One of the basics of transformational healing is first to understand what kind of mindset you operate under. In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck, Ph.D. introduces us to the concept of Fixed versus Growth Mindsets.
A Fixed Mindset is when you believe your qualities are carved in stone. You might believe you have a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, or a certain character.
Those in a Fixed Mindset tend to focus on proving these things to be true about themselves.
They are constantly evaluating themselves with questions like, “Will I succeed or fail? Will I look smart or dumb? Will I be accepted or rejected?” Fixed Mindset people tend to play it safe, not taking risks for fear of failure or embarrassment. Those in a Fixed Mindset can also over-identify with a diagnosis or disease and believe that there’s nothing to be done and they’ll have it forever.
On the opposite side, is the Growth Mindset. When you operate under a Growth Mindset, you believe that your basic qualities are the things that you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and from getting help from others. You believe you can change and grow through application and experience. Growth Mindset people are willing to take risks and make mistakes, because they know whatever happens will present them with an opportunity to learn and grow. They’re willing to explore alternate treatment options and know that their diagnosis is just that, a diagnosis and does not represent who they are.
They ask very different questions such as, “Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why seek out the tride and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you?” “What else is possible here?”
Growth Mindset people allow for what is possible and know that a person’s true potential is unknown.
What type of mindset is the basis for how you operate in the world? Do you believe that you are “just how you are” and that things “are just this way”? Or, do you believe things can be different for you? Do you believe that with the right tools and support, you could change yourself and the course of your life?
Mindset coaching is a big part of the care I give. Even when I’m discussing a medical issue with someone, I’m discreetly helping them shift their mindset. And, of course, mindset coaching is a major part of the online life and business coaching programs I offer to clients all over the country.
If you want to get started moving from a fixed to a growth mindset or are looking for more tools to boost your growth mindset, check out my mini-course, Kick Start Your Mindset.
What kind of mindset do you operate under presently? What’s one move you can take today to start shifting it???
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