Last week we discussed what a fixed mindset looked like and how you would recognize it. Today we will look at a more positive mindset, the growth mindset. If you discovered last week that you have a fixed mindset, then you will have to read this carefully and start your mindset shift.
Mindset is essentially how you view yourself and your capabilities. As Henry Ford said "If you believe you can do it, you will, and if you believe you can't you won't, either way you will be right". Having a growth mindset is believing you are capable of anything and you see yourself as a "work in progress". If you like to challenge yourself, and have a continual thirst for learning, then you most certainly have a growth mindset. If you don't, then it is a mindset that can be developed. The first step is to be aware of the mindset you currently have, then, if changes are required you can get started. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to learn to enjoy the journey of life and to be present every day. Live with the reality and learn to embrace where you are today and acknowledge how far you have come. By giving yourself some praise for your past achievements you will open yourself up to seeing more possibilities for the future. Mindset is all about perspective and if you can change that perspective, just a little at a time, you will start developing that growth mindset. You need to accept change and consider that there are other possibilities, maybe even better ways of achieving what you want. Life is always going to throw negativity at you and you have to accept that, but it's the way that you deal with it that determines your mindset. You can either let the negativity stop you in your tracks and drag you down, or you can accept it for what it is and learn from it. The thing to remember is that everyone experiences negativity and everyone has bad days, but it is how you accept and grow from it that is important. That is what separates the fixed mindsets from the growth mindsets.
So my top tips for developing a growth mindset are to create awareness of where you are right now and start making small changes. When you feel that you are stuck are there are no options, think again, there are always options. If you need help seeing them then discuss it with someone you trust. Start looking at your obstacles as challenges and this alone should help to shift your perspective.