Mindset: It Can Be Tricky
Our mindset is our compass. It guides our decisions, actions, and perspectives. Our mindset shapes our perception of the world and ultimately influences our success and happiness.
Yet, mindset can be tricky. While it's often regarded as a powerful tool for self-improvement, it's not always as simple as it seems.
One of the fundamental distinctions within mindset is the fixed and growth mindsets, as popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. A fixed mindset believes that abilities and intelligence are innate and unchangeable; while a growth mindset believes in the potential for growth and improvement through effort and learning.
The tricky part here is that many people operate with a mix of both mindsets in different aspects of their lives. For example, you might have a growth mindset when it comes to learning a new language but a fixed mindset when facing challenges on the home front.
Mindset isn't just about how you view your abilities; it also encompasses the stories you tell yourself. Negative stories, those critical and defeating thoughts that creep into our minds, can be a major obstacle for many women. It sneaks up on you, and we often don't even realise when we're engaging in it. It becomes a habit that keeps us stuck.
Rewriting our negative stories requires self-awareness and practice. Techniques like mindfulness and positive affirmations can help shift your stories towards a more constructive and empowering mindset.
Resilience is a key component of a growth mindset. It's the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures, to see them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. While many people acknowledge the importance of resilience, the tricky part is developing it.
Building resilience involves embracing our mistakes, learning from them, and not letting them define you. One tip I often share with clients is to get clear on your strengths, and rely on these during challenging times.
Your mindset is also the result of your environment and the people around you. The tricky part is that negative influences can undermine even the strongest growth mindset. If you're surrounded by negativity, scepticism, and discouragement, it's challenging to maintain a positive and growth-oriented mindset.
So choose your surroundings wisely. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and seek environments that nurture your personal and professional growth.
Mindset can be tricky. However, by acknowledging the complexities and dedicating yourself to personal growth, you can take the power of mindset to create a more fulfilling life for you and your family.
