Jay Shetty ON 7 Strategies to Stop Getting Drained by Your Problems

In this On Purpose episode, Jay Shetty discusses the difference between positive, problem, and possibility thinking. He emphasizes that positivity alone is not enough and that toxic positivity can prevent us from addressing our emotions and challenges. Instead, he suggests adopting a possibility mindset, which involves looking for possibilities instead of problems and being open to different paths and approaches.

Toxic Positivity

Jay Shetty explains that telling someone to be positive and ignore negative emotions and challenges does not produce the desired results. Toxic positivity prevents individuals from addressing their feelings and hinders personal growth. Therefore, Jay emphasizes the need to acknowledge and accept emotions, even the negative ones, as an essential part of the human experience.

According to Jay Shetty, toxic positivity often involves dismissing or invalidating negative emotions and experiences to maintain a positive outlook. It encourages you to think good thoughts and ignore what is wrong. However, this approach fails to address individuals' underlying emotions and challenges. 

Jay gives an example of someone who expresses worry about not getting a job and is told to be positive. When that person doesn't get the job, they are left confused and frustrated, wondering why their positive thinking didn't yield the desired outcome.

Moreover, toxic positivity can prevent you from learning from your experiences and hinder your ability to overcome challenges. It discourages you from acknowledging and addressing your genuine emotions, leading to a lack of personal growth. 

Instead of promoting toxic positivity, Jay Shetty encourages the listeners to adopt a possibility mindset. This mindset involves actively seeking possibilities and being open to different perspectives and approaches. It goes beyond positive thinking and encourages you to address your emotions and actively seek solutions. Also, Jay suggests surrounding yourself with people who think in possibilities and take action rather than those who engage in armchair philosophy and talk without taking tangible steps toward their goals.

Possibility-thinking

Jay Shetty shares that problem thinking is the opposite extreme of positive thinking, where individuals constantly focus on the problems and limitations in their lives. They believe that things won't work out, that they can never achieve their goals, and that there is only one way to approach a situation. Jay highlights that problem thinking is characterized by a negative and closed mindset that hinders personal growth and limits possibilities.

On the other hand, Jay Shetty presents the possibility mindset as a more empowering and open approach. He encourages the listeners to shift their thinking from problems to possibilities. Instead of being falsely positive or mindlessly negative, individuals with a possibility mindset actively look for possibilities instead of problems. They consider what could happen, how to approach situations differently, and what is possible rather than focusing on limitations.

A possibility mindset is not about delusion or imagination but about being open to discovering new paths and solutions. Jay encourages individuals to challenge themselves to look for possibilities even when there seem to be none. Similarly, Thomas Edison once said, "When you believe you've exhausted all options, remember this: you haven't." This mindset shift allows you to explore different doors, paths, and approaches to achieve your goals.

To develop a possibility mindset, Jay suggests questioning your beliefs and assumptions, being open to learning from others, and being willing to consider unconventional or risky ideas. He encourages the listeners to ask themselves "how" instead of saying "can't" and to take responsibility for their journey. Changing thoughts is not just a spiritual activity but a way to rewire your coding and open up new possibilities.

Scenario-Thinking 

Jay Shetty explains that scenario thinking involves considering multiple possibilities and being ready to act when opportunities arise. He highlights that default thinking, which limits options and stifles creativity, can be overcome by shifting to scenario thinking.

Jay suggests facing fears and doubts head-on to develop scenario thinking, as fear often stops individuals from exploring new ideas. Acknowledging and pushing past these fears, you can start thinking about different options without hesitation. Have a clear picture of what you want to achieve, as having a goal in mind makes it easier to explore other paths that can lead to that goal.

Visualizing success is paramount because itmotivates you to make changes.. Jay advises brainstorming various possibilities, even if they initially seem unusual or risky. You will increase your chances of finding creative solutions by considering multiple options. Another option is engaging with stakeholders and seeking their perspectives and feedback, as this collaborative approach can help you make better-informed choices.

By adopting scenario thinking, you can open yourself to a world of options and solutions they may not have previously considered. This newfound flexibility can be vital to success in both personal and professional life. 

Productivity 

Jay Shetty highlights that a problem mindset often leads to inaction and discourages people from taking steps toward their goals. In contrast, a possibility mindset involves being proactive and taking action. 

Therefore, Jay strongly recommends surrounding yourself with people who think in possibilities and take action rather than those who engage in armchair philosophy and discussions without real steps toward their goals. He emphasizes that a possibility mindset requires actively seeking opportunities and being willing to learn and grow. 

By being proactive, you can overcome obstacles, find creative solutions, and achieve personal and professional growth. Take responsibility for your journey, create plans to overcome challenges, and actively seek opportunities for growth and success.

Gratitude 

A problem mindset often leads to believing that nothing is ever enough. People constantly focus on what's next and fail to appreciate their achievements. However, a possibility mindset involves a balanced approach. It acknowledges and enjoys what you have while excited for personal growth and what lies ahead.

Yet gratitude is not about being content or complacent. It is about appreciating yourself and the progress made so far. It is also about balancing appreciating what you have achieved and being excited for what is yet to come. By adopting a mindset of gratitude, you can use it as a source of motivation and energy to continue striving for your goals.

Leave Room for Success 

Jay Shetty discusses the need to leave room for success and avoid getting stuck in a problem mindset. He explains that a problem mindset often discounts or discourages others' ideas and dreams. Instead, consider the possibilities and potential solutions and be willing to adapt and learn from failures.

A possibility mindset involves considering multiple doors and possibilities instead of believing there is only one way to achieve success. To develop a possibility mindset, start by challenging yourself to think beyond the conventional ways of doing things. 

Jay Shetty recommends seeking communities and studying people who have made the impossible possible. When you surround yourself with people who believe in possibilities and take action, you can cultivate a mindset open to growth and change.

Ask Yourself, "How?" 

It is essential to ask yourself "how" instead of saying "can't" when faced with challenges. Jay Shetty explains that a problem mindset chooses words carelessly and focuses on limitations. In contrast, a possibility mindset carefully chooses thoughts and words, turning limitations into questions. Therefore, it is beneficial to reframe your thoughts and take responsibility for your journey by asking yourself, "How can I do this?" instead of saying, "I can't do this." By turning limitations into questions, you shift your mindset from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

Changing thoughts is a spiritual activity and a way to rewire coding. You are coding your mind when you say something to your brain or repeat a thought. Therefore, Jay Shetty encourages the listeners to assess whether their repeated thoughts are helping them get to where they want to be by asking themselves "how" they take accountability for their journey and become proactive in finding solutions. You see change and progress when you start answering how to do something.

Willingness to Learn 

Jay Shetty discusses the importance of being willing to learn and adopting a beginner's mindset. He contrasts the problem mindset, where people think they are experts and dismiss new ideas, with the possibility mindset, where individuals are open to learning and sitting with masters to gain knowledge. Recognizing your limitations and being willing to learn from others is crucial.

A possibility mindset involves openness to new ideas and approaches. Instead of assuming expertise, individuals with a possibility mindset approach situations with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Therefore, it is beneficial to challenge yourself to think like a beginner and be open to new perspectives and knowledge.

Adopting a beginner's mindset can expand your thinking and discover new possibilities as it involves continuous learning and growth. Be open to different perspectives and approaches, recognizing there is always more to learn and discover.

Action over Discussions

Jay Shetty explains that positive thinking alone, where individuals focus on positive affirmations without taking action, is insufficient. Similarly, problem thinking involves constantly dwelling on obstacles and limitations without seeking solutions—instead, Jay roots for a possibility mindset beyond positive thinking and problem thinking.

The possibility mindset involves actively seeking possibilities and taking concrete steps toward making them happen. Jay Shetty reiterates the importance of surrounding yourself with people who think in possibilities and take action. He highlights that a possibility mindset is not just about talking about possibilities but also about actively working towards them. You can overcome obstacles, find creative solutions, and achieve personal and professional growth by taking action.

Therefore, Jay Shetty encourages the listeners to be proactive in their approach to problem-solving and to create plans to overcome obstacles. He suggests that action is essential for personal and professional growth and success. Instead of getting stuck in discussions without taking any real steps towards their goals, prioritize action and actively work towards making your possibilities a reality.

More From Jay Shetty

Listen to the entire On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast episode on “7 Strategies to Stop Getting Drained by Your Problems & Focus on Possibilities” now in the iTunes store or on Spotify. For more inspirational stories and messages like this, check out Jay’s website at jayshetty.me.