Feeling stuck? Change your thinking
Do you ever catch yourself saying: “I’m just not good at this?” or “I can’t do it?” What might be possible if you changed your thinking? It’s all about your #mindset in today’s #PointsToPonder video.
What is a fixed mindset? And growth mindset?
Have you ever heard the phrase “growth mindset?” I actually learned it first through my sister, who’s a teacher in the public-school system. Students with a fixed mindset believe their talents and abilities are just that: fixed. They believe they have a certain amount of intelligence and that’s it; there’s no point to working at it any further.
Well, that was me when I was a kid: I believed I was not a “math person,” so I avoided math. And I had a fixed mindset about athletics, too; I didn’t think I could do sports. And I’ve realized that these fixed mindsets have followed me into adulthood. But guess what, I am deciding to be different. And I’m doing that by developing a “growth mindset.”
With a “growth mindset,” you believe your skills can be improved over time in areas where you aren’t naturally gifted.
Do you think just because you weren’t born with a certain amount of intelligence that it limits your professional success? Or maybe you find yourself giving up when things are too hard rather than looking for a different solution. If you think it’s impossible to change, I have good news: You can change your mindset. Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” All things includes your mindset!
What can you do?
- No. 1: Start with self awareness … Becoming more self aware is like turning a dial on a radio, tuning into your thought patterns about different areas of your life. Catch yourself saying or thinking something like: “It’s way too hard.” Or “I’ll just stick to what I know.” If you don’t recognize that you’re living in a fixed mindset, how can you make a change?
- No. 2: Make a choice … Now you know where you need to change your thinking. Are you a person who CAN DO math? Are you a person who CAN MAKE healthy choices? Are you a person who IS a great parent? It’s about your identity; WHO you are rather than just what you are naturally good at.
- No. 3: Take time to experiment … I use safe-to-fail experiments as learning opportunities for myself, my kids, and my coaching clients. You have to be willing to try and fail in order to eventually try and succeed. Figure out what worked, what didn’t and what you can do differently next time.
You can do it!
If you hear yourself saying: “I just don’t get it” or “It’s way too hard!” … STOP! Recognized it’s time to make a difference choice. To work with me as your thinking partner in the process, contact me here or connect via Facebook @YourChristianCoach.
Thanks for joining me. I’ll see you next Tuesday, as we chat more about Points to Ponder.