Mindset Shifts vs. Positive Thinking
We’ve all heard the advice:
“Just think positive!”
And while the intention might be good, the reality is—when you’re anxious, burnt out, or doubting yourself, forcing positivity can feel invalidating at best, and harmful at worst.
In coaching, we don’t bypass your experience—we build tools to shift your mindset in real, sustainable ways. So if positive thinking has ever left you feeling like you’re doing something wrong, this post is for you.
What’s Wrong With “Just Think Positive”?
Here’s the thing: your brain is wired to protect you.
That means it scans for risk, problems, and potential pain. This is normal—it’s survival. So when we try to override that wiring with blind optimism, we often end up ignoring or suppressing what we’re actually feeling.
That’s not mindset work.
That’s emotional bypassing.
Instead of jumping straight to positivity, mindset work should help you:
Understand the beliefs underneath your thoughts
Acknowledge your emotional reality
Gently reframe limiting beliefs in a way that feels grounded and true
So, What Actually Works?
Let’s walk through three mindset practices I use with clients that don’t involve pretending everything is fine.
1. Name the Thought, Don’t Become the Thought
Instead of “I’m a failure,” try “I’m having a thought that I’ve failed.”
This small shift creates space between you and the thought—so it loses power. From there, you can decide what to believe.
How to apply:
What’s one thought you’ve been having lately that’s felt heavy or harsh? Try rephrasing it with “I’m noticing the thought that…”
2. Ask: Is This Helpful or True—or Just Familiar?
Many of our beliefs are not facts—they’re habits.
They’ve been reinforced over time, often without us realizing it.
Try asking:
Is this belief helpful right now?
Is this the only truth available?
Where did I learn this belief?
From there, you can decide whether to keep it, shift it, or replace it.
3. Choose a Thought That’s Believable, Not Just “Positive”
I cannot stress this enough! Instead of jumping from “I’m stuck” to “Everything is amazing,”
try something like:
“I’m figuring it out.”
“I’m open to progress, even if it’s small.”
“I can handle what comes next.”
The goal is to create a mindset that supports you through discomfort—not one that denies it.
Your Mindset Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect. Just Supportive.
You don’t have to think positively all the time.
You just need a mindset that helps you move—even if it’s slowly.
That’s what real growth looks like: honest, flexible, and compassionate.
Want Help With Your Mindset Work?
If this post resonated, you might love working with me.
Together, we can uncover the beliefs holding you back—and build the tools that help you shift, gently and effectively.
