Take a moment to consider that your mindset is like an internal template for how you make sense of a problem you are facing and how you then respond to it. If we don’t take a moment to be more conscious and aware of the mindset we are in we may find that we don’t get the results we want. Therefore, getting in the right mindset impacts the ability to get the result you do want.
You may or may not be familiar with two different mindsets. Some schools actively teach these concepts so you may be familiar with it via your children! And, if they aren’t I would actively encourage you to share it with your children.
FIXED MINDSET
This mindset is formed when you believe or your perception that your abilities or personality is fixed and unchangeable. And, that you are born this way, and your abilities and personality are “fixed” or set in stone.
GROWTH MINDSET
This mindset comes from a belief or perception that no matter when or what your starting point is, you can improve and develop, over time and with effort. How liberating does that feel?!
WHY IT MATTERS
A fixed mindset makes you more vulnerable to mental health problems. It is linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety. You will probably have poor coping strategies. For example, if you don’t believe you can ever become confident at public speaking or more socially skilled, you are less likely to work on changing it. You are also more likely to feel stressed and out of control when faced with social situations and having to present to an audience.
A growth mindset helps to build resilience and helps you to bounce back when faced with failures or setbacks. You will feel more empowered and less helpless.
When I work with clients with a more fixed mindset they struggle to see the opportunity to grow and improve. By developing the growth mindset it fuels energy to pick themselves up, learn and go again.
When applying for a new job, going for a promotion, or in the early stages of a new role having a growth mindset is key. It develops the resilience required to keep bouncing back from unsuccessful interviews, improves self-belief, and helps you hit the ground running by learning new skills.
Top Tips:
- Take time each day when you might be triggered into a “fixed mindset response”. Hear yourself saying “you can’t do this” or “don’t try, they will all think you are stupid”, or “I’m terrible at…” Noticing them is important otherwise they influence your behaviour without you realising.
- Reframing is your next step. Rewrite the statement/belief or voice with a carefully placed “yet”! “I don’t feel fully confident, yet”. “I haven’t mastered this yet”
- Take the opportunity to step out of discomfort and take the challenge rather than the more comfortable option! Why? Because this is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Be Kind! It is important to be kind to ourselves when things don’t go the way we hoped. By asking ourselves reflective questions we can learn and build on our experiences.
- Comparisonitis – when we compare ourselves to others it keeps us fixed. Instead of ploughing energy into this unhelpful thinking be inspired and motivated to find your time and space to shine.
To find out more about this and many other techniques to help you develop in your career email me at lucy@lucytullochcoaching.co.uk or use the contact form on my website.