Which is more important in life - your skillset, or your mindset? When we look at the world of academics, we spend a lot of time focusing on skills, and what you might improve on that would be applicable to a work opportunity. Yet there is no amount of skill that will replace the destruction - and limitation - of a fixed mindset.
Your skillset is based on what you are capable of. Your mindset, however, is what you believe. So if you don't believe you're capable of doing it, it doesn't matter what skill there is; you're destined for failure.
The more you look at your own personal perspective and mindset on life, the more you are in the driver's seat to change it - opportunity and growth lie between our own two ears.
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What Is A Mindset?
Your mindset is what you believe to be true about you and your approach and perspective on life. It has so much to do with the attitude and assumptions you make about the world around you. Dr. Carolyn Dweck speaks often on this concept of a fixed vs. growth mindset.
A fixed mindset believes intelligence (and ability, and potential) are all destined at birth and what you get is what you get. A growth mindset, however, recognizes there is always room for improvement and growth, including in your understanding and intelligence of the world.
The skillset may get you the job,
yet the mindset is how you keep it.
If you want to improve your mindset and work toward one of growth and success, practice these three strategies:
#1 - Embrace Challenge...WITH GRATITUDE
We definitely don't shy away from a challenge. Anytime you face a challenge or a difficult situation, lean in; that’s your opportunity to grow. Sometimes life throws us curveballs we don't expect, and oftentimes, the biggest challenges are those that are not within our full control. Navigating a job loss, family upheaval, crazy weather, I don't know, maybe a pandemic may throw us off a bit. So pay attention to what it makes possible, and what you can learn from it. Sitting in frustration of "it's not fair" isn't going to get you anywhere. Embrace challenges with gratitude and see what a difference it makes.
#2 - Complete, Don't Compete
A wonderful mentor of mine, Deb Ingino, says, "Don't compete, Complete." Success isn't about having the upper hand to everyone around you. Success doesn't mean someone else has to lose. It's not about comparing yourself to someone else. It's looking at who you are today compared to who you were yesterday. How have you personally moved forward to get closer to the person you want to be? That is the true comparison to success; your own personal improvement and development.
Make sure you allow yourself the "luxury of recovery" - compete for your personal best...which doesn't mean burning yourself out in the process.
#3 - Know Your Why
If you know where you want to go and why, growth is inevitable in the process. If you are confident in your desire for your own personal improvement, and you have a vision for what that looks like and what you personally can do to make a positive impact, then every potential obstacle you face is an opportunity to gain more insights to get past to the goal.
Your Weekly Challenge:
Get intentional about your mindset and your skillset. As you focus on mindset, your skillset will organically improve as you pursue personal development and growth.
Pay attention to how it impacts others. What energy do you bring when you come into a room? What approach do you have when you're faced with a challenge? Do you believe you have value, worth, and a purpose? Is this reflected in the daily actions you're taking, and the self-talk you might be having?
Get intentional this week with focusing on mindset. I highly recommend binging on positivity. I love the Gratefulness.me app for daily gratitude and affirmations, the Calm app for a 10 minute "daily calm" meditation to get you in a positive frame of mind, and having fun with finding positive and inspiration quotes, videos, etc. Watch some awesome Ted Talks, Goalcast videos or Kid President with your kids. Listen to the Big Life Kids podcast with your kids for growth mindset inspiration.
Remember that our mindset is always a driver in our approach on life, yet we oftentimes view it as a simple passenger. Your mindset frames your perspective and actions and is the number one thing that can hold you back or propel you forward. Pay attention to how much you are focused on positivity and gratitude this week. See what script changes you can make in your own vocabulary to have a growth mindset ready to complete, not compete. Appreciate the light that only YOU have, and remember, the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us. Namaste
Dig Deeper:
- What Is A DISC Personality Assessment?
- The Unschooling Parent (Episode 194)
- Juliet Talks Feelings: Wisdom from an 8-year-old (Episode 165)
- Head Clutter and The Chaos of Overwhelm
- Minimalist Family, Clutter Loving Friends (Episode 60)
- Clutter Is Simply A Postponed Decision (Episode 19)
- Are You NOT Entertained??!! (Episode 212)
- Simplify Childhood: Quickies Aren't Just In the Bedroom (Episode 216)
- How do I equip my kid to “adult”? (Episode 89)
- Ashley Logsdon, Relationship Coach
- Do You Force Your Children To Learn? (Episode 215)
- Does Your LIFE Have Seasons?
- Why I Believe In Functional Education For Our Future…and what that even is
- To Build Resilience, Let Them Bounce (Episode 36)
- Personality Styles
Questions or comments?
Personality styles, marriage/intimacy, parenting, education, minimalism or travel - what is pressing on your mind?
Or, hop on over to the Unschooling Families FB group and ask your question there!