What is mindset?
” In decision theory and general systems theory, a mindset is a set of assumptions, methods, or notations held by one or more people or groups of people that is so established that it creates a powerful incentive within these people or groups to continue to adopt or accept prior behaviors, choices, or tools . This phenomenon is also sometimes described as mental inertia, “groupthink”, or a “paradigm”, and it is often difficult to counteract its effects upon analysis and decision making processes.” Source:Wikipedia
What is mindset?
Simply, it is a way of thinking.
Your mindset is your set of ideas and attitudes that shape the way you think about you and the world around you. The mindset you have governs the way you behave on a daily basis; it determines how you view things and your outlook on life. Mindset also defines your attitude – to people, situations events…everything going on around you.
You may have heard of the two different types of mindset
1) growth mindsets
2) fixed mindsets.
Or another way to think about the two types is a positive or negative mindset. Positive mindset is of course aligned with a growth mindset and negative sits comfortably, or perhaps uncomfortably, with a fixed mindset. Let’s take a look at what these two mindsets may look like.
Growth/Positive Mindset – glass half full… ( and sing!) always look on the bright side of life…
• Always opens to learn and discover new things
• Understand intelligence can be developed
• Wants to do the work to always make self-improvements
• Understand that failure provides feedback to learn how to do it differently
• Embrace challenge
• Motivated to do the work to create positive change.
And at the other end of the spectrum you’ll find someone who believes their glass is always half empty- a fixed or negative mindset?
• Can’t find the positive in their lives
• Always think from a negative point of view.
• Don’t believe they are capable of expansion and change
• Often don’t start something for fear of failure
• Box themselves into being a specific ‘type’
• Constant negative self talk…can’t…won’t…don’t…!
When you have a think about your close family and friends can you work out which type of mindset they have? Can you work out your own?
When I pondered this question I realised that I fluctuate between the two, which is a common trait. I find myself either being the “promoter’ of me of sometimes the ‘judger’ of me. Because I do the work I do – changing your mindset so you can be fit, fab and happy – I’m very aware when I find my self in a fixed/negative/judgey mcjudgey mindset and I do the work to get the hell out of there.
As you may know it’s not a great place to be and sometimes we can be so cruel to ourselves when we’re there. I often say to my gorgeous clients..would you speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself?
Take the time this week to look at your mindset. Where do sit on the spectrum? Can you improve? The good news is your mindset is not fixed. It’s actually open and welcomes change and you have the complete power to make those changes.
As my Eat Clean Reset program is coming to a close, I have some time over the next week just for you in my schedule. If you would love some help getting clear on where your mindset is, and some valuable action points to change it for the better, book a complimentary ‘Step Forward’ session with me here
Be Healthy, Happy & Amazing!
Caroline x