A mindset is a person’s established rules, attitudes, and world views. A person’s mindset matters because it supports sound [decision-making](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/decision-making-styles) and determines a point of view. Successful people rely on a [positive outlook](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-shift-your-perspective-to-have-a-positive-outlook) that prioritizes [mental health](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health) and [self-improvement](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-work-on-yourself). Positive mindsets allow you to step outside your comfort zone and navigate challenging situations.

Negative mindsets, however, are pessimistic: They feed into [self-doubt](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-doubt) and [negative thoughts](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cognitive-distortions). Understanding why your mood changes from time to time and how to control it aids with [positive thinking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-thinking) and personal growth. There are many ways to establish a positive mindset—from getting exercise to journaling periodically—and doing so can beneficially change your life, outlook, and trajectory.
It is possible to change your mindset from a negative to a positive one or vice versa. Fixed mindsets can be dangerous as they inhibit growth. People often want a mindset change when stuck in a rut, learning new skills, or dealing with negative self-talk. These shifts are a series of small steps that require patience, and instating healthy habits and a new mindset can help foster [optimism](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/optimism) and a [growth mindset](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained). 

Mindsets can also slip from positive to negative ones. This can happen when a person has challenges at home or work or is experiencing depression, anxiety, or self-doubt. You may think bad things and long for more brightness and excitement. Consider [therapy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-to-expect-from-therapy), and assess your habits and lifestyle to deduce what gives you joy and causes stress.
Mindset shifts happen over time. Everyone has a unique perspective, experience, and situation, so you cannot easily gauge how long it will take for each person’s mindset to change. New habits and lifestyle changes inform mindsets; generally, [building habits](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-habit) can take a few weeks or months. 

Revisit and reframe your mindset to check your mood and what you’ve learned through your experiences. Track and take pride in your growth: little steps, fresh feelings, and reflective journaling illuminate a way forward to solidify a new way of [thinking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-thinking) outside your comfort zone.
To improve your mindset, try these activities:

1. __Embrace change__. Changing your mindset may mean [making new friends](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-friends), leaving a job, or moving to a new area. This can be logistically complex, but if you embrace it, you can come out on the other side stronger and healthier than before.
2. __Set goals__. A healthy mindset can make [goals](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/setting-goals) more attainable, so write out what you want so you can see it in print and act to work toward it. Break down your goals into smaller, accomplished steps, so you set yourself up for success.
3. __Surround yourself with positive people__. Friends and family who think positively will prove necessary in changing your mindset. If negative people surround you, their habits will rub off on you and make self-improvement more challenging.
4. __Take walks__. A good walk can clear your head, put things in perspective, and give you some easy exercise. Daily exercise can help you think more clearly and release [endorphins](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/endorphins-explained) to uplift your mood.
5. __Talk out your feelings__. Changing a mindset can be hard work. Talk to a friend or therapist and express your feelings. Indulge in long phone calls with loved ones, or try [keeping a journal](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-and-keep-a-journal) to articulate how you feel.
Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.
Values and attitudes inform your mindset, guiding how you navigate problems and interactions with others. Learn how to change your mindset with a few techniques.

Values and attitudes inform your mindset, guiding how you navigate problems and interactions with others. Learn how to change your mindset with a few techniques.

How to Change Your Mindset: 5 Ways to Change Your Mindset

A mindset is a person’s established rules, attitudes, and world views. A person’s mindset matters because it supports sound <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/decision-making-styles' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/decision-making-styles","linkCopy":"decision-making","category":null}'>decision-making</a> and determines a point of view. Successful people rely on a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-shift-your-perspective-to-have-a-positive-outlook' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-shift-your-perspective-to-have-a-positive-outlook","linkCopy":"positive outlook","category":null}'>positive outlook</a> that prioritizes <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health","linkCopy":"mental health","category":null}'>mental health</a> and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-work-on-yourself' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-work-on-yourself","linkCopy":"self-improvement","category":null}'>self-improvement</a>. Positive mindsets allow you to step outside your comfort zone and navigate challenging situations.Negative mindsets, however, are pessimistic: They feed into <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-doubt' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-doubt","linkCopy":"self-doubt","category":null}'>self-doubt</a> and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cognitive-distortions' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cognitive-distortions","linkCopy":"negative thoughts","category":null}'>negative thoughts</a>. Understanding why your mood changes from time to time and how to control it aids with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-thinking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-thinking","linkCopy":"positive thinking","category":null}'>positive thinking</a> and personal growth. There are many ways to establish a positive mindset—from getting exercise to journaling periodically—and doing so can beneficially change your life, outlook, and trajectory.

What Is a Mindset?

It is possible to change your mindset from a negative to a positive one or vice versa. Fixed mindsets can be dangerous as they inhibit growth. People often want a mindset change when stuck in a rut, learning new skills, or dealing with negative self-talk. These shifts are a series of small steps that require patience, and instating healthy habits and a new mindset can help foster <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/optimism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/optimism","linkCopy":"optimism","category":null}'>optimism</a> and a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained","linkCopy":"growth mindset","category":null}'>growth mindset</a>. Mindsets can also slip from positive to negative ones. This can happen when a person has challenges at home or work or is experiencing depression, anxiety, or self-doubt. You may think bad things and long for more brightness and excitement. Consider <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-to-expect-from-therapy' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-to-expect-from-therapy","linkCopy":"therapy","category":null}'>therapy</a>, and assess your habits and lifestyle to deduce what gives you joy and causes stress.

Is It Possible to Change Your Mindset?

Mindset shifts happen over time. Everyone has a unique perspective, experience, and situation, so you cannot easily gauge how long it will take for each person’s mindset to change. New habits and lifestyle changes inform mindsets; generally, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-habit' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-habit","linkCopy":"building habits","category":null}'>building habits</a> can take a few weeks or months. Revisit and reframe your mindset to check your mood and what you’ve learned through your experiences. Track and take pride in your growth: little steps, fresh feelings, and reflective journaling illuminate a way forward to solidify a new way of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-thinking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-thinking","linkCopy":"thinking","category":null}'>thinking</a> outside your comfort zone.

How Long Does It Take to Change Your mindset?

To improve your mindset, try these activities:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Embrace change. Changing your mindset may mean <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-friends' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-friends","linkCopy":"making new friends","category":null}'>making new friends</a>, leaving a job, or moving to a new area. This can be logistically complex, but if you embrace it, you can come out on the other side stronger and healthier than before. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Set goals. A healthy mindset can make <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/setting-goals' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/setting-goals","linkCopy":"goals","category":null}'>goals</a> more attainable, so write out what you want so you can see it in print and act to work toward it. Break down your goals into smaller, accomplished steps, so you set yourself up for success. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Surround yourself with positive people. Friends and family who think positively will prove necessary in changing your mindset. If negative people surround you, their habits will rub off on you and make self-improvement more challenging. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Take walks. A good walk can clear your head, put things in perspective, and give you some easy exercise. Daily exercise can help you think more clearly and release <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/endorphins-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/endorphins-explained","linkCopy":"endorphins","category":null}'>endorphins</a> to uplift your mood. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Talk out your feelings. Changing a mindset can be hard work. Talk to a friend or therapist and express your feelings. Indulge in long phone calls with loved ones, or try <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-and-keep-a-journal' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-and-keep-a-journal","linkCopy":"keeping a journal","category":null}'>keeping a journal</a> to articulate how you feel. </li></ol>

How to Change Your Mindset: 5 Ways to Improve Mindset

Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.

You’re Worth It

Values and attitudes inform your mindset, guiding how you navigate problems and interactions with others. Learn how to change your mindset with a few techniques.

Values and attitudes inform your mindset, guiding how you navigate problems and interactions with others. Learn how to change your mindset with a few techniques.


Menu

Get 40% off All Memberships

Get 40% off All Memberships

Get 40% off All Memberships

How to Change Your Mindset: 5 Ways to Change Your Mindset