5 Goals to set for a More Positive Mindset in 2021

Almost all of us are ready to be in the new year.

However, many of us also go into 2021, thinking that this year will automatically be better than the last. And as much as I wish that were true, it could not be farther away from reality. We can only change the outcome of this upcoming year if we take action. Personally, I’ve set some simple, achievable goals that you won’t completely ditch by the end of the month. Perhaps this can give you inspiration of what you want to do this year.

1. Write down one thing I’m grateful for everyday: starting January 1st and ending December 31st, every day I’m going to write down one thing I’m thankful for. It can be anything: the clothes on your back, the nice weather outside, the fact that your bed is made. Day by day, these little things add up, and at the end of the year I’ll see the plethora of great things that have happened to me in the past year. This is a fantastic way to make anyone a more positive person; having a positive mindset leads to a more motivated person.
2. Stop holding on to grudges from the past: in 2020, I realized that holding on to a past grudge is useless, it only harms yourself. To be quite frank, those you hold a grudge against could not care less about how you’re feeling, I can back that statement up myself. It’s time to free yourself from the chains of resentment; those chains hold you back from your full potential. The goal is to make 2021 YOUR year, so why spend it thinking about someone who has caused you pain, anger, or troubles?
3. Listen to what others have to say: although this may sound odd, but think about the times you’ve ranted to a friend, when maybe they were having a bad day themselves too. As a society, we’ve lost too many people because they never gave a hint as to how they felt. To make other people open up, you have to listen. Listen to their problems, and just listen. When they calm down, you can offer them help and advice, if needed. By listening to other people, not only do you gain someone’s trust, you also gain compassion and understanding. Understanding others is building your wisdom, making you a stronger person.
4. Say “thank you” more often: this is a problem I particularly struggle with. Although I am grateful, I have troubles saying “thank you”, or “I really appreciate it” when it comes to gifts, a favor, etc. To me, saying thanks is being vulnerable. I know that this is far from the truth, but in a way a thanks is an indirect way of declaring love. Given the circumstances of the world, I think a little love is necessary, which is why I will make an effort to say “thank you” whenever it’s necessary. Being a more grateful person means that you are more satisfied with yourself and gets rid of negative feelings.
5. Be myself around those I don’t know: I have a tendency to not be my true self when I meet new people. I’m usually not as nice, a little uptight, and overall a slightly unpleasant person upon first impression. I’m young, and that may be the reason. However, being young does not automatically mean I can be rude, it’s quite the opposite. By respecting others, I am actually respecting myself by being the person I aspire to be. Being yourself is so important, it is a ray of sunshine in a dark world. Be yourself, it’s so rewarding.

Picture of sunset I found on the internet :)

So that’s it. My 5 mental goals for 2021. I’m not perfect, but I’m always striving to be the perfect version of myself. It may never come, but I know with these goals I will take action to becoming more perfect every single day. As I said in the beginning, you simply cannot hope that 2021 will be a better year. If you want this to be better, you have to take action and fulfill your goals, and that starts with a more positive mindset.