What is "Mindset" and Why it Matters

Your mindset is a set of beliefs that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself. It influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation. It means that what you believe about yourself impacts your Success or your Setbacks...

Listen to your thoughts and document them for a period of time with a journal, you will quickly realize where you are. This is part of the growth - Knowing your current model of reality.

According to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, your beliefs play a pivotal role in what you want and whether you achieve it. Dweck has found that it is your mindset that plays a significant role in determining achievement and success.

Mindsets can influence how people behave in a wide range of situations in life. For example, as people encounter different situations, their mind triggers a specific mindset that then directly impacts their behavior in that situation. (anger, sadness, despair, etc)

Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets

There are two basic mindsets: fixed and growth. If you have a fixed mindset, you believe your abilities are fixed traits and therefore can't be changed. You may also believe that your talent and intelligence alone lead to success, and effort is not required.

On the flip side, if you have a growth mindset, you believe that your talents and abilities can be developed over time through effort and persistence. People with this mindset don't necessarily believe that everyone can become Einstein or Mozart just because they try. They do, however, believe that everyone can get smarter or more talented if they work at it.

Here are some fixed vs. growth mindset examples.

Fixed Mindset - I’m good at it - or I’m not. That's just who I am. I can't change it. If I have to work SO hard, then its just not for me. It is too late for me.

Growth Mindset - I can learn to do anything I want. I'm a constantly evolving work in progress. The more you challenge yourself, the smarter you become.

I only fail if I stop trying. Nothing is above me.

What Is My Mindset?

Do you have a fixed or growth mindset? To find out, start by reading the following statements and decide which ones you agree with most:

1. You're born with a certain amount of intelligence and it isn't something that can be changed.

2. No matter who you are, there isn't much you can do to improve your basic abilities and personality.

3. People are capable of changing who they are.

4. You can learn new things and improve your intelligence.

5. People either have particular talents, or they don't. You can't just acquire talent for things like music, writing, art, or athletics.

6. Studying, working hard, and practicing new skills are all ways to develop new talents and abilities.

If you tend to agree most with statements 1, 2, and 5, then you probably have a more fixed mindset. If you agree most with statements 3, and 4, 6, however, then you probably tend to have a growth mindset.

How to Unfix a Fixed Mindset

While people with a fixed mindset might not agree, people are capable of changing their mindsets - When that is the desire!!!

• Focus on the journey. An important factor when building a growth mindset is seeing the value in your journey. When you're fixated on the end result, you miss out on all the things you could be learning along the way.

• Incorporate "yet." If you're struggling with a task, remind yourself that you just haven’t mastered it “yet.” Integrating this word into your vocabulary signals that despite any struggles, you can overcome anything. Speak to yourself with compassion

• Pay attention to your words and thoughts. Replacing old narrative patterns with more positive ones to build a growth mindset. Journaling is going to be a huge help here!

• Take on challenges. Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn. So, instead of shying away from challenges, embrace them. Our journey requires Risks and getting into the next version of ourselves means getting excited for these efforts.

YOGA and MEDITATION are pivotal in this process. The Yoga Sutras are a wonderful guide and support system to aid in this personal growth.

JOIN ME in February in studying the Sutras, track with me on my FB page Virtual Yoga & Meditation where on Thursday nights we will join and collaborate.