How to rethink your mindset

In times of uncertainty, time demands that we let go of old approaches and re-think our mindset. For the most part - our mindset towards ourselves, others and life is the product of habitual ways of thinking.

To get different results, we have to rethink our thinking. This is not just a matter of positive thinking; it's about opening up our minds to the world and all its possibilities, it's about reconnecting with yourself by bringing yourself into stillness - then you'll have better capacity to change your thinking.

When you come to a junction, you take a moment to know whether to go left or right. In the same way, take a moment to turn your mind within and touch your inner stillness. In stillness, there's clarity and you'll know how to think differently. It's a matter of one second.

No matter how busy you are, practise stepping back and becoming centred in a second - even when you're busy. If you were thirsty whilst being very busy, you would still make time to drink some water, wouldn't you? So, through the day, find even one or two minutes to step back and connect with your inner peace.

Quality Thinking

Understand and discern the quality of your thoughts; this is a weak thought, this is a waste thought, this one is positive and this one is elevated. That's it. Weak and negative thoughts hold you back.

Be careful - think carefully!

"What we think about, we bring about!"

So, be sure to choose where you put your thoughts and attention.

Shifts in our thinking need to be made daily and sometimes by the minute!

What are you thinking throughout the day? Here are some of the ways to think differently to create a more positive mindset.

When you've finished a project or task.

• Don't think Phew! and stop.
• Re: think: What's next!

Don't get sucked into one project or ride on the feel-good factor that comes from something having gone well. Shift your focus on what you need to do next.

When someone irritates you.

• Don't think: Why is this person behaving like this? This one's always like this....they'll never change!
• Re: think: We're all different and we all have different roles to play. My job is to co-operate with others, not to have negative thoughts about them. Let me look at myself: What can I change or improve within myself?

Don't give up on others. Don't see the other person's weakness. See speciality and strengths. Appreciate others for what they do.

When something goes wrong.

• Don't think: Why did this happen?
• Re: think: How does this help me learn or grow?

Then you will feel whatever has happened is good, what is happening is better and what is to happen is even better. See what is to be learnt from the situation and also what you have learnt about yourself.

Thoughts about the past.

• Don't think: about all the things that should have or should not have happened, don't play over and re-live the past again and again.
• Re:think: Past is past.

Apply a full stop in one second.

Thoughts about the future

• Don't think: about everything that might go wrong, or worry about how things might turn out.
• Re:think: At the right time the right things will happen.

When you're not feeling confident about your capacity.

• Don't think: That's impossible! How can I do it? How will it happen?
• Re:think: I can do it! It will happen.

Dadi Janki is known as one of the world's wisest women with experience that stems from 72 years practice of meditation. At 93 years of age, Dadi Janki continues to travel globally inspiring people from the grassroots to government leaders. She refuses to set limits and boundaries as to what is achievable, and in so doing, inspires others to believe that they too can make the impossible, possible.