Your Mindset - What Changing it Can Do
You hear it often enough, if you think it you can do it, change your mindset, change your results. But what how does one do this and why is this such an important factor?
The results we have in our lives all have to do with the choices we make and we make those choices based on our thinking or our mindset. If you have been trying to achieve a goal in life and are unable to, chances are it is your mindset that is the factor that's preventing you from obtaining it. Just as Albert Einstein has stated many times, you can change your own world just by changing the way you think!
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” - Albert Einstein
There are two basic mindsets in life, growth mindset and fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is an individual who believes that intelligence, personalities and talents are personal traits that are fixed and cannot be changed or improved. Growth mindset on the other hand are persons who believe that those same traits are all abilities that can be developed over time with hard work and determination.
Having a growth mindset has proven to benefit us in many ways! It can reduce stress, reduce anxiety, enhances self-esteem and more! With a growth mindset you are more likely to finish goals and have success in whatever venture you are on.
So is it possible to change your mindset? The answer is yes! According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist that did extensive research on growth and fixed mindset, you can most definitely change your mindset. It is scientifically proven that our brains and the connections within them continue to change even as adults! This is what's called neuroplasticity. It may take some individuals longer than others, depending on their willingness to change, but it is indeed possible.
What are ways we can change our mindset? There are a few tasks we can do to start. One way we can do this is to be mindful of the thoughts we have daily.
As humans, especially those of a fixed mindset tend to lie to ourselves. We have gotten so good at this, we even believe our own lies. Most of those lies tend to be harmful and negative. If the majority of the time you have negative thoughts such as "I can't do this" or "it's too hard", then it would be a good time to start being mindful of these thoughts and replacing them with "I will improve" and "I will get better".
If you start procrastinating and tell yourself you will do something "later" or "tomorrow", really start paying attention to your thoughts and try to discern if you are being completely honest with yourself or not.
If you find yourself stuck on a negative thought due to "failing" at something, just remind yourself you are learning, which is good and that no one is an expert right away. Get excited, every "failure" is a lesson and you are in a way "leveling up" your experience!
Another great way to be more mindful of your thoughts is by journaling. Journaling is a wonderful tool to get to know yourself better and in turn finding out where you can change.
Another way to change your mindset is to realize that most individuals who have a fixed mindset were praised for the results of their efforts instead of the hard work or process it took to get there, in turn those with a fixed mindset tend to focus on the endgame instead of enjoying the process. Take time to be thankful for all that you are learning in the process and for the experience that is occurring.
One of the hardest and most obvious ways of changing your mindset is stepping out of your comfort zone. We sometimes tend to avoid new challenges or anything new because we are afraid of failing. Once you step out of your comfort zone, whatever that may be, you will begin to see over time that it is not the end of the world and things will become more positive and exciting!
Changing your fixed mindset to a growth mindset can be difficult depending on the individual. Just remember that it is possible and your life can improve immensely just by changing the way you think!
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