New term, new you! Start the year with a positive mindset

Write it down

Take some time to think about, and note down, your strengths, skills and best traits. All too often we focus on those moments where things may not have gone so well and rarely on our own best bits. If you do find negative thoughts are getting in the way of your happy thoughts, write the negative ones down to get them out of you head and make room for the positive.

Learn from your mistakes

Let’s remember, nobody is perfect! For a positive mindset, it’s essential you learn from your mistakes. So, instead of focusing on how you failed, think about what you’re going to do next time – turn your mistake into a lesson. Recognise the learning and move on!

Surround yourself with positive people

If you really want to maintain a positive mindset in the classroom, those who surround you matter as they can have a huge impact on you, how you feel and you act. If you spend your time with people who are always complaining about everything; you may find you begin to act the same and your mindset will turn to negativity. Instead, you should look to surround yourself with positive people. Friends who are motivating, supportive and rarely complain about things. Positivity leads to more positivity!

Celebrate progress towards your goals, not just the completed goal

A new year prompts many of us to create a list of resolutions or goals; those things we’d like to achieve in the coming year. Do you find that you only ever celebrate when you’ve fully achieved one of your goals? Why not have more ‘mini-celebrations’ as you make progress towards completing the goal. Maybe think about it in this way – any progress you make is taking you closer to your goal than you’ve ever been before. Encourage your students to do the same, the small wins can be just as important as the big ones.

“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” — Zig Ziglar