Mindset is a term that we hear more and more often, and although it seems only a translation of the word mentality, the meaning in English covers much more than it seems.
Although it is very common to see this phrase accompanied by other words that give it a meaning by context such as “change the mindset”, “company mindset” or “digital mindset” it is important to know what exactly we mean by mindset as a single word and apart from the other words that accompany it.
For this, it will be key that you read this blog post until the end. Let’s go there?
What is Mindset and how does it influence our success?
Mindset is a widely used term in the world of entrepreneurship, but do you know what it really means?
Basically, mindset or mental programming is the set of thoughts and beliefs that shape our mind, determining how we behave.
Have you already noticed that while there are people who naturally have healthy habits and are easier to develop some skills, others have a hard time changing?
The difference in human behavior is in the mindset and how the person works to shape it.
Do you want to better understand how our mental programming works and how to change it to be successful? Stay with us to transform your mind!
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How is our mindset formed?
The mindset is directly influenced by everything we experience, see and hear, and what we believe to be true – our beliefs. The term became popular with the book Mindset – The attitude of success by author and renowned psychologist Carol S. Dweck.
After decades of research on achievement and success, Carol introduces the concept of the mindset, which is shown to be responsible for how each person views life. She explains why someone is optimistic or pessimistic, a determining factor for personal and professional development.
The author also explains how the mindset can influence anyone’s life, especially in a positive way.
What are the types of mindset?
Through the research carried out, Dweck presents two types of mindset: fixed mindset and growth mindset. Look at the main points and the differences of each:
1. Fixed Mindset
People with a fixed mindset believe that basic qualities, such as intelligence and talent, are fixed traits and cannot be changed, both in professional and personal lives.
These people often exhibit pessimistic behavior and insecurity, always trying to prove their ability to everyone, seeking praise and words of affirmation.
Furthermore, they believe that failure is something to be avoided at all costs. And they believe that if something goes wrong, it’s better not to even try.
Perfection is something that the fixed mindset strives for all the time, which is why it is achieved by people who stick to what they know to succeed. And this is something that is formed from the first moments of our life.
In the book, Dweck shows a study done with young children, where they have to redo an easy puzzle or try a new, more difficult puzzle. Children with a fixed mindset chose the first option because they knew it would be successful.
Thus, we can see that our mindset is formed even in childhood, based on education and school experiences. Over time, other factors shape our brain, such as work.
2. Growth Mindset
The growth mindset, as the name implies, believes that new skills, talents, and gifts can be developed over time as a result of willpower, commitment, and dedication.
People with a progressive mindset know that difficulties can become opportunities, just as intelligence is something that can be developed with dedication and effort.
Therefore, they are individuals who take advantage of challenges to develop potential skills, in a way that a person with a fixed mindset would not.
However, Dweck explains in the book that the mindset is not just about believing that you can do what you want with effort. After all, not everyone will become the next Einstein just by trying.
Progressive mindset is about living what is potentially possible. This attitude stimulates the search for challenges and constant learning.
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What is the relationship between mindset and success?
Many think that success is only achieved by those who are very talented or very lucky. But, success depends on how you handle new situations.
If you have a progressive mindset, you know how to explore, accept new experiences and enjoy challenges. Otherwise, you will always be worried about not meeting expectations.
Do you want to program your brain for success? The first step is learning to know new things, without fear of making mistakes!
How to know what your mindset is?
In the book, Dweck offers a short test to define what your mindset is. Read the following statements and choose which ones you agree or disagree with:
- Intelligence is something basic about you, something that cannot be changed or altered.
- You can learn new things, but you can’t change how smart you are.
- No matter how smart you are, you can always change it up a bit.
- Your intelligence can be completely changed.
Do you agree with options 1 and 2? This reflects a fixed mindset. If you identify with options 3 and 4, your mindset points to growth.
The full version of this test is available (in English). It is worth doing to better understand your mentality, and if you consider it necessary, part for the change!
Tips to change your mindset
In any area, it is ideal to have people with a mindset aimed at success. That is, they are always willing to learn and improve.
So that you can develop your mind for growth, we have separated 5 actions that you can put into practice right now. Shall we start?
1. Be patient with yourself
If not everything goes as expected, there is no problem with this! Understanding that it is necessary to be emotionally prepared to face possible frustrations is essential. You will not always achieve all your goals within the established period and that is life.
Be patient with yourself and be flexible to make any necessary adjustments. In case of difficulties, talk to a friend or ask other people for advice.
Seek to know yourself as much as possible and respect your time. Always look at what you can improve and do not complicate yourself when performing a task.
Remember: people with a progressive mindset seek constant learning.
2. Learn from your mistakes
As the saying goes: to err is human. But persisting in error is the secret of failure. Any successful person can list a series of failures that he has made along the way.
Mistakes are part of the learning process. Who has the brain programmed for success, learns from every setback and strives to turn it into something positive. And this is what makes the difference.
So if you made any mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it. Analyze what has already been done, what could have been different, and move on!
3. Create new and better habits
Integrating powerful everyday habits helps change mindsets by integrating thought with action. For example: if you have bad health habits and want to adopt new healthier habits, changing your mindset will help you a lot in this achievement.
Another tip to help you change your mindset is to take some time to learn and write down your learning and achievements, every day. This habit will keep your motivation very high!
Want to learn more about how habits work? Check out our book review and take advantage of the best ideas to change your habits!
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4. Turn the key
Negative thoughts are unavoidable. The problem is when negativity becomes normal in your routine. If a person has a negative mindset, he will always be afraid to take risks and he will tend to be in his comfort zone.
Turning this key, that is, identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with positive words and attitudes, is a big step towards a successful mindset.
Instead of saying “this won’t work”, change it to “I’ll try and do everything to make it work!”. Gradually, it will be natural for you to think positively.
5. Write your action plan
Grab a pen and paper, and write down your main goal and action plan to make it happen. This vision will help you plan where you could be at a later time.
Don’t know where to start? No problem! Take the main target and separate it into smaller ones Set close dates (remember to be flexible) and focus on each step so that the final result is the best possible.
An additional tip: every time you meet a goal, reward yourself.
6, Feed your mind
An excellent way to change your mindset is to rely on literature. In addition to Carol Dweck’s book cited above, several books bring teachings and studies on behavior and mindset.
Some quick book suggestions for programming the mind for success are:
- Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman;
- Leadership Golden Principles: The Lessons I’ve Learned from a Life of Leadership, by John Maxwell;
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey;
- The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker.
Want to see more book suggestions successful people read? look at the list for people who want to be successful and learn to think like successful people!
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