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7 Small Mindset Shifts Every Man Needs To Make
by MindJournal - 5 mins
Let's be honest—modern life can feel like juggling chainsaws on a unicycle. You're expected to keep calm, smash goals, stay fit, be emotionally intelligent… and if you could meditate daily while hitting your protein target, that'd be lovely.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a total personality overhaul. Sometimes, it’s the small shifts in mindset that make the biggest difference.
Think of it like tweaking the steering wheel slightly—suddenly, you’re heading in a whole new direction. Here are 7 simple (but powerful) mindset shifts that can help you feel more grounded, more focused, and more like yourself again.
1. From: “I have to do this.” To: “I get to do this.”
Ever noticed how dragging yourself to the gym feels like torture, but playing footy with your mates doesn’t?
That shift in thinking—from obligation to opportunity—changes everything. You don’t have to journal, go for a run, or set goals. You get to do these things to become a happier, healthier version of yourself.
Try reframing the boring or tough stuff. Gratitude isn’t just fluff—it’s science. Studies show that practising gratitude improves mood and motivation.
2. From: “All or nothing.” To: “Just a little is enough.”
You don’t need to smash out a 90-minute workout. A 10-minute walk still counts. Didn’t write a full journal entry? A single sentence is progress.
This perfection-or-nothing thinking is a trap and it can cause us to burn out or give up.
Consistency over intensity, every time. Build momentum by lowering the bar—and then showing up anyway. See how you feel.
3. From: “I’m stuck.” To: “I’m learning.”
Feeling stuck doesn't mean you've 'failed'. It usually means you're on the edge of growth.
Instead of giving yourself a hard time, try asking: "What's this teaching me?"
Research shows that having a growth mindset—believing you can improve through effort—helps you lean into challenges and stay open to learning.
Setbacks aren't failures. They're feedback.
4. From: “I can’t be bothered.” To: “Future me will thank me.”
When motivation's MIA, remember this: your future self is counting on you. The one who wants to feel less anxious, more confident, and like he's got his sh*t together.
Whether it's laying your clothes out for tomorrow, putting your phone away at night, or journaling your thoughts—it's not about now; it's about who you're becoming.
Let the long-term you drive the short-term decisions.
5. From: “What will they think?” To: “What do I think?”
Too many of us make choices based on fear of judgment. Truth is, most people are too busy worrying about themselves to care what you're up to.
Your values, your standards, your voice—that's what matters.
Next time you hesitate, ask:
"If no one was watching, what would I do?"
It's your life. Live it your way.
6. From: “I’ll deal with it later.” To: “Let’s handle this now.”
Procrastination isn’t just about putting stuff off—it’s often a way of dodging discomfort.
But the stress of dragging stuff out? Way worse than just cracking on with it.
Whether it’s replying to that message, booking the appointment, or having the awkward conversation—rip the plaster off.
Quick wins build confidence.
The 2-minute rule works wonders here: if it takes less than 2 minutes, do it now.
7. From: “I’m doing this alone.” To: “I’m not the only one.”
It’s easy to feel like you're the only one going through it. But the truth? Most people are battling something you can’t see.
Opening up doesn’t make you weak. It makes you strong.
Start by being honest with yourself. Then, find your support system. Whether it’s a mate, a mentor, or a mental health professional, connection is the key.
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These aren’t massive changes. They’re tiny, intentional shifts in how you talk to yourself.
And over time? They stack up. They change how you see yourself—and how you show up in the world.
So if you’re feeling stuck, flat or off-track—don’t wait. Start with one small shift today.
Better yet, text a mate, take a walk, or journal how you’re feeling right now.
