MINDSETS  MATTER

Learn to motivate yourself for success

BY Archana Law

 

People’s lives have changed since early last year due to the pandemic, which is the most significant global health crisis experienced so far this century. COVID-19 spread to every continent, causing economic hardships, disrupting supply chains, and exacerbating levels of depression and anxiety. It also led to poor physical health as well as millions of deaths.

Historically, the uncertainty, danger and crises associated with events of this magnitude have compelled people to cope, often turning to science and/or faith. In the case of this pandemic, it’s interesting to see how people, organisations and governments are strategising to manage what seem like never-ending problems.

A multidisciplinary study by professional services network Deloitte (titled Navigating Uncertainty) found that people displayed one of three distinct patterns in terms of perspectives and behaviour.

Terming them ‘mindsets’ that we probably notice in everyday life, the following were identified: ‘Protectors’ who felt anxious and acted with concern; ‘Pragmatists’ who were calm and acted with balance; and ‘Prevailers’ who were sceptical and acted with confidence.

Deloitte’s recommendation was to accept and work with each type of mindset.

Similarly, a 2020 McKinsey study outlined how leaders can shift mindsets to reopen safely. Meanwhile, PwC recommended changing the framework, Forbes advised developing an entrepreneurial outlook and the Harvard Business Review (HBR) suggested an agile approach!

So what is a mindset, and how can it help us deal with crises and life-threatening situations? And are science and faith-based strategies contradictory or complementary?

A mindset refers to how one looks at things – the expression of a belief that you embrace. You change your mindset by embracing a new belief!

Examples of mindsets include the following: victim – ‘the world is against me,’ ‘it always happens to me’; hero – ‘you can rise above challenges’; scarcity – ‘there isn’t enough for everyone’; abundance – ‘there’s plenty for everyone’ or ‘we’ll make more’; fixed – ‘things are stuck the way they are’; growth – ‘you can learn how to get better at something if you try’; and ‘embrace change.’

Each mindset is rooted in a belief that shapes how you see, show up in, and respond and react to the world.

In an HBR article, Stanford University professor and author Carol Dweck explains that people with a fixed mindset tend to feel that their basic qualities, talents and abilities are simply fixed traits. In contrast, those with a growth mindset are up for a challenge and use experiences to grow.

So what happens when you’re powerful beyond measure but still don’t have what you want?

Some people blame fate while others argue that the concept of fate negates their free will and choice.

Professor and scientist Dr. Bruce Lipton says: “Genes and DNA do not control our biology. Instead, DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell – including the energetic messages emanating from positive and negative thoughts.”

His discoveries preceded one of today’s most important fields of study, which is the science of epigenetics. It simply means that you’re not a victim of your genes; but rather, a powerful creator of your internal environment.

One’s thoughts affect the physical body and emotional life, and emotions affect your system. Disease can be healed and prevented, by changing your thoughts and releasing limiting beliefs. It also means that you can take personal responsibility for your health and wellbeing.

As Dweck says, mindsets are an important part of your personality; but you can change them by thinking and reacting in new ways.

Here’s how you can master your mindset for success.

KEY #1 Visualisation is a tool used by top performers among athletes and businesspeople. Know what you want, and create a vivid picture in your mind of what success looks and feels like, and what action will get you there.

KEY #2 The simple idea of ‘garbage in, garbage out’ means that information entering your brain can be changed with self-awareness and positive affirmations. So avoid negative self-talk and eliminate demoralising mental chatter.

KEY #3 Improve your environment to reset your mind. As American speaker Tony Robbins says, “motion creates emotion.” Get up and move around even when you don’t feel like it. Smile at yourself in the mirror, play music, and do things that make you happy and keep you motivated.

KEY # 4 Practise gratitude to appreciate what you’re blessed with in the here and now. Walt Disney once said that “all the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realise it when it happens but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” So it really is up to you.