Positivity and productivity are closely linked. Those with a positive mindset tend to have more energy, less stress, stronger problem-solving skills, and better connections with those around them — all things that support productivity. It’s understandable that we can’t be positive 100% of the time, but it’s important to regularly check in with your mindset and see where you’re at, especially if you want to work efficiently. Here are a few strategies that can help to cultivate a more positive mindset, and in turn, give your productivity a boost:
Gratitude
Regularly reminding yourself of the things you’re grateful for is a smart strategy to cultivate positivity. You’ve likely heard of a gratitude practice where you take a moment each day to write down a few things that you’re thankful for. This is a great habit to adopt, and it’s especially beneficial when done in the mornings. It will help you show up to the office with your mind on things that make you happy. In addition to keeping your own log of thing things you appreciate, it’s equally important to express that gratitude. Check in with how you engage in the office. It’s easy to get complacent and take things for granted from time to time, but when we notice the helpful actions of our coworkers or patient assistance from a manager, taking just a couple seconds to say thank you can really change the dynamic.
Community
The people you spend time with play a large role in your mindset. This can be both in and out of work. For those spending 40 hours a week with coworkers in an office though, it’s important to consider the energy at play in that community. If there are those coworkers who always seem consumed with something negative, be cautious of how much time you spend interacting with them. Consider how you spend your lunch breaks and the types of conversations you’re having in the workplace. Strive to connect with those coworkers who are generally happy in the office, who are motivated to do their best work, and who care about the work culture they’re a part of. The community you have outside of the office can contribute to your success there as well. Focus on the mindsets of the people you spend your time with, and set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with positivity.
Notice
It’s little things like complaining, criticizing, and judging that can rapidly erode positivity. While, of course, when directed outward, these can create a negative environment, they can also do a great deal of harm just going on inside our minds. We may be thinking them about a coworker, or even more often, about ourselves. The best thing you can do to combat this is to cultivate some awareness. Just by tuning in to your thoughts more closely and being on the lookout for the negative ones that may creep in, you can help maintain a more positive mindset.
Boundaries
Another strategy many professionals can benefit from is setting and maintaining boundaries around their work and personal lives. It can be tough to stay positive when you bring your work home with you every day. Many people will begin to resent their jobs, feeling like their personal lives are suffering as a result of their work. When you put yourself in this type of situation, you make it difficult to maintain that positive outlook. Give yourself some clear boundaries like, for example, not checking work emails after a certain time. These can preserve your positivity both in and out of work.
Goals
Finally, stay in touch with your goals. If you slip into that place where you’re just going through the motions, positivity, and, in turn, productivity, will likely decline. On the flip side, when you give yourself new challenges to tackle and achievements to strive towards, you bring a different level of energy to your work. The rewarding feeling of accomplishment fuels a positive mindset that makes us feel more fulfilled by the work we’re doing.
Though it may seem like a simple connection, when you tune into the relationship between positivity and productivity, you can really change the way you work. Cultivating and maintaining a positive mindset can take work at times, but it’s always worth the effort. Do you have any strategies for staying positive in the workplace? Share them with us.