“Life is only as good as your mindset.” – Tony Robbins
As human beings, we all seek happiness. As I emphasize in each of my article, you can choose happiness by building happiness habits. Developing and nurturing a growth mindset is one such habit.
The power of a growth mindset
Carol Dweck, a world-renowned Stanford University psychologist, talks about the power of our mindset, especially when facing challenge. There are two kinds of mindsets: fixed and growth. Most people lean toward one or the other, whether they realize it or not.
The fixed mindset
“I’m not good at budgeting – I’m not a numbers person.”
If yours is a fixed mindset, you tend to see things in black and white. It is either success or failure. You believe that intelligence and talent are fixed traits and cannot be developed by learning and practice. You tend to avoid challenges, believing them to be devastating, and don’t push your boundaries. You may let failures define you.
The growth mindset
If, however, you have a growth mindset, you consider life as a series of opportunities to learn and grow and see failure as a temporary setback. You consistently learn new things and skills and believe that success can be achieved by effort, learning, training, and practice. You build your confidence by always pursuing new experiences and facing your fears.
People with a growth mindset are more likely to become successful. They find opportunities to improve their skills and are accountable for their personal growth.
Here are Eight steps that can help you nurture a growth mindset and become happier:
• Spend your time with the right, positive people. You are the sum of the five people with whom you spend the most time, so choose them carefully.
• Challenge your thoughts. Ask yourself if the thoughts flooding your mind make your situation better or worse and if they are even true. Learn to be present in the moment to avoid getting stuck in a loop thinking about the past or worrying about the future so that you can focus on solutions and growth.
• Never stop learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, take classes. There are many free online resources that can help you address areas of weakness.
• Consistently visualize future success by creating a picture in your mind of having already achieved your stated goal. Your subconscious will act upon the images you create within yourself, whether they reflect your current reality or not.
• Be appreciative towards others and learn to truly listen to strengthen your relationships and connections.
• Master your emotions by practicing mindfulness and meditation. This will help you act calmly and focused and to improve your decision-making.
• Redefine failure. Failure is a very important part of learning that can show you where you need to improve. Inventor Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
• Treat yourself kindly. If you have a friend who spoke to you the same way you speak to yourself, how long would that relationship last? If you don’t love who you are, then no one else will.
Although our initial aptitudes and talents may differ, we can all change and grow by nurturing a growth mindset and boost our happiness levels in the process.
Your mind Is like a beautiful garden – plant and nurture a growth mindset for greater happiness and well-being.
Keep choosing happiness and happiness will keep choosing you!
