We've all heard that positive thinking can have a big impact on our lives, but what is it really? Can our mindset really make a difference? I want to say yes, and I will try to explain why in this article.
Mindset is generally defined as a psychological state, an inner attitude based on our beliefs, assumptions, notions about ourselves, others and life. We tend to separate a mindset into two categories, one called "positive", the other "negative". But in reality, it is a little more complicated than that.
There is certainly a difference between a so-called positive person (in their words and actions) and a so-called negative person. But if we look a little deeper, we discover two other types of mindset, one called "fixed mindset" and the other "growth mindset“.
The fixed mindset generally implies a belief that our qualities, talents, knowledge are "fixed". They do not need to be cultivated, enriched, improved. With this mindset, we tend to believe that our abilities are innate, and therefore unchangeable. We consider a failure as definitive and generally negative. Etc.
A growth mindset implies an opposite belief. Where we have the ability to learn, to change, to evolve through practice and the desire to learn. Failure is seen as a step, which is not necessarily a bad thing. And so on.
As you may have gathered, there is a clear difference between the two types of mindset. Personally, I tend to choose the positive growth mindset as often as possible, because I like the idea that nothing is fixed. That I can always improve and learn!
It is quite possible to have a "positive" fixed mindset and a "negative" growth mindset. Yet, we will tend to observe a "negative" fixed mindset, with a pessimistic discourse such as "I can't do this. There's no point in me trying, I'm not going to make it." (Here we can clearly see that the mindset is fixed, unchangeable information: I can't do this. And negative: I'm not going to make it). And an growth "positive" mindset, with an optimistic speech more like this "I've been trying several times, but I haven't succeeded yet. I think I'm going to ask for help, so I can get there." (Here we see the growth mindset, with the use of "not yet successful" implying the idea that there is a possibility of success in the future. And positive: asking for help to learn)
It is important to understand that our mindset can also have an impact on our behavior, by acting in ways that reflect what we think. It can also have an impact on our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that people with a positive mindset have stronger immune systems, are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and may even live longer than people with a negative mindset.
If we integrate all this information, by looking at our life, we can quickly see what type of mindset we use in general. The idea here is to understand what is blocking us in our life, and to see if by changing our mindset, we would be able to change our situation.
How can we change our mindset?
It may seem difficult, but there are techniques we can use to train our brains to have a more positive mindset. One such technique is gratitude, to develop a more positive outlook on life. Another technique is visualization, focusing on the positive outcomes we want to achieve rather than the obstacles that might prevent us from getting there.
We can also practice changing from a fixed mindset to an growth one. By choosing little by little to learn new things about what we don't know yet, or to deepen what we think we already know.
I think it's safe to say that our mindset can have a huge impact on our lives. And that it is important to be aware of it. Being able to admit that something is wrong, and that we want/need to change it is already a big step! I hope this article will allow you to meditate on the subject. And maybe even invite you to observe which mindset you tend to use. And become aware of its impact on your future life projects.
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