“If you imagine less, less will be what you undoubtedly deserve.” // Debbie Millman
Ever since I coined “Be Intentional” as my life mantra in 2014, I’ve been intrigued by the powerful influence our thoughts and beliefs have on our behavior and, consequently, our success.
A few weeks ago, I was researching a speaker named Dr. Robert Brooks for an upcoming event my employer was sponsoring. I ran across a PowerPoint presentation he had created titled, “The Power of Mindsets: Creating a Positive School Climate.” I scanned the presentation and landed on Dr. Brooks’ definition of mindset:
mindset /ˈmīn(d)set/: a set of assumptions and expectations we have for ourselves and others that guide our behavior.
More than likely, those assumptions and expectations were developed from past experiences in our life and in the lives of those closest to us. It’s a natural process. ‘Tis life.
Where we err is underestimating the impact our mindsets have on our decisions and actions. And usually, if not 100% of the time, all it takes is a small tweak in our thought process to change the course. That small tweak could be the turning point in relationships, business ventures, careers and life.
Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
All of that leads me to the idea of fixed and growth mindsets. The person with the fixed mindset believes that what is currently true about herself is “fixed” and can never change in a meaningful way. The person with the growth mindset acknowledges what is currently true about herself, but applies dedication, hard work and resilience – what I call “grit” – to develop and enhance those qualities.
A growth mindset is critical in every facet of our lives: education, relationships, entrepreneurship, careers…the list goes on. It’s knowing that our preconceived beliefs are fickle, and challenging our own thoughts can lead to positive results.
Here are four ways to develop a growth mindset:
1. Interrupt your inner monologue.
Let’s admit it, we all talk to ourselves and the exchange isn’t always kind. When you begin to limit yourself based on your own stifling beliefs, stop yourself and combat those negative thoughts. We’ve all heard the saying: “What you think you become.” If you’re constantly talking yourself out of a challenging situation, you will never grow to your potential. Which leads me to…
2. Take on challenges wholeheartedly.
In the face of a challenge, your fixed mindset “voice” will begin questioning your abilities, weighing the risks and reconsidering your decision to take on the challenge. You must look at every challenge with a growth mindset, understanding that there is a lesson to be learned with every risk, a lesson that can only result in your growth.
3. Become acquainted with failure.
To most, the word “failure” has a negative connotation. But, when you have a growth mindset, failure develops resilience, character, motivation and, ironically, confidence. It will propel you to work harder and strive for greater, helping to dispel those limiting beliefs that you may have about yourself.
4. Strive to find comfort in your uncomfort zone.
I believe our comfort zones are ever-changing. As we grow and mature, what may have had us shaking in our heels three years ago, can now be done with ease and cool confidence. If we aim to seek comfort in the areas that produce fear, we’ll create a system of growth in our lives. And once we’ve conquered level one of discomfort, it’s on to the next!
When it comes to changing an aspect of my life, I instantly tackle my thoughts in that area: Are they limiting? Are they negative? I understand that once I get my mind on the right track, my actions and behavior will follow suit.
Do you have a fixed mindset? In what ways can you tweak your thoughts to foster growth in areas of your life?