Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset, described mindset as either a fixed one or growth-oriented. At any given point, each one of us can have either type of mindset. It all depends on the situation. Take technology, there are many who embrace it while others fear it. Fear seems to be the common denominator as to the type of mindset one possesses. Fear of the unknown.
Many times our mindset is being controlled by past memories. They hold onto us with a “vise-like grip.” We fear learning something new and believe that what we knew in the past will always hold true into the future. Sure, there are many things in the past that are better than today. Fitness being one of them. People in the past moved more and ate differently.
Having the right mindset will take you far in life. The growth mindset as stated by Carol Dweck is critical to success. I’ve learned to adapt to the changing world because of my mindset wanting to grow. I read quite a bit and learn from those much younger than me (as well as older). I realize that I’m not the smartest person around and work to ensure that my mind and brain is challenged to grow. I can tell you it’s helped.
I can still remember keypunch operators as a being in heavy demand. Today, they are completely gone as a profession. Many of the keypunch operators failed to adapt and became irrelevant. This happens in businesses, other professions and even in sports.
I’ve looked at 5 keys to ensure you’re on the path of having a growth mindset and therefore, more success in your life…
- Believe in yourself. Too many people lack this basic principle of success and of growth. The stronger you believe in yourself, the more you’ll believe that you can adapt and grow. The most successful people have this as their foundation.
- Get to know yourself. Most people don’t truly know themselves. I’ve seen courses on self-mastery, yet, this is meaningless if one isn’t self-aware. You can’t master anything unless you learn who you are. Start journaling to help you in that endeavor.
- Become a lifelong learner. Just as I stated that I read quite a bit, I also take online courses, attend seminars and listen to audios. Build a library to help you grow. Jim Rohn once said, “Successful people have libraries. The rest have big screen TV’s.” Now, you can use your TV as a learning tool by watching learning videos and courses.
- Apply what you’ve learned into an actionable plan. Don’t just sit on what you read. Use it. If it works, continue to use it. If not, then either dump it or adjust it. Test, test, test as you just do it!
- Be adaptable. A fixed mindset is fearful of what they don’t know and tend to embrace the status quo. The growth mindset embraces change and learns from any mistake while on the road to success. In fact, the road is their success as they accept any and all challenges.
Life is all about growth and change. If you choose to stay fixed, then you’ll be left behind. Be bold and continue to grow!
Cheers,
Bob Choat, “Transformational Master Black Belt” 
Mind Hacker
Growth Hacker
Life Hacker
America’s #1 Mind-Body Transformation Expert and author of Mind Your Own Fitness
Mind Hack Academy: http://mindhackacademy.tv/