We hear it all the time. You need to have a good mindset, a positive mindset, a growth mindset, but what actually IS mindset? And why is it so important?
Mindset is the set of beliefs that form how you view yourself, others, and the entire world around you. It influences pretty much everything from how you think, feel, and how you act. Mindset is the lens that you look out into the world and how you choose to see yourself. Mindset is how you perceive everything. And mindset impacts everything: your success, failure, pleasure, and dissatisfaction. Your mindset is possibly the biggest determinant of whether you enjoy life. And this is why our mindset is critically important.
There are two major types of mindset:
Fixed
Growth
Let’s explore these.
FIXED VS. GROWTH MINDSET:
A fixed mindset means that you believe abilities are set traits and therefore can’t be changed. Some people believe this is true for intelligence or talent, that these traits alone lead to success, without much or any added effort. Because you have a high IQ that means life will be better to you. Because you are thin, you will be married. Because you are wealthy, of course you are happy. That someone who has down’s syndrome can’t live an important life. That because someone is a certain race, they will act in a particular way. A cheater is always a cheater. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
A growth mindset means that you believe that anyone can grow, learn, or improve by creating change and by implementing new directives. A growth mindset takes personal accountability in creating your future successes. Each person is seen as unique and each situation is unique. There are limitless opportunities and possibilities.
It’s funny that we call it mind set. There is so much room for movement, fluidity, change.
Positive/negative
open/closed
growth/fixed
Learning to process, examine, and revise our thoughts and actions is how we can change.
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY:
Where are the places that I struggle? And what can I do to support myself in this to have a better outcome?
FEAR:
Fear can keep us stuck or hold us back from change and growth unless we explore our fears and learn what we can and can’t do about them. What can we learn from this experience? It can be incredibly helpful to be curious about them and what the message is that comes with them. What can fear and doubt show us? Where do we need more support, education, opportunity?
LACK OF CLARITY/UNDERSTANDING:
Many times we are stuck because we aren’t sure of our next steps. So this gives you a perfect opportunity to look for your options and what you need to know. You will find movement once you refine your goals and purpose. Take time to help yourself come into your clarification.
LAZY:
We are all lazy at times. Sometimes we just don’t want to do what is needed or best. Look at your resistance and explore it. What would change it?
What is it serving?
Is there one step you would be willing to take? And when? What would need to change for you to take that next step?
BURNOUT:
Maybe you are exhausted? We all have times when we need a break. Double up on your rest, your play, and relaxation. Sleep. Listen to music. Sit in the sun or by the water. Soak in water. Self soothe yourself a little bit. Feel the wind. Play with animals, let yourself rejuvenate. Sometimes you just need to rest.
What is needed for you? How is your mindset?
