Learning how to shift your mindset to create a more positive, optimistic attitude can play a huge role in creating success.  Erin Stern shares how to incorporate this into your daily routine.

You have heard the phrase “fake it until you make it”, and I think it can help when improving your mindset and self-esteem. By taking a few minutes out per day to repeat simple mantras, visualize your goals, reframe your current situation, and define your strengths, you’d be surprised at the changes you can make. 

There seems to be so much information out there about self-improvement. It can seem complicated at times. But the mind should be trained like your muscles – with careful and clear repetition, and the end goal in mind. To make things easier, here’s a quick cheat sheet of tips that you can use throughout the week. Let’s dive right in!
 

Create a Mantra and Repeat

Let’s start the week off right! Choose 3 mantras to repeat 10x upon waking. Be sure to choose mantras that are present tense, positive, and direct. “I am” mantras are incredibly powerful! Some examples include:

I am enough.

I am worthy.

I am successful.
 

Visualize Your Success

Upon waking, visualize your main goal. See yourself accomplish it in full detail. The more detail the better! Everything on earth was created twice – once in someone’s head, and once with someone’s hands. Dream it first, and you will do it. 

 

Mix Up Your Routine

Whatever you’re training today, start out with your least favorite exercise for that muscle group. Follow it up with your favorite. If you’ve been in a routine for a while, reverse the order of the exercises. Don’t forget your PEAK ATP 30 minutes before training, as it can help with getting more quality reps and volume!

 

Reframe Your Thoughts

Some of us are in the process of dieting. Dieting denotes scarcity. Some of us are working, training, and balancing schedules. A time shortage can also create thoughts of scarcity. Whatever you’re limiting within yourself, recognize it, and replace it with abundance. If it’s a diet, that burger will always be there.. if you want it, plan for it. If it’s a shortage of time, rearrange your schedule or drop unnecessary tasks. There is always plenty when we think in terms of abundance. 

 

Utilize Your Senses

Practice eating with mindfulness. Today, notice the smell, texture, variation of colors, and benefits of each food. Take one bite at a time and truly savor it. Picture each bite fueling your muscles and giving you energy. 

 

Appreciate Yourself

Choose 3 of your favorite traits when you look in the mirror. This can be anything from your dazzling smile to your sweeping quads to your curly hair. Write them down on a piece of paper. Anytime you glance in the mirror today, acknowledge these traits first. 
 

Define What Strength Means

Take a moment and define what strength means to you. Is it being able to squat your body weight? Is it standing tall in the face of a challenge? Is it venturing to the free weight area, when you’ve only ever done cardio? Strength takes many forms. It ultimately is the definition you give it. Write it down. If you’re not there yet, write down a quick plan to get there. 

There you have it: small things you can do every day to improve your self-esteem, mindset, and your life! Thank you for reading! Until next time, train hard, y’all!

  Erin Stern, 2x Ms. Figure Olympia | TEAM PEAK athlete