Your mindset is the first deciding factor in whether or not you'll actually achieve the success that you're looking for. This mindset can be negative or positive.

It's as simple and as complicated as that.

People who have negative attitudes look at the reasons why something can't be achieved, and these people are self-limiting when it comes to success. People with positive mindsets see the problems in a task and look for ways to adapt around or through the issue to develop a solution that works.

Mindset matters because with the right mindset, you'll be able to tap into the potential that you have for success. Everyone has this potential, but not everyone reaches for it. Those who do will experience personal and professional growth.

I want to help you on your path to success. Let's look at ways to keep a positive mindset.

1. Become aware of your thoughts

You may not even be aware that you have negative thoughts. It may be so ingrained in your everyday life that you would be shocked if you logged everything you thought.

Take a couple of days and purposely take notice of what you are thinking. What words or phrases pop into your mind as you go through your day?

By becoming aware of your thoughts, you will begin catching yourself when negative thoughts appear. Once you notice your negative thoughts, you will then have the power to change those thoughts. You will either stop the thought and remove it or restate it in a positive way. This is an ongoing process and often needs someone's help to mentor or coach you on how to work past negative thoughts. Becoming aware, however, is a huge step forward.

2. Remove yourself from negative people

Everyone encounters negative people even if they themselves are positive. Some people are just "Debbie Downers".  Do you remember the character in Winnie The Pooh named Eeyore? He naturally had a negative attitude about everything.

It's hard to feel motivated about anything when your head is full of negative messages. What happens is that you're fired up, ready to charge ahead with reaching success, when along comes someone who says that you don't have the talent, the knowledge, the money, the support or the courage to make it happen.

Before you know it, that negativity has seeped all the way into your inner mind and you find that the self-doubts are multiplying. You begin to believe they're right.

It's not a matter of whether or not you're going to encounter this negative response, but when. They may be family members saying they are just trying to help. It can be friends who, based on their experiences or fears, can't see anyone making it without a "real job."

If you really want to be a success, you have to remove yourself from negativity and negative people. If you don't, eventually, you will start to believe them. When this happens, you may give up but what I see more often is that they hold you back from the success you could have. 

"Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't go to for advice." -Dakota Meyer

Now, I know that it is not always possible to remove yourself from a negative person, especially if it is a spouse or close family member. This is why it is critical that you choose to surround yourself with positive people.

This can be a mentor or coach, a group of positive friends, or an accountability partner. The key is that you must have someone in your corner that you listen to who encourages you, who is your cheerleader, and who challenges you.

3. Get motivated through positive mindset tools

Our mindset can change our life. It can give us the success we crave by helping us stay motivated to reach our goals. Begin by being encouraged and motivated through books, speakers, and podcasts. These tools help you focus on having the right mindset for success. Just remember that becoming positive and removing negativity does not happen overnight. It is a journey that you take a step at a time.

You can easily get overwhelmed by all of the self-help and motivational information that's available.  One of the best ways to move forward in your search is to ask people that you look up to what they would recommend. This can be a mentor, coach, pastor, close friend, or a group that you are in online or in person. Doing this will make it easier to find the right fit for you and align with your values and beliefs.

Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

Zig Ziglar is down-to-earth, easy to listen to, and had accomplished so much. I am always ready to take on the world after listening to him. His expertise was in selling and motivation. 

Sandi Krakowski gives practical advice on creating a wildly successful business and personal life. As a person in business and wanting to succeed I cannot speak more highly of her. You will be motivated, inspired, and focused.

John C. Maxwell is filled with insights and stories. I have found myself at my destination sitting in the car not able to stop listening to him. He is known for personal development and leadership.

My wish for you is that you have the most successful and amazing life this year that will put you on a trajectory of intentional living this year and beyond.

The next step after mindset is to have a clear focus in mind for your goals. Sign up for our free Triumphant Goal Setting 5-day email course. In this course you'll learn to set goals and have a plan in place in bite-sized, achievable pieces. I'd love to celebrate with you and make 2021 the year of success.