You and I are always a “work in progress”. There is always some room for improvement because what and how we are today is never a constant. There is nothing that we cannot learn or unlearn for the choice to change is ever-present.
Take a moment to ask yourself this: Is there a big difference between your current state and where you actually want to be?
Know, that we are just one step away from taking the first step and making a difference to ourselves.
Mindsets are just beliefs. You can change your mind about your beliefs. Are you of the growth mindset or the fixed mindset? On which side of the fence do you generally find yourself? When you face a challenge or a setback, do you let it be and give up? Or do you make an effort to overcome it?
As I read more on mindset, my false belief of having a growth mindset throughout life fell apart. There have been many times when I have floundered. There is always so much to learn and improve on.
No one can be on the growth path forever. So if you generally are, but at times feel like you’re struggling or getting stuck on a plateau, an unrecognised fixed mindset could be the reason. The important thing is to know that you have a choice and the control to take a turn is in your hands.
If you are willing to self-reflect and put in mindful effort to make a difference for yourself, here are a few tips.
No one can be on the growth path forever. So if you generally are, but at times feel like you’re struggling or getting stuck on a plateau, an unrecognised fixed mindset could be the reason. The important thing is to know that you have a choice and the control to take a turn is in your hands.
If you are willing to self-reflect and put in mindful effort to make a difference for yourself, here are a few tips.
To change your mindset, you have to be able to identify the situations that trigger a fixed mindset and observe when you're falling into it. What stops you from your ideal self? In which situation does your fixed mindset become an issue? (For instance, trying something new, making friends, attempting to change a behaviour, or developing a skill).
It might be a fear of failure #failureasfriend, a fear of looking stupid, or a fear of being judged, but fear is always what holds us back from reaching more of our potential. Unacknowledged fear lies behind a fixed mindset. Welcome it and let it pass. Remember that it is just an emotion, and that sharing them with your trusted ones can also help.
The fixed mindset is a limited and misinformed viewpoint. Challenge it with your new growth mindset knowledge.
I sometimes find it helpful to write out these dialogues in my journal. There is something about writing that makes it easier for me to connect with these inner voices. You decide what works best for you! Talking to a true friend works wonders too.
You can interpret these voices in two different ways:
Challenges, setbacks, and criticism can be a sign that you have fixed talent and abilities.
Or they can indicate that you need to challenge yourself, step up your effort, change your strategies and continue to develop.
The former is obviously the fixed mindset; the latter is oriented towards growth. The key here is to move out of the restraints of judgement (fixed) and into the arena of growth. After all, these mindsets are just beliefs. You can make your mind believe for your good.
What does your inner saboteur say to you in an attempt to keep you from putting forth the effort? Approaching a new challenge, the voice might say, “Are you sure you can do it?” or “What if you fail?” After hitting an obstacle, you might hear, “If only you had talent,” or “I told you it was too risky.” In the face of criticism, the voice says, “It’s not my fault,” or “Who do they think they are?”
All of us have met the inner saboteur. It’s the voice that undermines so much of what we do; the inner critic that judges us and our work. The inner saboteur reminds us about our limiting beliefs. Anticipate this voice and identify it!
I sometimes find it helpful to write out these dialogues in my journal. There is something about writing that makes it easier for me to connect with these inner voices. You decide what works best for you! Talking to a true friend works wonders too.
Any change needs patience and faith. If you’re not making progress with your effort, this doesn’t mean anything about your capability. Sometimes a new approach helps.
Do I know the outcome or goal I’m after? What do I seek? How does it look like?
What information can I gather? And from where?
Where can I get constructive feedback?
Do I have a plan? What, How, When and Where of the plan?
Is my current learning strategy working? If not, how can I change it?
What did I try hard at today?
What habits must I develop to continue the gains I’ve achieved?
Your questions determine your focus and greatly influence your reality. You will observe options opening up for you as you ask more growth-minded questions.
Remember, we are only one step away from where we want to be. With willpower, effort and perseverance, we can!
