When it comes to changing your mind, do you view that as a negative? In other words, do you have the perception of someone changing their mind as being indecisive or weak? Well, there are several reasons why changing your mind can, in fact, be a positive event.
From childhood, there are many stories we tell ourselves as we absorb the environment around us. For some of us, we might believe that our siblings are older, wiser, and smarter, and that we simply cannot match up with their intelligence. For others, there may be a mindset of living small because every time we did not succeed we were praised and accepted anyhow instead of encouraged and motivated to do better. Doing better may have somehow been viewed and interpreted as wrong and unaccepting.
We all want to succeed and, as such, we may or may not set the bar too low and to develop a growth mindset.
Labels
Sometimes we are given labels and, all too often, we have no clue that we do not have to accept or even identify with those labels. We may be taught that Johnny is the math genius while Suzy is the musician in the family, which can create a limiting mindset that is more or less fixed. Did you know that you could change those labels by working harder to be whatever it is you wish to be in the world of academics? How is this possible?
* Start with awareness and recognizing that you are capable and have the ability to change your mindset. This is the first step in changing your mind.
* Recognize that you can change your label at any time. All you have to do is choose to do so.
* Next, it’s time to get to work. No change comes without work involved and we start with one small step.
Practices to Take on
- Awareness-notice what is and what you want to change.
- Don’t set the bar too high, as unrealistic expectations and goals are not beneficial.
- Don’t set the bar too low so that no challenge or growth is initiated.
- A growth mindset is for everyone.
- If you have recurring negative thoughts, say, “STOP!” to yourself when they happen and immediately replace them with positive words.
- Don’t worry about why. Focus on the change.
If you are a teacher or coach, it is better to facilitate growth by motivating rather than labeling or viewing your student or client as someone who is not as good as someone else or not as skilled in a certain area.
* Consider each member of the team as an individual. Seek to discover their weaknesses. In this manner, you can then concentrate on how to challenge them.
* Challenge them to reach greater heights by motivating rather than considering them to be stuck in one area.
* Give them the belief that they can and will work hard to achieve greater results; that they can be stretched to grow.
When it comes to changing your mind, you have a choice. Face the areas of your life that are your weakest; avoidance doesn’t work, work hard in that area to excel, and never stop learning.
Remember that small changes over time yield huge results. You can change your mind one thought at a time.
Comment below especially if you have a tip to help others or if you have a question.
