The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new. – Socrates

At some point in your life, you might feel like things aren’t going the way you want. This probably means that it’s time to change your perspective in order to change your life. While this sounds like a big task, it’s really about adjusting your mindset to focus on what you hope to achieve. With a few small changes, you can do this!

Form an action-based perspective.

Look for ways to act and make a change in your life. Instead of dwelling on things that you can’t change or simply hoping that things will work out, make an action plan! Do things that move you toward your life goals.

Get yourself out of a rut by adjusting your mindset.

If you feel like you’re beating yourself over the head with the same thought processes, then it’s time to ask yourself different questions! Try answering a few of these to help you shift your perspective

• What do I want to accomplish?
• What’s my next best move?
• Is there anything I can do about this right now?
• What can I learn from this?
• What does a good outcome look like?

Ask yourself empowering questions.

It’s easy to fall into negative thinking by asking yourself questions that disempower you. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why can’t things go my way?” ask “What can I do to get the result that I want?” This puts you in control rather than being the victim.

Don’t spend your time focusing on things you can’t change

If you feel anxious or stressed, it might be because you’re focusing on things beyond your control. For a fresh perspective, think about all the things that you do have power over and put your energy toward those instead.

Recognize how you react to something and how it’s making you feel.

Sometimes, just stepping away from your immediate response and thinking about your state of mind can help you think clearly. Instead of constantly reacting or overreacting, remind yourself that you decide how you feel.

Look for the good in everyday situations to problem-solve. Many people also feel happier when they retrain their minds to notice the good. With a little practice, you can start noticing more and more things to be happy about, while you focus less on the problems or things you can’t control

Start becoming aware of your negative thoughts. We often get stuck thinking in patterns that hurt us by telling us we can’t do something or we don’t deserve what we want. To change your focus and perspective, look out for these keywords.

• “Always/never:” Thinking in absolutes can lead to inflexible thinking.
• “Everyone/no one:” Grouping other people together doesn’t reflect reality.
• “I can’t:” Don’t assume you can’t do something until you’ve tried on your own, tried with support from others, and tried again!

Journal or take up mindfulness practices like yoga. Engage in activities that encourage you to self-reflect regularly. A practice like journaling can help you take inventory of your thoughts, fears, and dreams. When you’re better in-touch with yourself, you’ll be able to project that inner focus and vision outwards to shape the life you want.

Be open to criticism and learning. People who are flexible in their thinking don’t take feedback personally. Think of criticism or feedback as a way to become a stronger person. By making changes in your everyday life, your brain can become stronger and less fixed.

• For example, if someone gives you feedback at work, instead of shutting them down and dismissing their concerns, thank them for the suggestions and implement them. Your work will be stronger and it will show that you’re open to learning.

Spark new ideas and creativity by limiting screen time. If it seems like your mind jumps from distraction to distraction, it might be because your brain is trained to seek out stimulation. Take a technological break for a few days and pay attention to the things you think about. You might feel more curious or aware of your surroundings. You might even feel more creative or interested in what’s around you. Try a few of these techniques to get you started:

• Schedule a time when you don’t use screens
• Turn off email and social media notifications
• Put your phone away so you’re not checking it
• Log out of your social media sites

Let your brain have time to wander so you spark creativity or curiosity. You might feel like you’re stuck thinking the same things over and over again or you might be struggling to find a solution to a problem. To get a different perspective, take a mental break and do something completely unrelated.