These days, mindset is a hot topic, yet many people still misunderstand what it truly means. 

Some think it’s about maintaining a positive attitude, while others believe it’s simply about overcoming challenges. 

While the latter comes closer to the truth, mindset goes much deeper. Let’s explore what mindset really is and how much influence we actually have over it.

What is mindset?

There are two types of mindsets: a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. 

A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop new skills and improve through effort and experience. 

It contrasts with the idea that you either “have it” or you don’t—this is known as a fixed mindset. 

I’ll admit, I operated with a fixed mindset for way too many years, and it held me back. In this mindset, you give up easily, convinced you’re not good enough or that you simply can’t change.

Many factors contribute to our mindset, but tendencies toward one or the other often begin in childhood. 

Well-meaning adults in our lives can unintentionally instill beliefs about ourselves that may be limiting—or even harmful. 

Out of love and good intentions, parents or family members can inadvertently foster a fixed mindset. Dr. Carol S. Dweck explores this extensively in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

Praise and positive labels can backfire. 

When children are consistently told they are smart, they may feel pressure to always perform above average, even when faced with material they haven’t yet mastered. 

This belief can lead them to think that doing well equals being intelligent, while doing poorly signals deficiency. 

As a result, even capable children may lose interest or confidence in various subjects. 

Similarly, excessive praise for performance can cause kids to avoid new challenges, fearing failure might expose them as less capable. 

They may begin to believe that if something doesn’t come naturally, it’s not for them, and they can’t improve.

Negative labels also play a damaging role. 

While most parents would never intentionally label their children negatively, stereotypes can still seep in through media and other influences. 

For instance, the notion that “girls aren’t good at math and science” has been shown to affect performance and often leads to a lack of interest in those subjects. 

Although this obviously false cultural belief is changing now, it plagued society for centuries, leaving women feeling inept in this area. 

The good news is that with a growth mindset, children (and adults) are less likely to be influenced by either positive or negative labels. 

Just because someone isn’t a prodigy at first doesn’t mean they can’t become exceptional with time and effort.

It is my belief, that with focus and effort we can learn to modify ANY behavior or skill.

With intention and focus, we can shift our mindset by applying the following strategies:

• Find Role Models: Read about individuals who have overcome challenges to achieve their goals. Their stories of persistence, focus, and determination can inspire us to do the same. Take Michael Jordan, for instance—he didn’t make his high school basketball team initially, but through hard work and early morning workouts, he eventually earned his spot and became a legend.
• Focus on Your Effort, Not Just the Outcome: It’s easy to get caught up in the results, but it’s much more empowering to recognize the effort you’ve put in. Even if things don’t go as planned, acknowledging the progress you’ve made fuels the motivation to keep going. When we focus solely on outcomes and perceive failure, we’re more likely to give up. Instead, take stock of how far you’ve come and the growth you’ve experienced along the way.
• Use Language Wisely: The words we use shape our reality, both in speech and thought. If we label ourselves as “lazy” or “procrastinators,” how can we expect to muster the energy for change? These negative messages seep into our subconscious, undermining our goals. Since language is a powerful driver of emotions, it’s crucial to use it carefully—our words can either limit or elevate our potential.

By developing a growth mindset, you give yourself the power to keep growing, handle challenges with resilience, and enjoy the process of self-improvement. 

Mindset isn’t just a trendy concept—it’s a powerful tool. When used effectively, it can change how you approach life, helping you see new possibilities and unlock your full potential along the way.

If you’re curious about how PSYCH-K®️ can help you change your mindset, feel free to explore more on my website [HERE] or contact me directly.

Be well,

Jennifer