As I research on the subject of mindset deeper, it feels like I am going through a treasure cove. When I was given the privilege of writing this column in Reputation Today, although I was a personal believer in the magic of mindsets, deep reflection of my multicountry/multidomain experiences gave me the valuable insight that in almost all that we do, we influence mindsets. Mindset analysis is an integral part of the communications profession. There is also a hidden key to greater success if we evolve to a better mindset or even come out of negative mindsets.
Today’s column throws light on blended mindsets, starting with grateful and growth. A grateful mindset centres on living with a nature of positivity and thankfulness for what we have in life. A growth mindset deeply believes that capabilities can be built through learning and continuous development. While both mindsets have their own distinct parameters, they can immensely compliment each other. Gratitude keeps us firm on our present ground but growth pushes us to a bright future.
How do you practically blend grateful and growth mindsets?
It’s actually all in the mind and the mind is very flexible as we all believe. How you evolve into another mindset has been explained in my previous articles, and evolving into a blended mindset is no different. In fact, most of us have one dominant mindset but then also follow several other mindsets in smaller proportions.
Here are some small but effective steps you can take. Just change how you think and act!
Make every challenge an opportunity
As soon as you face a challenge be grateful that you have a great opportunity to learn and face the challenge with a positive outlook. Imagine overcoming it and then approach the challenge to overcome it. When you face the challenge, do a quick analysis of the reasons of the challenge and face it well armed. As you are aware, life is full of challenges, and most of us react to challenges as a threat!
Indulge in ‘pat on your back’ sessions
Every time you overcome challenges, indulge in ‘pat on your back sessions’. Yes this is part of the gratitude mindset but it’s not just a ‘feel good’ initiative. Every time you cross a challenge well or successfully, you have added another brick to your growth mindset foundation as you have acquired a new learning and a skill. Do not leave these new learnings behind. Use them to leap ahead.
Change buddy feedback
As I have mentioned in my previous articles, to ensure that real change happens, you need to request a friend or a well-wisher to become your change buddy. You will need to be open to your buddy about what change you want to make in your life and your buddy will monitor your progress and share valuable and constructive feedback. This is extremely valuable.
Create change goals and keep jotting
When you transit into a gratitude & growth blended mindset, you must set out your goals and clear cut rationale behind the goals. Also your expectations and outcomes. Most importantly maintain a journal of mindset change, challenges faced and how you overcame them. You will be surprised when you read this journal later as it would become a document of self-learning
Nurture relationships
In the business world of today your network is your net worth. Therefore if you actively practice a gratitude mindset you are actually increasing your growth by building a solid network. Building trust, genuine appreciation of your colleagues and their efforts creates a positive internal network. And on the other hand building strong relationships through high value deliveries really builds gold plated external networks.
Growth just does not happen to grateful people with a snap of a finger. You have to really work very hard to learn. Gratitude cannot be artificial, it needs to be part of your DNA.
Otherwise, it can backfire!
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
Anthony Robbins
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