The best thing you can for your productivity is to start with a positive mindset.
Have you ever been productive when you were negative about things in your environment?
Probably not, right?
I personally found that it’s when I feel unstoppable that I accomplish the most things in life.
The problem is getting to that peak state frequently to have that feeling of being unstoppable.
Reaching that state and building momentum starts with finding sources of inspiration. Things that give you the power to change from any mindset to a positive one.
When you see the world in a bright light, things are clearer. The path to “success” is clearer and seems more achievable.
1. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals
Have you ever noticed how your mood is strongly affected by the people you surround yourself with?
It’s good to be around people with a positive mindset, but that’s not enough.
I have positive friends that think differently than I do. It’s not them that will find the words to uplift me, but someone who truly understands me.
Someone who has been through similar experiences, who is currently experiencing similar things, or who is having similar life goals.
I’m constantly reminding myself of this quote:
“You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn.
2. Invest in a mentor-mentee relationship
Ever since I discovered the importance of having mentors to jump ahead of the curve and learn better and faster, I’ve been seeking out good mentor-mentee relationships.
A lot of articles mention having mentors has a key to “success”. I’d say this is just one piece of that key.
Be a mentor yourself.
There’s nothing more uplifting than doing your best to help someone else.
Until this week, I had never given any thought about being a mentor myself. Yet a new friend started calling me his mentor. I was definitely humbled by that. Helping him and hopefully making a positive impact in his life uplifts me to new heights.
And you don’t need to feel like you’re exceptional to mentor someone. All of us have been through hardships that made us stronger. Mentoring someone is about telling your lessons learned in hopes the other person avoids such hardship.
3. Read Biographies Near The End-of-Day
Do you read biographies?
These are probably my favourite types of books personally.
There’s something about reading about someone you idolize and seeing that, just like you, they’re not perfect.
I like reading that I have similar thoughts or habits as Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk for example. I like to read that I like the same food as Winston Churchill or grew up in similar situations as Angelina Jolie, Kanye West or Barack Obama.
To me, it gives me hope that I can achieve more, like them.
Reading it near the end of the day lets your subconscious be inspired by their stories. You wake up uplifted the next morning.
4. Listen To Uplifting Music
This one means something different for everyone.
For me, it’s all about French Horn, with a mix of violin, flute, and guitar. And bagpipes, because why not!
My favourite composers are Hans Zimmer, Thomas Bergerson, and Antti Martikainen, all of which compose “epic” music.
I read one day that some people are strongly affected by music and get goosebumps when they listen to music they like. I’m one of those people, and maybe you are too.
When that happens, I feel unstoppable, and immediately go into flow state.
I do it for work, but sometimes before going to bed too. Though it’s hard to fall asleep in flow state!
5. Watch Motivational Videos
There are millions of motivational videos out there.
If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed, by US Navy Admiral William McRaven is one that really works for me.
If you need uplifting, watch one or two a day.
But just be careful though, they can be quite addicting.
Watch, get inspired, then start achieving your own goals.
6. Read Inspirational Stories
I first started reading on Medium about a year ago. It is the stories of the people that got me addicted.
Much like reading biographies, you learn that you’re not alone in your hardships. But the difference here is that people on Medium are more approachable.
There are many writers here I can relate to and feel like I have a connection to them without necessarily having met them yet.
Reading about their struggles and vulnerabilities makes me feel alive, and then seeing where they are today and how they grew from hardships just lifts me up.
Conclusion
A positive mindset doesn’t last forever.
There are many things in life that work against you, and that will ultimately affect your mindset.
Recognize when that happens.
When you feel like you don’t achieve what you want to anymore, don’t despair. Remember that you can achieve much more by uplifting yourself. Continually.
You can do this!