Life is only as good as your mindset. So many of our circumstances come from the way we think about things. When it comes to our goals, it may seem like there are so many factors that play into whether we succeed or fail, but the simple truth is that without a great mentality, success is nearly impossible.
Learning about the importance of staying in the right mindset is the first step toward being able to implement it in your own life and use it toward your success. Here are a few key things to keep in mind.
Two Types of Mindsets: Fixed and Growth
We can learn a lot from the story, “The Tortoise and the Hare.” If you’ve never heard it, it’s about a hare who brags about how fast he can run, and a tortoise who believes he can beat him in a race. The hare decides to play in a meadow and take a nap during the race, believing that even if he does this, he will still beat the tortoise. Meanwhile, the tortoise slowly makes his way along the path and ends up beating the hare to the finish line.
This story paints a picture of two different mindsets: fixed and growth. When someone has a fixed mindset, they believe their traits and abilities are things they were simply born with. Those with a growth mindset believe that if they work hard, they can develop traits and skills over time.
The difference between the two is shown in a study that observed 10th graders and their scores on a nationwide achievement test. Researchers found that students who maintained a growth mindset were three times more likely to score in the top 20% on the test, while students with a fixed mindset were four times more likely to score in the bottom 20%. Regardless of prior abilities, a growth mindset is key to achieving your goals.
Focusing on Growth
Establishing a growth mindset will require practice and patience with yourself, but it is by no means impossible. There are some key tactics to keep in mind in order to get yourself to where you want to be. Here are 10 that you should strive to implement into your mindset daily.
- Set goals that will challenge you.
- See your setbacks as opportunities.
- Remind yourself that your growth is more important than your speed.
- Value your effort above your talent.
- Embrace your imperfections and be authentic.
- Don’t worry about the approval of others.
- Appreciate the journey more than the results.
- Strive to remain optimistic.
- Learn from others and their mistakes.
- Believe in yourself (it’s more important than you think).
Growth Mindset and Leadership
There are so many traits that make a great leader—work ethic, vision, passion, drive, motivation … you get the idea. But what about mindset? How much does that affect the results of a leader’s team?
The truth is that a growth mindset is critical to great leadership. Those who are always trying to improve and asking themselves what they can do for their team are the ones who will succeed. When someone can take feedback with grace, find opportunities for their team wherever possible, and use great problem-solving techniques, great things are bound to happen.
In short, your mindset is everything. While outside factors may impact results, there is nothing more powerful than your mentality. The great news is that you are in control of it. The mindset you carry is 100% up to you.
