are stealing your joy and then look up Bible verses that tell you the real truth about WHO you are!
Habit #6
What are you watching? Yes, it’s important to know what’s happening in the world but seeing and hearing the constant barrage of bad news on all the 24/7 news channels will certainly steal your joy. Be mindful of what you are watching on TV. Not just the news but also the regular movies and shows that we allow to enter our minds and hearts. Limit your news and negative shows and read inspiring books or listen to motivational podcasts if you want a more joyful outlook.
Habit #7
Practice gratitude. Gratitude journaling can be a game-changer for your joy. Finding gratitude every single day allows us to focus on the positive, which brings so much joy. Start choosing to pay attention to the things – big and small – that you have. There is always SO much to be grateful for if we pay attention.
Habit #8
Create a positive mindset morning routine. Instead of reaching for your phone the instant you open your eyes, consider starting a morning routine that brings positivity and motivation. Starting with prayer and quiet time with God will give your joy a tremendous boost. Read books or blogs like this one that builds your faith. If you want to take it a bit further, consider adding journaling to your morning routine. Starting your day off with prayer and focusing on positive thoughts and movement will motivate you as well as put you in a joyful mood, which can often carry throughout your day.
Habit #9
Find joy outside of work. If you never step away from the computer and are consumed constantly with work, you’re headed toward burnout. Live in the moment with your family and friends. Banish work talk from the dinner table. Find a new hobby. Walk on nature trails or along the beach. Reconnect with nature by planting a garden or doing yard work. You’ll feel motivated and happy after allowing yourself time to relax and regroup.
Habit #10
Take time to rest. Too often we are so busy doing our daily tasks, taking care of everyone that we forget to take care of ourselves. Taking time to rest goes a long way in helping us to stay joyful and productive. If you have a lot on your plate, rest is especially important. Carve out at least 10-15minutes in each day to sit quietly, breathe, pray and rest. You will feel so much more joyful and the people around you will benefit from a more relaxed and restful you.
Make It Stick
As you can see, there are no one size fits all to creating a joyful mindset. Simply pick one or two of these to start and give it a try. Remember to start small, be patient, and give yourself grace as you go. And pray. Pray and ask God to help you stick with your new habit.
Take your time implementing these tips and share them with your family and friends so they can cheer you on. If you’re ready to make some big changes in your life, it’s time to step out of your own way.
