Learn How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Harness the Power of Positive Psychology:
A Positive Approach to Optimal Mental Health
As a counsellor specialising in men's mental health, I know firsthand how challenging it can be for men to talk about their struggles and seek help. Men often feel pressure to hide their emotions and put on a tough exterior, but this can lead to a cycle of isolation and negative thinking that can be difficult to break.
Fortunately, there are powerful tools and techniques that we men can use to overcome these challenges and develop a positive mindset. This post focuses on what I consider to be four foundational elements, these strategies come from the areas of positive psychology and growth mindset that can help us men improve our mental health and wellbeing.
Before diving into specific mental health advice for Men, let's review some of the key takeaways from recent research on positive psychology and growth mindset that I have come across:
Men who adopt a growth mindset are more resilient and better able to bounce back from setbacks.
Positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, can improve mental health and overall wellbeing.
Cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning in life can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction.
Developing strong social connections and a supportive community is crucial for mental health and wellbeing.
With these concepts in mind, let's explore four strategies that we men can use to develop a positive mindset and improve our mental health.
Strategies for Positive Mindset
Decide, then Focus
How much time & how much commitment are you willing to invest in your growth?
From my own personal experience, as well as the research and case studies that I’ve read, adopting a Growth Mindset helps men develop high levels of resilience, as we continue to build & strengthen this ability we find that overcoming challenges in the physical, mental and emotional areas of life, become easier to navigate and achieve.
Our perspective evolves and changes, instead of viewing our setbacks as failures, by upskilling our growth mindset, we see them as opportunities for reflection and learning. By focusing on developing our skills in self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence, we build confidence and a sense of mastery over our lives.
A practical first step that I offer to my clients, is to try setting goals for that are near to your edge. That place that starts to feel uncomfortable. The place where we may need to ask for support, for mentoring or collaboration.
Aim to make your goals, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timebound with Inspiration & Emotion.
We're going for wins whether they be small or big, however, it's not the endgame.
What we are really looking for is "How I can expand my world view?"
Growth comes at the edge.
I've included this simple downloadable SMERTIE Checklist
Find Your Meaning and Purpose
Without a doubt, from when I first started to look at cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning in my life, that was mine and not someone else's projection, I began to experience greater happiness and satisfaction with the life I am living.
Men who have a clear sense of purpose further strengthen their personal resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. It's part of our Recovery Capital.
To find your meaning and purpose, I invite you to take the time to consider your core values and beliefs, and how you can live in alignment with them? If this is something that you have never done before, consider doing some research and/or find a group, or a retreat that focuses on this topic.
Alternatively, you may
Try volunteering in an area you feel called to support.
Do a stock take on whether it is a meaningful career that gives you purpose.
Or is it cultivating and spending time with loved ones, deepening the human connection that lights you up?
Practice Gratitude
Research has shown that practising gratitude can have a powerful impact on our mental health and wellbeing. When we focus on the good things in our lives, we feel more positive emotions and experience less stress and anxiety. To cultivate a sense of gratitude, try keeping a daily gratitude journal where you write down three things you're thankful for each day. This can be as simple as enjoying a good cup of coffee or spending time with loved ones.
You can also plan to set up a routine within your family, whether this is with your partner, the children or the whole gang together. It’s such a simple exercise, yet allows everyone to experience being heard, connected to, and appreciative of what is collectively going on. In our household, it’s a simple 3 Things we are Grateful For. One person speaks and one person takes the turn of reflecting back what has been said.
The practice provides the space to hone your skills at deep listening. Listening from the place of "Us" Not just listening to the verbal, you listening to the emotions, energy, body language.
Remember, the person opposite you is a fully formed individual with their own history, experience, wisdom and perceptions. It is not your role to (Fix-Rescue-Advise or Project) the person, rather just listen deeply and empower them to be authentic and, where needed, vulnerable.
Build Social Connections
When I was at my lowest point with Clinical Depression and Acute Anxiety, it was the strong social connections and a supportive community that were crucial to my recovery. I know that I am not the only man who so often struggles with feeling isolated and disconnected, but building strong relationships does help combat these feelings.
The aim is to build social connections before you REALLY need them. Not only is it easier and more rewarding when we are in our happy place, it’s also an immense relief that when times may turn a shade darker there is already a support crew ready and waiting. There’s a good chance that as you read this, you can recall that time You were there and committed to helping out a brother.
If you are not already involved in collectives, or groups try a bit of research in your local area for like minded groups.
Here's a Hint: Look at your meaning and purpose and see who and what groups align with this. Where is the space I can be supported in my growth as I explore my purpose?
Thanks for taking the time to consider your own growth mindset. Our Mental health is a crucial component of our overall wellbeing, and us men often face unique challenges when it comes to seeking help and support. However, by adopting a positive mindset and focusing on personal growth, meaning, and social connections, we can improve our mental health and live happier, more fulfilling lives.
If you're struggling with mental health issues, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to support you.
If you’re curious as to what my work can do to support your self-awareness journey, make the most of my Free and Confidential Discovery Call.
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