“Anyone can train to be a gladiator. What marks you out is having the mindset of a champion.”
Most of us would agree that having the mindset of a champion is a great thing, right? But do you know why mindset is so important? Do you know how to change your mindset to optimize your ability for success?
We come across so many people who simply don’t know how to take a hold of their most powerful weapons – their mind and their attitude.
With the right mindset, you can create positive change. With the right attitude, you can find purpose. With the right perspective, you can find great success.
But how? And why should you work so hard to find it?
What is a Mindset?
Simply put, a mindset is a way of thinking, the mental attitude you have or frame of mind you’re currently in.
Why Does it Matter?
There are two main reasons why your mindset matters so much to your overall success and well being.
It influences how you think and feel about people, situations, and circumstances.
It affects how you react to what happens around you.
Fixed Mindset v. Growth Mindset
While we now understand that our mindsets shape our attitudes, how we see the world and how we react to events around us, it’s also crucial to understand the differences in types of mindsets. Most psychologists agree upon two types – fixed and growth. According to Mindset Online, fixed and growth mindsets can be described as the following:
FIXED
“In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort…”
GROWTH
“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment…”
After reading these definitions, it’s pretty clear that we strive for growth, but how can we do this? How do we change our mindset? How can we continuously grow and get better?
How Can I Change My Mindset?
Alter the language that you use.
The way you speak to yourself (and others), both internally and externally has a huge effect on your mindset.
Do you speak to yourself kindly? Cut yourself a break now again? Push yourself with positive affirmation when needed?
If these things aren’t apart of your current language, this may be an area of improvement for your mindset.
Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people.
Consider your close friends, family, and other acquaintances in your life. How many of these people are positive influences and voices and how many are not? While every single person in your life may not be the most uplifting, it’s important to have the majority of the people you surround yourself with daily, be voices that make you reach for more, not have a worse attitude.
Change and make new habits.
While this is much easier said than done, it can drastically alter the course of your attitude, therefore your day and over time, your whole life. Here are a few habits to consider implementing or changing.
Start the day on a positive note: Instead of jumping on social media first thing, read a positive quote, an excerpt from an encouraging book, or listen to an uplifting song.
Make a point to be kind to a stranger every day: Our mindsets are far more positive when we’re kind to others.
Write a handwritten note to a co-worker or friend: Tell them what a great job they are doing.
The more positivity we spread ourselves, the more likely we are to grab a hold of it too!
Mindsets are Powerful
Your mind is your most powerful tool. Don’t let it go unused. Don’t let a bad attitude take hold of it. Use your mind for good and to power your own success. To help you remember how powerful your mind is, we created a printable download for you. Tape it on your mirror, stick it in your car – wherever you’ll see it most often and remember how powerful your mind is!
