I wanted to share with you a simple mindset hack I was reminded of recently.
But first, we’ll tackle:
- What is a mindset hack?
- Why do I need one?
What is a mindset hack?
One helpful way to think about mindset hacks is this: Mindset hacks are cognitive strategies designed to reframe thoughts, increase productivity, and foster resilience. Key techniques include asking empowering questions (e.g., “What can I learn?”), practicing gratitude, viewing failures as data, and utilizing a growth mindset to embrace challenges over comfort.
Many people have written their versions of them. They can get somewhat involved. My solution is pretty simple.
Why would I need a mindset hack?
Simply put, we tend to let our negative thoughts get in our own way. This is easy to do as a human living in a fallen world.
The state of the world being largely a raging dumpster fire, doesn’t really help. I need not attempt to list some of the many tragedies and injustices we learn about every day. You can fill in the blanks.
Our fears, insecurities, and concerns about outcomes cloud our judgment.
Therefore, we might not be in a good mental space to tackle important tasks, meetings, and conversations. Thus, the need for a mindset hack.
The simplest mindset hack
I’ll tip my hand here and admit that I prefer to have a lighthearted approach to as many things as possible. It helps me see the humor in otherwise difficult situations and come across as one who adds fun to a situation.
I’m not saying I do that as much as I want. That is simply my preference.
The trick I learned from a video, which comes from a YouTube channel I really appreciate, Charisma on Command, is this simple tip:
When you’re about to embark on something important, whether it’s a social situation, job interview, important meeting or what have you, watch, listen to or read something you know will make you laugh.
The simple act of laughing changes your mindset into a lighter one. One that is ready to face any situation with more humor than you might otherwise.
For example, I was dreading a Monday recently because of a huge to-do list and a lot of unknowns in the projects I had due. I decided to re-watch a short video with farts as the punchline.
Yes, I find fart jokes hilarious. I’m not afraid to admit it.
By starting my workday with a belly laugh, I was able to dive into my tasks in an optimistic and good-natured mindset.
It’s that simple.
A reverse mindset hack
The opposite approach, which is one I am too often guilty of, is to pay no mind to the media I consume right before an important meeting.
If I read depressing news first, that energy will likely translate into the next thing I do.
If you focus on what will go wrong, or tell yourself you’re not qualified, that will steer your mindset in the wrong direction.
Will you try this mindset hack?
I hope you will, because it has the power to make a huge difference in outcomes. Countless “self-help” gurus have shared similarly–your thoughts impact what actually happens.
I hope this helps. Now go out and find a funny video to make you laugh out loud. It doesn’t even have to be a fart video, but I would approve of that!
Share something that makes you laugh in the comments.
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