Cultivating a Positive Mindset on the Farm or Ranch

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For the most part, the agriculture community does its best to remain positive, even in the hardest of times. Every day we are faced with difficult decisions, piling work, political games, and an unpredictable economy. It helps as we enter into summer and we all get a little extra sunshine to see things through rose-colored glasses but there are even better reasons to keep a positive mindset; it can improve your physical & mental health.?

Researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress. Another possibility is that hope and positivity help people make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. Studies also find that negative emotions can weaken immune responses. There is definitely a strong link between “positivity” and health. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions—including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumors.

Don’t worry—this isn’t about the kind of positive thinking that is all positive, all the time. I can't claim that just “thinking happy thoughts” will bring you all the success you desire in life, and I certainly don’t believe that optimism is warranted in every situation, every minute of the day. Developing the right thoughts is not about being constantly happy or cheerful, and it’s not about ignoring anything negative or unpleasant in your life either. It’s about incorporating both the positive and negative into your perspective and choosing to still be generally optimistic.

Tip of the Week: Cultivate a Positive Mindset

A quick Google search on how to cultivate a more positive mindset, and you’ll see that there are tons of suggestions out there! I’ve gathered a few of the most popular and evidence-based methods here, but don’t hesitate to search for more if you need them.

• Positive Affirmations. Start your day with positive affirmations like; “Today I am rising above the thoughts trying to bring me down.”
• Find the Good. Decide to be happy and be grateful. Assume the people around you have the best of intentions.
• Challenge Yourself. Maintain a positive attitude when something goes wrong—show the world how resilient and positive you are!

Looking for a new book to read??

I recommend Mindset by ?Dr. Carol Dweck. After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset — those who believe that abilities are fixed — are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset — those who believe that abilities can be developed.

You can learn more about the book here: https://www.mindsetworks.com/default

“Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.”?

― Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success