4 things that will upgrade your daily mindset
I haven’t always been a believer in having really spiffy undergarments, otherwise known as “bras and undies”. But as I get older, little things are impacting how I feel about myself, and that has become one of them. That idea has made me realize a few other ways I can amp up my mindset every day.
In William McRaven’s book, Make Your Bed-Little Things That Can Change Your Life And Maybe The World, a must read book in my opinion, the author contends that “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” I totally get that. It sounds absurd, but it’s all about tackling things right off the bat and checking them off your list.
What a great way to start the day, right? I love a good checkmark on a list. But there’s also that feeling of how a nicely made bed serves up value to YOU.
I raised my 4 millennial daughters to make their bed everyday, from the time they were barely strong enough to pull the sheets up. But as they got older, I wanted to challenge them to do it better and better. I let them choose a pretty throw pillow or two as the “icing on the cake”. I remember telling them to pay attention to how good it feels to get into a well made bed at night. “Who cares, no one will see it?” they would say in the beginning. Exactly. It’s not about anyone else but you.
Doing things just because they feel nice to you isn’t frivolous. It’s what we need to do more of to honor ourselves. There are a few similar things that fall in this category.
Bras and Undies
I realize that a certain group of people do this fairly well, but many of us don’t keep up with the whole “spiffy undies” game. Well, I’m here to tell you, it’s time we all did. Twice a year, go through your lingerie drawer and pitch anything that isn’t in excellent condition. Excellent, not just ok. No loose threads, no stretched out anything.
Of course, you need to have your restocking game plan in order, but the point is, you need to do this for yourself. Few things feel better than starting the day with a hot shower and having new, good quality, and even matching, undergarments. No one will see them throughout the day, (I’m guessing), but it feels great to YOU, and it’s one small thing that can start your day off with a lift to your spirit.
Back to the Bed
Buy the best sheets and pillows you can afford. You need sleep like you need oxygen, so give yourself every reason to make your bed your little piece of heaven. Make it with care, smoothing out all the wrinkles, so it’s there waiting for you at the end of the day, ready to pamper you.
Again, it’s something you are doing just for yourself. Nothing feels better and gets you in the right mindset for prayer, meditation, reading, or whatever your unwinding activity of choice is these days than a smooth, clean, well-made bed.
Pajama-rama
Maybe you wear sweatpants or shorts and a tank to bed because of course, they are super comfy. Makes sense. But in the last few years, pajamas have really upped their game and there are so many options that feel as cozy as your current favorite sleep attire. Doing some searching in department stores for a couple of sets of P.J’s is well worth your time. A cozy bed and soft new jammies are a great way to set yourself up for a night of deep, satisfying sleep. What better way to honor yourself?
Don’t Always Be Bargain Shopping
Some stuff that we used to over-analyze the price of, may need to fall into your “I’ll pay whatever, I want this” category. And you know what? That’s just fine. Obviously, most of us can’t put everything in that category, but deciding what your top 3-5 things are that you’re no longer going to skimp on, will identify what means enough to you to look the other way and make you and your positive mindset a priority. In researching this with readers, here are just a few:
Undies, socks, coffee, sheets, moisturizer, shampoo, hair care, wine, and towels. If you can’t do all of your top 5, for goodness sake, start with 1 and then go down the list. You’d be surprised what these little things can do to make you feel special every day.
Honestly, we can probably think of 50 little splurges that make us feel like a million bucks. The problem is that we just do them occasionally as a treat, but don’t make them new habits. The reality is that the number one thing that influences our productivity is our mindset-more so than even our available time and our personal circumstances. And we know that when we “feel productive” we can make positive changes and stay committed to our goals.
Bottom line; Consider those spiffy undies and that gourmet coffee in your pantry an investment in your amazing future self, and do whatever it takes to make them a part of your daily life. Your happiness and those good vibrations make them worth it, and it will pay off in big ways.
🎉 P.S. Why not start a new morning routine in Midlife! Daily Gratitude Journaling and Meditating with your coffee is a
great way to start the day!