How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset: The Art of Finding Joy in the Little Things

Lately, I’ve noticed that life seems to be speeding up. Days blend into each other, and suddenly, I find myself asking, Where did the time go? Between work, personal commitments, and everything else in between, it’s easy to get caught up in a routine that feels like an endless loop. And when life gets busy, finding joy can feel like something extra, something to worry about once everything else is done. But what if joy wasn’t something on our to-do list? What if it could be woven into our everyday lives, even when things feel overwhelming?

I want to share with you something that’s been helping me lately: finding joy in the little things. I’m still learning this myself, but these moments of joy have made a big difference in how I feel at the end of a busy day. By looking out for small, everyday moments of happiness, I’m finding it easier to stay grounded and positive, even when life feels full. I hope these thoughts resonate with you too.

I used to think joy had to come from something big, like a vacation or a major career win. But waiting for those big moments can mean going long stretches without feeling truly happy. The reality is, most of our lives are spent in ordinary moments, in the day-to-day tasks that don’t usually feel extraordinary. When I started looking for joy in the little things—like a warm cup of coffee, a kind smile from a stranger, or the feeling of finishing a task—I realized how much I’d been missing out on.

Joy doesn’t have to come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just noticing the sunlight streaming through the window or enjoying a quiet moment before the day begins. These little joys are everywhere; we just need to slow down enough to notice them.

Here are a few simple ways that have helped me cultivate more joy in my life:

1. Take a Moment to Breathe
   I used to feel that taking a break during a busy day was a waste of time, I always told myself ‘I could use that 30 minutes to send emails, or do research on something’. But now, even just a few minutes of deep breathing can make all the difference. When things feel overwhelming, I stop, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. This small pause helps me reconnect with myself and clears my mind. Sometimes, all it takes is a few deep breaths to feel a little lighter.

2. Celebrate Tiny Wins
   Often, I’d only celebrate big achievements, like completing a full strategy deck. But lately, I’ve been trying to appreciate the small wins, like getting through my email inbox or finishing a task that’s been hanging over me. These little moments of accomplishment deserve acknowledgment, and taking a second to recognize them adds a spark of joy to my day.

3. Find Beauty in the Ordinary
   This one took me a while to get used to, but I’ve started trying to notice things I usually overlook. The color of the sky, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or the sound of rain outside. When I pay attention to these little things, I feel a bit more grounded, more connected to the world around me. Finding beauty in ordinary moments makes everyday life feel a bit more magical.

4. Practice Gratitude
   Gratitude has been one of the most powerful tools for cultivating a positive mindset. At the end of each day, I try to think of three things I’m grateful for. They don’t have to be big; in fact, most days, it’s something simple, like a good conversation with a friend, being healthy, or just a few moments spent with my family. Practicing gratitude regularly has helped me stay positive, even on days that feel like they’re moving a hundred kilometres a minute.

5. Allow Yourself to Feel Joy Without Guilt
   This one’s been a bit tricky for me. When life is busy, I sometimes feel guilty for taking time to enjoy something. But I’m learning that finding joy doesn’t mean I’m ignoring my responsibilities; it’s a way of nourishing myself so I can handle them better. It’s okay to enjoy a funny video, savor a favorite snack, or take a moment to listen to a song I love. Giving myself permission to feel joy has helped me feel more balanced and less overwhelmed.

Looking for joy in the little things is more than just a feel-good practice—it’s a way to cultivate a positive mindset that carries us through busy and challenging times. When I’m able to find these small moments of joy, I notice that I feel less stressed, more focused, and better able to handle whatever the day brings.

A positive mindset isn’t about ignoring the difficult parts of life. It’s about choosing to see the good that exists alongside them. By focusing on the little things that bring us happiness, we create a buffer of positivity that helps us stay resilient when life gets hectic. This doesn’t mean that every day will feel easy, but it does make a difference in how we approach our challenges.

Finding joy in the little things has become a practice for me. Some days, it’s easier than others, but I’ve noticed that the more I look for joy, the more I find it. It’s a reminder that happiness doesn’t have to wait for some perfect moment in the future; it can be here, right now, in the small details of today.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all that life is throwing at you, I invite you to try this with me: Look for one small moment of joy each day. Maybe it’s in the first sip of coffee, the sound of laughter, or the peace of a quiet evening. These small moments might not change the demands of life, but they can help change how we experience it.

At the end of the day, I think joy is about allowing ourselves to be present, to see the good that’s right in front of us, and to appreciate the journey, no matter how busy or challenging it might be. And I hope you, too, find moments of joy along the way.