It’s no secret that the way you start your day can set the tone for the hours to follow.

Trust me, as someone who’s spent years studying mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve experienced first-hand the power of positive thinking each morning. It’s like setting a compass for your day.

Think of it this way: If you want to maintain a sunny outlook, there are certain things you should remind yourself of every morning. It’s about cultivating a habit of positive thinking right from the moment you wake up.

Here are eight uplifting things I suggest you remember every morning. I’m not saying it’ll change your life overnight, but hey, it’s a start on the journey to a more positive you.

Let’s dive in. 

1) Begin with gratitude

One of the most powerful ways to start your day is by simply expressing gratitude.

Buddhism teaches us the importance of appreciation and how it can help us maintain a positive outlook on life. After all, we often forget the many blessings we have in our lives when we’re caught up in the daily grind.

Infusing your mornings with gratitude can act like a reset button, clearing out any negativity that may have crept in. It’s as simple as acknowledging and being thankful for the good things in your life – be it your health, family, or even the new day ahead.

It’s not just about acknowledging these things, but truly feeling grateful for them. You’ll be amazed at how this small shift can make a big difference in your outlook for the day.

Being grateful doesn’t mean ignoring any challenges you might be facing. It is just a gentle reminder to yourself that there are always things to be thankful for amidst any difficulties. It’s an uplifting habit that’s worth developing!

Tomorrow morning, why not start your day off on a positive note by expressing some gratitude? It’s a great way to set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

2) Remember, you’re in control

There’s a powerful saying by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness advocate, that I often remind myself of: “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our emotions, especially when we face challenging situations. But it’s important to remember that we are not our feelings. They do not define us.

As someone who has practiced mindfulness for years, I can tell you this: The key is to observe your emotions without judgment, allowing them to come and go naturally.

This mindful practice helps us realize that our emotions are temporary. They don’t have to dictate our actions or our day. We have the power to choose how we react and respond to them.

As you start your day, remind yourself that you are in control. Your emotions are just visitors, and you hold the power to decide which ones stay and which ones go.

This simple reminder can be incredibly uplifting, setting the stage for a positive day ahead.

3) Embrace impermanence

In Buddhism, one of the key teachings is the concept of impermanence. It’s the idea that everything in life – our circumstances, feelings, even ourselves – is constantly changing.

To some, this might seem a little unsettling. But there’s a certain liberation in acknowledging and accepting this truth. It helps us to let go of our attachments to things, feelings, or outcomes that we can’t control.

Take a moment each morning to remind yourself that nothing is permanent. The struggles you’re facing now won’t last forever. Equally, the joys you’re experiencing may also be fleeting.

This isn’t meant to be pessimistic. Rather, it promotes appreciation for the present moment and encourages us not to take things for granted.

Whatever you’re going through – good or bad – it’s all temporary. This reminder can help you keep things in perspective and approach your day with a more balanced outlook.

4) Practice mindful breathing

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through mindful breathing.

This isn’t about changing the way you breathe or trying to achieve a certain state of mind. It’s simply about paying attention to your breath as it is, in this very moment.

Each morning, take a few moments to just sit and focus on your breathing. Notice how the air feels as it enters and leaves your body. Feel your chest rise and fall.

It might seem simple, but this act of mindfulness can have a profound impact on your day. It brings you back to the present, helping you start your day with a clear mind.

No matter how busy or stressful your morning might be, there’s always time for a few moments of mindful breathing. It’s a small action that can make a big difference in maintaining a positive outlook.

5) Live with impact, not ego

One of the principles I explore in depth in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, is the concept of living with intention and purpose, not driven by ego.

Ego can often cloud our judgement and lead us to make decisions that aren’t in line with our values. It can make us focus on the wrong things, like seeking approval or trying to maintain a certain image.

On the other hand, living with impact means making choices that align with our true selves and contribute positively to the world around us. It’s about being authentic and making a difference, no matter how small.

Every morning, remind yourself to live for impact, not ego. Ask yourself: What can I do today that aligns with my true values? How can I contribute positively to my environment?

It’s an empowering way to start your day and helps maintain a positive outlook, keeping you focused on what truly matters.

6) Seek balance, not perfection

In both Buddhism and mindfulness practices, there’s a strong emphasis on seeking balance in life.

We often put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to be perfect, to have it all figured out. But the truth is, perfection is an illusion. It’s a never-ending pursuit that can leave us feeling unsatisfied and constantly chasing something out of our reach.

Instead, strive for balance. Balance between work and play, giving and receiving, speaking and listening. It’s about accepting that life is full of ups and downs, and that’s perfectly okay.

Each morning, remind yourself that it’s okay not to be perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes, to not have all the answers. What’s important is learning from these experiences and striving for balance.

Life is not a race to perfection, but a journey of growth and balance. This mindset can help you approach your day with a more positive and compassionate outlook.

7) Be kind to yourself

Jack Kornfield, a well-known mindfulness and Buddhism teacher, once said: “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”

Too often, we are our own harshest critics. We beat ourselves up over mistakes, compare ourselves to others, and set unrealistic expectations. This self-criticism can be harmful and counterproductive.

It’s important to remember to extend the same kindness and understanding to ourselves that we would to a good friend. After all, everyone is doing their best given their circumstances and level of awareness.

Each morning, remind yourself to be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your efforts, celebrate your progress, and forgive your mistakes.

Cultivating self-compassion can significantly enhance your wellbeing and foster a more positive outlook on life.

Start your day with a dose of kindness towards yourself. You deserve it.

8) Do less, achieve more

This might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes doing less can actually help you achieve more.

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, we often equate busyness with success. But being constantly on the go can lead to stress, burnout, and a disconnect from what truly matters.

Mindfulness teaches us to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. It encourages us to be fully present and engaged in whatever we’re doing, rather than juggling multiple tasks at once.

Each morning, remind yourself that it’s okay to do less. Prioritize your tasks, focus on what’s important, and give yourself permission to let go of the rest.

Quality trumps quantity. By doing less and focusing more, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and maintain a more positive outlook on your day.

Conclusion

These reminders aren’t meant to be a quick fix, but rather a gentle nudge to help guide your thoughts and actions as you navigate through your day. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.

If you found these insights helpful and want to delve deeper into how Buddhist teachings can transform your daily life, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

Filled with practical tips and insights, it could be the guide you need on your journey towards a more mindful and balanced life.

Here’s to starting each day on a positive note. Remember, the power to shape your day lies within you. You’ve got this!