Is Your Mindset Holding You Back? Apply a Growth Mindset & Build Extraordinary Abilities
“I have always been deeply moved by outstanding achievement and
saddened by wasted potential.” Dr Carol Dweck
World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Dr Carol Dweck explains, “For
20 years my research has shown that the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” Dr Dweck initially discovered the benefits of a growth mindset in achieving higher levels
of success and shared them in her book, ‘Mindset, The New Psychology of Success’.
Learning how you approach daily activities is significant in determining whether or not you are on track to fill the gap to
your potential. At the end of this article I hope you move forward with a better understanding of how your current mindset
is supporting or holding you back. And also have new information and resources to continue developing a growth mindset that
expands your abilities and possibilities!
First, what distinguishes a fixed mindset from a growth mindset? Dr Dweck states, “a person with a fixed mindset
believes we are all born with a certain set of skills and competencies. We either have a talent for something or we don’t.” In contrast she explains, “If you have a full-on growth mindset,
anything and everything is possible. If there is something you have an interest in yet don’t know how to do, you do
whatever it takes to learn it.”One with a fixed mindset
may initially appear talented. The fixed mindset shows up when they encounter negative criticism, obstacles, or feel threatened
by someone with greater skills. Ego takes over. Time is spent attempting to appear talented, avoiding challenges, or quitting
rather than striving to grow and develop. A person with a growth mindset may first appear awkward or inadequate but they know
they can improve with practice. Failure, critiques, and being with those who are more successful are not threatening and embraced
as opportunities to learn and improve. Obstacles are simply glitches to overcome. The growth mindset builds motivation, drive,
and a hard work ethic to learn, grow, persist, and master leading to great achievements.
The good news is that we have the ability to choose. We can change at anytime
from a fixed to growth mindset and it is relatively simple with some focused attention. Which mindset fits you today? Which
one of the sentences below best matches how you feel?
~ People are who they are with what they have been given.
Your basic intelligence, talents, and personality traits do not change much.
~ People have the ability to substantially
develop their intelligence, talents, and personality traits through focused effort.
The first statement is characteristic of a fixed mindset, while the second
is indicative of a growth mindset. So how do you make the shift when the fixed mindset is holding you back?
Notice the Evidence- Think about something that was really hard that you have improved in dramatically.
Notice the stories of others all around us who have built expertise in areas you would never expect. Over the years I’ve
learned that seeing someone struggle at the start has little insight to their success. More important is their approach to
the activity.
Be Aware when the Fixed Mindset Shows Up-
When negative self-talk is questioning your abilities like whether you are smart, talented, or experienced enough, ask: What
will I gain from this experience? i.e. knowledge, experience, developing a skill, strengthening your courage muscle, etc.
You may just be feeling unprepared. Shift to the growth mindset making a commitment to learn more, develop skills, and improve.
Know
that Your Mindset is a Choice- You choose which direction
you focus. Will you focus on being limited (fixed mindset)? Or will you open the possibilities by instilling the belief you
can learn, grow, develop, and achieve with effort (growth mindset)?
Choose Growth Mindset Language- Growth mindset language is not critical and does not stop you in your tracks. It is encouraging, such as: “I
may not be good now, but I will study daily and become an expert.” “I may be new but I still have value to offer
and will learn tremendously from this experience.” “This is one tough obstacle but I will keep at it until I get
it, even if I have to get help from someone more experienced.” “Can’t? What is that? Not even in my vocabulary.” So how can you encourage growth mindset in others such as your
employees, children, family, friends, associates, etc.? Avoid labels by complimenting the effort they have put into the achievement
instead of complimenting ‘who’ you believe them to be.
The growth mindset creates a more realistic, honest self-view as you discern from each experience what you
like, don’t like, strengths, and weaknesses. The fixed mindset, however, creates a distorted self-view, exaggerated
and limited, distancing you from knowing yourself and your true abilities. Howard Gardner has studied exceptional people.
In his book Extraordinary Minds he concludes exceptional individuals have “a special talent for identifying their own
strengths and weaknesses.” Since the fixed mindset does not analyze abilities
other than trying to determine how good they are, it is safe to say extraordinary minds work in a growth mindset.
How will you view daily experiences and challenges
from here on out? It is your choice. May you move forward today with a growth mindset that supports you to learn, develop,
and experience your extraordinary abilities… StartingNow!
Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., Mindset- The New Psychology of
Success, 2006, (New York: Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, 2007), 6.
Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., Mindset- The
New Psychology of Success, 2006, (New York: Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, 2007)
Terry Waghorn, Are You Trapped In
A Fixed Mindset? Fix It!, Forbes.com 04/20/09
( http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/20/mindset-psychology-succcess-leadership-careers-dweck.html )
Terry Waghorn, Are You Trapped In A Fixed Mindset? Fix
It!, Forbes.com 04/20/09
( http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/20/mindset-psychology-succcess-leadership-careers-dweck.html )
Howard Gardner, Extraordinary Minds (New York:Basic Books,
1997)
4 Steps to Set Your Mind for Success
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson
How long have you waited to be happy at work, to write
a book, or bring home the income you deserve? Are you your own best support system or biggest diversion? Consider the cheetah
which has no problem using its gift of speed. The bald eagle easily leverages its keen eye sight and ability to soar. Dolphins
joyfully exert their playfulness. Imagine what is possible for humans with our unique gift of the mind if we focus on what
serves us versus what holds us back. Discover four steps to set your mind for success.
1- Know what is limiting you~ Let's investigate a mystery. What beliefs are at your core? Pay attention for one week to the self-limiting
beliefs that show up. As a detective, be consciously aware. Keep a journal handy for notes. Beliefs can show up as a label you place upon yourself attached to an assumption such as Parent-
there is only so much I can do or Owner- I can't count on anyone but myself. They can reveal themselves in negative statements
such as “I can’t be…”, “I can’t do…”, “I’m not good enough”,"
I’m not smart enough," "I never complete anything," etc. Beliefs may be uncovered in an assumption such
as “there’s not enough time”, “that’s too hard", or “he’ll say ‘no’
”. Write down the beliefs you notice that restrain you from what you want.
2- Get to the source of the diversion~ A good detective digs deeper. Whose voice is attached to the belief? How did this belief become attached to
your life? Is it legitimate? Is it serving you? Or limiting you? Jot your notes. I have to warn you. We hesitate to
go within because we subconsciously know what may be lurking at the source. Fear! Write down any fears you discover
that are holding you back.
3- Rewrite your limiting beliefs and fears with an unlimited confident statement~
Turn “I can’t” into “I am”, “that’s too hard” into “I
know I can do this part”, “I don’t have enough time” into “I know what’s important and
I do that first”, and “Parent- there’s only so much I can do” to “Parent- the world is my resource.
I can do what I put my mind to.” Reread your new attitude daily. Picture it as true. Feel it as real until it
becomes part of who you are.
4- Stand strong and respond~ Do not slack when it comes
to eliminating self-limiting beliefs! When they show up, mount up. When you hear “you will never be…”
respond with "says who? I determine my value.” When you think "you are going to make a fool of yourself"
respond by saying "I will love myself for having the guts to try." And when you believe there is no time left for
your dreams, drop what is not as important and stand up for who you are.
Are you willing to do what it takes to set your mind for success with
unstoppable determination? Will you do the detective work to gain access to your unlimited capabilities? What I want for you
is to break out of the bounds of limits and become your own best Success Coach… Starting
Now!
to the top
Vision Board
to Faster Results- 5 Steps to Create One that Works for You
"When you repeatedly see an image in a way that activates a positive emotional charge, you become
more likely to move towards it (even if it seems like a long shot). In action things happen. You talk to others, resources
multiply, and your eyes open to opportunities. Suddenly you discern it was within reach after all." Beth Tabak
One day I made a startling discovery. It was
time for a vision board update! Two-thirds of the images were in my life or past experience. Creating a vision board helps
clarify and hold what is important. Your dream is allowed versus repressed. The images activate an emotional response. Keeping
it forefront prompts a daily reminder and fosters determination to act (even if subconsciously). Suddenly you are bringing
what you want into your life sooner than expected. Below are five tips to build your vision board.
First, looking closely at the collage I made some intriguing observations:
~ The
vacation photo was the exact resort we visited! I was astonished.
~ A phrase used regarding a passion manifested in two
great opportunities over the year resulting in raising money that provided clean water to two communities in Africa.
~
An image of straight teeth represented an intention to get my son braces. At some point his teeth straightened as new teeth
grew in. He no longer needed braces. Remember, the photo did not have braces only straight teeth. Inexplicable, or is it explained
by new science? Hmmmmm.
~ Photos of horses with the intention to own did not manifest but I did rent horses and went
riding.
~ I was strongly motivated to obtain a piano for my daughter, a new car, and new furniture. I never expected
to have all within a year. Taking action, I widely researched possibilities and moved forward as if absolute. Opportunities
and connections appeared. The goals were realized to complete satisfaction.
~ A cross centered in the middle represented
staying faith centered which I continue to hold.
~ A long term goal to help over five million people worldwide is a work
in progress
~ Strikingly and critical to know, the four photos not realized were images I felt the least attached to.
So how can you create a Vision Board that works for you?
"If you do not have a vision, nothing happens." Christopher Reeve
1- What you will need- Choose
the supplies you like. You need a poster board, push pins or glue, magazines, and a computer is helpful. I prefer thicker
foam board but choose what fits you best.
"Vision
gives you the impulse to make the picture your own." Robert Collier
2- Find images, words, numbers, quotes, and phrases that attract you- Skim
through magazines and marketing pieces. Pay attention online. When something jumps out causing a positive emotional reaction,
cut it out, and set it aside. Initially you may choose many. Compare to weed the pile down.
"A vision is not just a picture of what could be, it is an appeal to our
better selves, a call to become something more." Rosabeth Moss Kanter
3- What is missing- As you browse images ask what part of who you
are or who you aim to be is missing. Seek other sources such as photographs or use the computer to print a meaningful word,
number, phrase, or quote. Represent big, small, long and short term goals.
"The question is not what you look at, but what you see." Henry David Thoreau
4- The finished product- Create the collage in a way that expresses
you. Your goals are now represented visually. When you glance at your vision board it should feel complete and authentic to
you. Some images may seem far off and others a small stretch. Every image should induce a strong positive emotional reaction
and sense of excitement. As you browse the images fully experience them. Hold that!
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going." Anonymous
5- Keep your vision board in view to experience daily-
Place your collage where you see it regularly. Notice it. Experience doing, having, giving, or being what the images represent.
Use your senses to hear, see, smell, feel, and taste. At a tropical resort you hear ocean waves crashing upon the beach. You
feel the ocean spray and the subtle breeze spreads the essence of a nearby fire pit. You observe around you the peaceful grace
of majestic swaying palms and sailboats gliding in the distance. Get the picture? Feel it. Experience it. Ignite action!
Another option is to use a visual image. I once had a caller in
a teleclass who throughout her childhood hung a bridle on her bedroom doorknob representing her dream to have a horse. She
later owned a ranch with many horses. The visual image held her dream until it became reality. Vision map videos are
available
as well but you have to be willing to watch it regularly. They are effective for marketing.
So what are you waiting for? Begin. Begin to allow what is most important to you. Give it a face. Give
it an experience. Give it life. Bring fully the vastness of your abilities one step at a time… StartingNow!
Bolster Self-Determination~ 4 Cornerstones to Strengthen Self-Discipline
"The difference
between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." Tommy Lasorda
How would your life be different
if you strengthened self-discipline? For some people ‘discipline’ sparks negativity so I will use ‘self-determination’
instead. Strengthening self-determination is one of the best things you can do to make great advancements in life and work.
You gain freedom, confidence, and success. Self-determination leads to accomplishing more, perseverance, healthier choices,
financial stability, a positive career/ business outlook, confidence to handle and achieve whatever comes your way, better
control of time, and perceiving obstacles as only bumps in the road. Below are 4 cornerstones to bolster self-determination.
"People of mediocre ability sometimes
achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to." George
E. Allen
Determination-
Determination is resolute. Firm decisions are made with the best possible outcome in mind. The objective is established
often in contrast to emotions tied to instant gratification. There is no room for excuses. You are set in your purpose. This
is where strategy becomes your structure to hold you accountable to a systematic plan to reach your end result. Whether you
are deciding on stopping at the donut shop next to the gym, working an elaborate project, or growing a new business determination
is the first step. Pause and make the best choice with firm resolve knowing your ultimate objective.
"The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you
get even less than you settled for." Maureen Dowd
Daily Discipline- This is the execution of your strategy.
It is disciplining and training oneself to follow through on the best choice while refusing to give in to emotionally-based
instant gratification. You carry out a regimen knowing the rewards are great. You strengthen your will to resist impulses
that conflict with your best interests. When you fall down you get back up, learn from it, and continue. With free will we
can alter our fate. Daily discipline provides the support system. Through this process positive transition occurs.
"Every worthwhile accomplishment,
big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory." Gandhi
Discomfort- A natural
part of the growth process, discomfort permeates our being when resisting an impulse. It indicates growth and rewards are
on their way. Similar to muscle soreness after a workout, discomfort signifies growing pains. As you continue saying ‘yes’
to building skills, developing knowledge, healthier food choices, taking time for your most meaningful relationships, handling
details of a project, exercising, etc. you become comfortable with discomfort.
"Winners take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes
the view from the top so exhilarating." Denis Waitley
Desserts- The final course, the rewards, is sweet.
When you become resolute in your determination, consistently continue daily discipline, and forge through discomfort you begin
experiencing rewards. Some are slow to come but have long range, carrying you into the future with more stability. Others
come while reflecting, acknowledging, and celebrating steps achieved and progress made. Do not skip these ‘feel good’
moments by looking at what is yet to be done. Set milestones to relish the journey along the way.
In The Mental ABCs of Pitching the author H.A. Dorfman shared,
"Self-discipline is a form of freedom. Freedom from laziness and lethargy, freedom from the expectations and demands
of others, freedom from weakness and fear—and doubt. Self-discipline allows a pitcher to feel his individuality, his
inner strength, his talent. He is master of, rather than a slave to, his thoughts and emotions.” You do not have
to be a pitcher to apply this wise piece of advice. Do you currently choose to be a master or slave to your thoughts and emotions?
Use the 4 cornerstones above to tap into the massive amount of strength you hold within and bolster self-determination.
Be Unlimited Action Challenge (choose between A or B)
Choice
A- Choose one specific area to build self-determination.
~
Begin with a smaller goal to build a record of accomplishment. Choose your objective and strategy with firm determination.
No hoping. It is a decision, a commitment, with firm determination to succeed.
~ Execute your strategy with daily
discipline. Record in a journal each time you succeed in overcoming emotionally-based impulses by making the best choice for
you. If you give into an impulse learn from it. Jot down what was going on: were you tired, hungry, sad, stressed, etc. Excuses
are not an option but we can learn from them in order to take better care of ourselves and strengthen.
~ Decide
what you will tell yourself about discomfort so that you continue to make the best choices.
~ Acknowledge your
progress and enjoy the rewards. Congratulations! Celebrate your achievement! Continue strengthening!
Choice
B- Practice building self-determination for a full month ~ Mark the last day of the month as a Celebration Day!
~ Make a note in your smart phone, a handy notebook, or whatever works best for you each time you encounter a moment of
self-determination. Note the date, day, the situation, how you felt before and after, if you used self-determination or gave
into impulses.
~ Build a record of strengthening. Learn from moments of weakness.
~ Each week acknowledge
your progress, growth, and any rewards.
~ Do something special to enjoy your Celebration Day! Congratulations!
Continue strengthening!
to the top
 |
|
|
