Mindset - In decision theory and general systems theory, a mindset is a set of assumptions, methods, or notations held by one or more people or groups of people. A mindset can also be seen as incident of a person's world view or philosophy of life. (Wikipedia)
Welcome to a new decade! As we step into another 10 years of our lives, it's essential we reflect on the past 10 if we are to understand the future we're creating. As for me, there were plenty of changes in my personal and professional life. All in all, life continues to be a great adventure and if there is anything I could do differently ... it would be to do more and be more.
Looking ahead
What is your present mindset as it pertains to your wealth, health, career, and relationships?
Do you expect to and are willing to change your mindset to move towards a better quality of life and achievement of goals?
Sacrifice: What are you willing to give up to go up?
A new year presents opportunities to make things better and take things to the next level. That's why New Year Resolutions were created, right? Here's the Top 10 New Year's Resolutions by Trip Savvy. Whatever resolutions look like, it'll pertain to one's personal life and businesses endeavor. Sadly according to a study from the University of Scranton, 80% fail to keep their New Year's resolutions and only 8% follow through to achieve their New Year's goals. The choice to see the change we want to create in our lives has always been within us!
In this blog, I'm sharing some tips to creating a broader and sustaining positive mindset. This will help in accomplishing your desired resolutions and give you the determination in getting the results you want for your life. We'll cover three areas: The Mind, our Personality, and Grit.
The Mind
Mindset is foundational because in every single minute of your life, "You" are your constant companion. There is no other voice we hear the most and this is why "Success IS an inside job". The truth … we can never improve and go beyond our current conditions with the same mindset … as Albert Einstein said, "We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them". Another way of understanding this perspective is seeing how one views the past, present, and future. When you're a "Forward Thinker", you mindfully see your present reality but more importantly act and constantly think and plan for the future. You embrace change and do not live in the past. The way you think in the past does not belong in the future when you desire change for the better. You must consistently envision your future.
"You will be defined by the memories of your past or be created by your vision of the future"
While there were things in life I did not have control over, the majority of how my circumstances defined me were within my power. Charles Swindoll shared that, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." I tend to believe that the percentages are more 5% to 95% based on Dr. Bruce Lipton's work on the conscious and subconscious mind. To briefly explain, our subconscious mind is like the hard drive in a computer whose function is to store and retrieve data (operating system) and ensures you respond exactly the way you are programmed. Our programming is comprised of our habits and behaviors developed from experiences and lessons learned since childbirth. These form our belief systems.
Our Personality
The embodiment of both our conscious and subconscious minds create our "Personality". Our personality is made up of how we think, act, and feel … and as Dr. Joe Dispenza says, "Your personality creates your personal reality." Our beliefs greatly influence our personality.
If you feel stuck regardless of how much hard work you put into getting the things you want, YOU may be getting in the way. Learn and understand your blind spots. Your Personality and EGO (Edging God Out/Edging Growth Out) will be your biggest obstacles in creating better business and career opportunities, becoming healthier, and having quality relationships.
To move yourself to another level of thinking requires an AWAKENING or self-awareness … the place where we can objectify our thoughts and take responsibility for our actions and behavior. Awareness is the beginning of change. Reaching the state of "Meta-cognition" is the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. This is looking from within and becoming aware of your habits and unconscious behaviors. When we step back and understand ourselves in a deeper and meaningful manner, we gain "Response-Ability"!
Grit
Angela Duckworth's Ted Talk on "Grit - The Power of Passion and Perseverance" provides valuable insight and importance on identifying one's burning desire to achievement. She explained how "Grit" is a predictor of success. Unfortunately, our society has been infected with an entitlement culture and unrealistic instant gratification expectations. These look like:
People wanting quick promotions without possessing competence and experience,
Organizations having engaged and committed employees under poor leadership,
Individuals longing for meaningful relationships without personally investing in it, etc.
When it comes to valuable things in life like building wealth, a career, a solid moral character, loyalty, trust, and love ... possessing patience, perseverance and being a continuous learner are essential. Where your focus goes, your energy flows … and when our vision of the future is aligned with passion, desire, and disciplined commitment, nothing is unattainable.
Throughout life, there were times where I allowed the conditions I faced dictate my reality. Growing up as the eldest of three and raised by a single mother, my role as a teen was providing support to my younger sisters. I was the "padre de pamilya" or "Man of the house". My mindset was limited to being a provider and I didn't think of myself anymore than being a blue collar worker. However when our family's circumstances changed and I worked to obtain my Bachelors degree, the evolution of my mindset began. As it is known today from the work of Professor Carol Dweck, I began developing a "Growth Mindset". She asserts that “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” In my personal and professional life, I learned that "Growth is the Journey." It consists of persevering, testing my truth, checking my attitude, and having a curious heart and mind every day. Finding the courage to challenge my ego and having an inner circle to help me be better. And deliberately investing in my personal and professional growth.
When you listen to people's New Year's Resolutions, it'll often be towards improving their physical condition and health. While there is nothing wrong with these goals, I believe one's priority and greatest ROI comes from investing within. When you consider how people become physically fit and create healthy lifestyles, it starts with Mindset. Just look at the greatest athletes like Michael Jordan, Diana Nyad, Manny Pacquiao, Serena Williams ... Success is truly an inside job!
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." ~ Napoleon Hill
LEVEL UP! Remember T.A.G.
Thinking is the process of using your mind. Thoughts become your beliefs … trade your opinions for truth.
Attitude is a behavior of choice … it sets the tone for your life.
Growth is how you change results … be curious like a child and never grow old.
As you start thinking about transforming the conditions of your life, begin with your Mindset. When you merge it with unshakable Faith, you will transform into the most powerful weapon against anything the natural world throws at you and will always rise higher!
Be better --- every day…
Use your courage and grit --- Be greater than your environment …
Discover the Leader within You!
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