Just as you would protect your valuable belongings with an insurance policy, it is just as important to protect your mindset. Your mindset is what allows you to see the beauty in life, keep a positive outlook, and stay motivated. Unfortunately, our minds are constantly under attack by a negativity bias, which is the tendency for our brains to pay more attention to negative experiences than positive ones. This can lead to feelings of discouragement and despair. However, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your mindset from these attacks. First, make a commitment to yourself to focus on the positive. This may mean making a conscious effort to find the silver lining in every situation or only spending time with people who make you feel good. Second, surround yourself with positive messages. Fill your home with inspiring artwork, quotes, and photos that remind you of your goals. Third, take care of your body. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and exercise, eat healthy foods, and avoid drugs and alcohol. By protecting your mindset, you will be better able to withstand the negative forces in your life and maintain a positive attitude. Mindfulness has become something of a buzzword in recent years, with everyone from Oprah to Tim Ferris extolling its virtues. But what exactly is mindfulness, and why should we care? Mindfulness is simply the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. That might sound easy enough, but in our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it can be surprisingly difficult to do. The good news is that mindful living has been shown to have a number of benefits, including reduced stress levels, improved focus and concentration, and increased feelings of well-being. So next time you find your mind wandering during a meeting or while you're supposed to be enjoying a sunset, take a deep breath and focus on the here and now. You just might be surprised at how good it feels.
