Your mind is the most powerful thing you have. It determines how you see the world, and really can determine what you can achieve.

Now, this is a subject I’ve read a great number of books on, all of which have taught me about our fascinating mind – as well as teaching me I still have much more to learn!

One thing I have discovered is that it is possible to change your mindset from a negative one to a positive one in a single moment, reversing what you’re thinking about and helping you see things differently.

Here’s an example of my own from the other day.

I was driving my car on my way to meet someone when I hit a traffic jam – a fairly common thing that could happen to any of us! Now, previously this would have set me off fuming, huffing and puffing knowing I needed to be somewhere and was going to be late. Sometimes, it could even turn to overwhelming blind panic as I’d worry what on earth I was I to do!

Now, as I felt those emotions rise, I realised there was actually nothing I could do about the traffic jam. All I had in my power was to call the person I was due to meet and explain the situation. Then, I could either feel fed up – or change what I was thinking about.

So, once I’d called the person, I took a moment to think about how I could pass the time. I had a few CDs in my car about personal development, as well as some of my favourite music. And just this action of thinking about what I could do in this time switched my mindset in an instant. I started to imagine I was at home and thought about all the positive things I was looking forward to. I listened to my affirmations and some inspirational CDs – and in that instant my mindset changed because I decided to change it.

Ultimately, it’s all about how you respond to situations that dictates how things work out. I could have let that traffic jam really affect my mood. I could have written the whole day off due to a ‘bad start’. But, by switching my mindset to think about positive things, I made myself believe this day was going to turn out great!

It’s a small trick, but it’s really important to take a little bit of time each day to consider how you’re reacting to a situation. And if you’re not reacting as well as you could, it really is possible to decide not to dwell on the situation and switch to visualising a great day – in just an instant.

As I said, changing your mindset will happen when you decide to change it. How many times do you hear people putting things off, saying, “Oh, I’ll start on Monday,” or “I’ll leave it to the weekend”?

These are simply excuses for not starting something new, whether it’s losing weight or a trying a new way of working. If you really want to start something, start it now!

Changing your mindset really is possible, and once you’ve tried it a few times, you’ll find it easier and easier. Just remember:

• The past cannot be changed so don’t live there
• Everyone’s journey is different
• Overthinking leads to sadness
• Happiness is found within you
• Positive thoughts create positive outcomes

So the next time you’re feeling negative about life or a particular situation, remember: you have the power to change it!