What Is a Positive Mindset?

The psychology research doesn’t yet have an agreed-upon definition of positive mindset. But some researchers have proposed that positive mindset includes happiness, confidence, being in control, stability, motivation, and optimism (Barry, Folkard, & Ayliffe, 2014). Given our minds are responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and actions, it is not surprising that this definition of positive mindset is so broad. But that’s also why we’re going to zoom in a bit. We’ll define positive mindset as positive-oriented thoughts, beliefs, values, and attitudes. This is the ‘thinking part’ of positivity, which then impacts our emotions, actions, and experiences.