What is a mindset and what influences it ? These are very critical questions that we should ask ourselves first. A mindset comprises of a set of opinions and beliefs that influence how we feel and think, and this influences our response and behaviour in any situation. How we feel and behave also has an impact on our success or failure. Further, according to psychologist Carol Dweck, our beliefs play a pivotal role in what we want and whether we achieve it. Dweck has found that it is our mindset that plays a significant role in determining achievement and success. Our outlook and attitude influences how we behave in a range of different situations in our life. As we encounter various situations, our mind triggers a response based on our mindset and that directs our response and behaviour.

To understand more about mindsets and how they may influence our lives, based on our learnings is important. It is also vital to understand how shifting our mindset with changing circumstances can play an important role in helping us in varying situations as well as in overcoming the challenges we are facing. Possessing the ability to change our mindset is something every successful person has, and it is this ability that helps them to change and progress in their lives.

Some key manners in which we can shift our mindset in order to improve the quality of our lives and propel ourselves to success, include:

CONTROLLING THOUGHT PATTERNS : In order to be successful do not let any adverse experiences affect your mind and actions. Learn to control your emotions and beliefs as it is our beliefs that help to create our world. Not only that, it is our beliefs that help to control our emotions and also frame our mindset.

HAVING POSITIVE THOUGHT PATTERNS :  It is our thinking that helps us on our life’s journey to achieve the goals we may want to achieve. Having a positive outlook leads us towards achieving our goals and being successful. Positive people exude positive vibes which help them build a rapport with others and develop a network which contributes towards getting ahead in life.

MAKING SMALL MODIFICATIONS : In order to make changes and also shift our thoughts small incremental changes can play a big role.  As said by Tony Robbins “Sometimes all it takes to change your mindset forever is the smallest, two-millimeter shift in the way you see the world”. Although you might be thinking that nothing is working out, just making a small change may lead to success. The change in terms of a small shift in your strategy may help to maintain a momentum and achieve the results you are looking for. 

MOVING TO A GROWTH MINDSET : Having a fixed mindset nourishes the belief that a person cannot change or make any improvements in their lives. They have the conviction that they are stuck with whatever abilities they possess. It is only with developing oneself and having the confidence and belief that what efforts you put in will be rewarded, that you will progress and grow. You should also accept any challenges that come up in life as opportunities and not obstacles.

LEARNING TO APPRECIATE : We all expect a lot from ourselves, our families and also our career. But it is important to remember that we can avoid a lot of disappointment and irritation for ourselves if we can learn to appreciate whatever we have or get. When we learn to value and be grateful for what we have, instead of always craving for more in our lives, it is only then that we will learn to live in the present, be satisfied and enjoy our lives to the fullest.     

CHANGING YOUR MINDSET

Our mindset is largely influenced by external factors but our thoughts keep changing and continue to grow and reorganize throughout our life. As we keep challenging ourselves with new outlooks and perceptions we can form new mental connections and change our mindset at any point in our lives.

Nothing in life is set in stone and even if we possess a fixed mindset we can make changes by continuing to learn and believing that all our qualities are not fixed and can be changed over time. In order to do so we can start by applying these 5 steps :

1. OVERCOME LIMITING BELIEFS – We all have perceptions about ourselves that may contribute to our success or may hold us back from achieving what we want in life. If these beliefs are identified by us and then challenged and overcome we can go further to achieve our goals. Limiting beliefs are generally negative in nature and prevent us from achieving our goals. Instead, build a set of positive thoughts and habits and replace limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs to achieve your ambitions.
2. CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK – Every person has a different viewpoint and perception and sometimes the key lies in making a small change in your mindset. A small two-millimeter shift in the manner you are looking at the world or your situation can make a big impact. Challenges come up in life and how we see them has an impact – do we see them as challenges or obstacles. By creating a positive meaning we can change obstacles to opportunities. This small change can produce huge results.
3. OVERCOME FEAR – It is only natural to be afraid of change and the unknown. When we look at things from a place of fear we stay trapped in our current situation. We also remain static in our personal and professional life and let opportunities pass by, since we are afraid of failing. When we learn to face this truth and change our behaviour, our entire life can change. We can discover and utilize opportunities which were there for us the whole time.
4. FOCUS ON POSITIVE LANGUAGE – It is only by positive thoughts and self talk that we can change negative thoughts. Planting positive ideas and thoughts in our mind at the beginning can inspire us to be more focused and energetic plus maximize our control over our actions. In order to keep the positivity flowing it is helpful to interact with others whose mindset reflects where we want to go. Setbacks are normal in life but learn to bounce back by reminding yourself about the reasons to change.
5. SEEK HELP AND ENCOURAGEMENT – We all crave for growth, happiness and joy in our lives but maybe unsure of how to go about it. One effective way is to work with a coach or partner with a mentor who can provide guidance on what needs to be fixed, in order to be successful. Thus by changing ones mindset and focusing on positive goals we can connect with the goals and people in our life.

Remember,  “Learn to adapt. Things change, circumstances change. Adjust yourself and your efforts to what it is presented to you so you can respond accordingly. Never see change as a threat, because it can be an opportunity to learn, to grow, evolve and become a better person.”- Rodolfo Costa