Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations

Some years ago, I began noticing how mindsets created particular perceptions and motivations. It was perspective, perception, values, beliefs, states of emotion, and environmental conditioning all colliding to create the filters to see the world and how we interacted with it.  Mindset determined how people showed up to life, to leadership, and to the office. I also noticed how our the fixed mindset can create particular challenges in the face of failure.  Instead of perceiving challenges as a way to grow (a growth mindset), some saw it as proof of one’s inabilities (a fixed mindset).

 As mentioned previously, I am diving deeper into the mindset coaching work-exposing what we can do as leaders to cultivate more of a growth mindset in our spaces.  (Yes, our inner space as well.) 

Below are 20 quick thoughts and guidelines to support a healthy growth mindset this year. (I sprinkled a few thoughts to counter perfectionism tendencies too.)

 

I am glad to be still on the journey with you, so I want to say to you...

 

Keep going. Keep growing. 

 

 

 1. Accept being human

Remember that everyone makes mistakes. It is part of the human condition. You never signed a contract to be absolutely right in everything in this life.

2. Lean into your challenges

Sometimes the hardest times help us grow. Rather than looking at challenges as something you might fail at, try to consider them as opportunities for growth. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.

3. Continue Learning. It's exercise for the brain.

You are never too experienced, too old, too competent to learn. Approach your challenges with curiosity and courage. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to improve myself in the future? Our brain is not hardwired. Just as weightlifting and physical exercise build your muscles, when you are learning, the nerve cells in your brain are growing with mental exercise, and these neurons are developing greater connectivity. As we learn, our brain remodels itself based on our new experiences.

4. Reframe your perception of failure

Instead of calling something a "failure," consider what key takeaways and learnings from the experience. Think "learning opportunity" or "growth opportunity" and refrain from "failure." Also, remember, nothing in your life has been wasted, nor will it ever be. 

5. Seek it from within

Taking ownership of your experience allows you to be increasingly aware of yourself and the areas you need to develop.

6. Focus on the process and less on the end

Learning occurs over time, so enjoy the ride or as I like to say, “Stay in the journey.”

7. Rejoice in your growth with others

Sharing successes with trusted others can cultivate motivation and restore energy for learning. Find about seven people to share your successes. Own your progress. Rejoice in theirs as well.

8. Be patient and kind with yourself as you grow 

Learning doesn’t occur overnight. Remember that learning and competency often take time and encounters bumps and mistakes along the way. Also, the more grace you can give to yourself, the more you can give to others.

9. Take on the challenging work

Those who are commonly defined as “geniuses” have not only talent but also commitment, drive, and persistence. 

10. Avoid being defensive when offered a critique

The individual is giving you a positive learning opportunity. Take some time to identify the specific learning opportunities when given criticism.

11. Disassociate failing from being a failure

Because you fail at something, this does not mean you are a failure. Disidentify the event from your being.

12. Take time to reflect 

Take time to review learnings every day. Journaling, creating a voice memo, or a personal conversation may work well.

13. Your effort matters 

Efforts should always be rewarded along with inherent talent. Remember, we were each given our own measure; however, it is how we utilize it that matters most.  

14. Brain train regularly

Exercise the brain just like you would the body. Figure out what exercises you like to do and then do them regularly. One book a month is a start.

15. Incorporate the word "yet" more into your vocabulary

"Yet" primes the mind for possibility and keeps the brain open. For example: “I don’t know how to do this yet.” 

16. Set a new goal for every goal achieved 

Learning is an endless, lifelong journey. Stay focused on learning and becoming a better version of yourself daily, monthly, annually. Also, remember that your only competition is you. Compare only to your previous self.

17. Take calculated risks, especially with other you trust

Sometimes risks lead to rewards, and other times, they don’t. Either way, risk can be perceived as an opportunity for growth. I truly believe the risk is worth the reach.

18. Know your values to know your goals

Our values drive our pursuits and what we don't. They are for which we are willing to exchange our precious time, energy, and wealth. Values drive our behaviors, our behaviors drive us toward our goals. 

19. Build a habit of good enough. Truthfully, it may be excellence. 

Yes, good can be the enemy of great, but perfectionism could be the enemy of you. 

20. Own your attitude 

We know that attitudinal change supports behavioral change. Once you feel that you have cultivated a growth mindset, own it. Let it guide you.

 ***

I hope a few of these spoke to you. Before you close this email, choose one or more of the guidelines that resonate with you most. Place your guidelines somewhere you can see them everyday (i.e., on the refrigerator, office desk, bathroom mirror, or your phone's lock screen). Just be sure you see them daily. Focus on your selection for throughout the rest of January and let's notice what habits were formed and changes made.