The wealth of research into the brain and how it functions is giving everyone an opportunity to better understand what is behind our thoughts, intentions, beliefs, and actions. Carol Dweck's research on fixed and growth mindsets is an integral part of this research.
Our mindset is a foundation but is not definitive. As human beings, we have the ability to change our mindset. That is our hidden super power - hidden because we seldom allow ourselves to identify what our mindset is about something. Instead, we move through life in an auto-pilot kind of fashion, often focusing on our emotions, beliefs, and the consequences of our actions.
To be a better person, leader, parent, partner, colleague, etc, we need to become more aware of our mindsets and consciously chose to shift them. Let's look at some examples. When you think or say something like "Well that will never change" you are taking what is described as a fixed mindset. Or, when you think or say "I don't have any experience with that kind of thing" you are limiting yourself on how you move forward.
Other examples include the following; without even thinking about it, you see a stranger and walk in a different direction; you see an employee make a mistake and roll your eyes; you look at the news and think how did it come to this; or you learn of a decision made by your employer and immediately question the motive behind it.
The result is that we have surrounded ourselves with limited, negative, and judgmental energy and we don't even know it. This energy then influences the actions that we take and the results that we experience.
To be even better people, we need to stop the cycle of acting on auto pilot and instead, pause to think about what our choices are, which one(s) align(s) with our intention, values, and purpose, and then take action that brings the true power of our mindset to life.
By recognizing the thought "Well that will never change" and shifting it to "What about that is working" or "I don't have any kind of experience with that kind of thing" and shifting it to "What experience do I have that will help me here" also shifts the energy. It puts you more in control of the situation and opens up what is possible rather than what seems impossible. It creates growth, possibilities, and promotes a future focus.
A Growth Mindset is truly your hidden super power. Strive to uncover it and see what difference it makes in your life and that of others.
