Mindset Matters Part 2

In Mindset Matters Part 1, I discussed the definition of a growth mindset and why it is essential for you and your business. But how can you practice it? Here are a few tips.

Implementing a Growth Mindset daily

1.Your whole goal is not to quit or at least persist for longer
Having a growth mindset is a journey. To develop it, you need to have perseverance. You should have the ability to optimistically overcome setbacks and give yourself the freedom to make mistakes. An 18-week marathon training program certainly taught me this lesson, and there were several things I did to achieve that. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that the higher our input, the higher and the better the output will be. That's just not true. Stamina involves working less but in a more focused way, eating healthy, keeping fit, sleeping well (do not work at night), and getting inspiration from meaningful life experiences.

2.Discomfort is your friend- embrace challenges
If you want to grow, you're going to have to get out of your comfort zone. Pain shouldn't be avoided, but instead embraced.
Challenges should be seen as opportunities. When working on a project, be on the lookout for new ways of doing things. Broaden your learning and embrace changes. Set new goals, but also give yourself ample time to achieve them.

3.Assess if your habits are assets or liabilities and develop new habits
Old habits die hard, but it's not as difficult as you might think it is. As a starting point, identify what you should change for developing a growth mindset and focus more on opportunities.

4.Get out of your bubble and become curious
As Albert Einstein says, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
To keep your focus on growth and learning, become curious. This is one of the essential things that'll help you transition smoothly from a fixed mindset to a growth one.
It's easy to get caught up in a bubble of your ideas which reinforce your own beliefs. We have to work hard to question existing assumptions and seek out new sources of information.
Here are three simple ways I can recommend for staying out of your bubble:

• Read books outside of your usual preference — topics that don't typically get your attention;
• Attend meetings where you meet people outside of your typical customer or client base. For example, if you usually engage with HR of financial institutions, then make it a point to speak to professionals in procurement or support in industries like healthcare or construction;
• Watch and reads news from opposing viewpoints to capture a richer perspective on the world.

5.Get help!
Find good mentors who will challenge your fixed mindset. Good mentors don't just tell people what to do, because they know that that's not how people grow. They help you to improve your knowledge and your abilities through dedication, hard work and the thirst for self-improvement.
If you, as a mentee, have a growth mindset and you’re able to find a mentor that can support that, you’re in the perfect place to continue to grow.