Your mindset is the belief that primes your brain to react. React seems to imply a fight or flight response, but a reaction could be relief or gratitude. We are constantly reacting and, like the autonomic system, functioning without having to think about it. This is why it’s so very important if you are looking to make change that you spend some time on understanding your mindset.
The current discussion about mindset is centered around the open or closed mindset called growth and fixed mindsets accordingly. The ability to grow and adapt. The desire to learn from experience and change toward a visionary version of yourself are all associated with a growth mindset. This is the open mind that is not afraid to be wrong or try something new when performing the familiar.
Alternately the fixed mindset is happy to just be. It isn’t interested in the new method that might make it better. It has always been done this way and so shall it always be, thank you very much. The closed mindset has an idea and wants to stick with it. It’s comfortable in its familiar surroundings and wants things done just so. A fixed mindset does not like to be wrong and creates an set of beliefs to maintain its facade.
Mindset matters. Where do you stand? Even if you are firmly in the growth mindset camp, it is possible to improve, because no one is perfect. But more than improving it is important to be aware of your mindset. It is important to know how you will react when dealer doubles down and its time to show your cards. (I’m hearing “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, anyone else?)
It’s great to be able to say that you are cool under pressure, but how are you cool? Do you think on your feet? Do you have a high internal anxiety but take external cues to maneuver through a set of obstacles? Name your skills. Get familiar with them. Know how you apply them to situations so that the next time a familiar or unfamiliar stressful situations occurs you are going to shine.
I’ve been in stressful situations. All kinds. The kind that makes you flush because geez is this really going down like this? And the kind that make you glad you are alive and holy crap is it time to head home yet? But what I know about myself and my performance under pressure is that I have a quick zing of panic and then I get smart. I think on my feet. I rely on my knowledge and a deep breath. I’m resilient because beyond having a growth mindset, I am have a resilient mindset. I know that if I can take that deep breath and get clarity on my purpose, I will rise up and perform spectacularly.
Studies have shown that mindsets can be shaped by your values as well. In this case, situations where your beliefs guide your thoughts and actions your values will guide you behavior. You could have:
- a service mindset
- a collaborative mindset
- a social mindset
- a gratitude mindset
- a dreamer mindset
- a creative mindset
This list of mindsets are not the only ones, but these are some powerful and positive mindsets that could serve you well in various situations. They are the kind on mindsets that keep you connected to positive energy and living on a higher frequency. These are the kind of mindsets that cancel negative energy and allow us to connect.
Mindset matters because it is how we show up in the world without effort. If you stop and evaluate how you are showing up and see an opportunity for a change, it can be done. It all starts with the end in mind, what do you want to see changed? Envision it in your mind and set up deliberate triggers for yourself to behave the way you believe is more aligned with where you want to be. It won’t happen overnight, but overtime it will become your second nature. Your awareness will make it more powerful because of the intention you used when you decided to transform your mindset.
Baum Balance 