Maximizing Your Potential: How to Develop a Winning Mindset

When we speak of mindset, we are referring to our attitude, feelings, mental state, values, beliefs, and disposition as we interpret and respond to different situations.

There are 4 basic mindsets

Growth, Entrepreneurial, Positive and Challenge. We will focus on Growth as it is represented in the other 3.

In addition to the Growth Mindset, there is also the opposite, the Fixed Mindset.  They are clearly defined by their names. Since we’re talking about developing a winning mindset, it would be helpful to understand the mindset we’re presently using. To find this out, we will use the Growth Mindset v Fixed Mindset Chart. After completing the chart,  for the Fixed Mindset responses, consider the context for each, with details. Use hindsight to determine what you may have done differently if you had a Growth Mindset.  Or what can you do differently in similar situations in the future as you work to develop a Growth Mindset?  Consider the impact of your Fixed Mindset and areas where you could begin to make changes that will encourage growth. It’s imperative that the choices you make are achievable, or it will reinforce the Fixed Mindset you’re currently holding onto.

A Few Thoughts About the Growth Mindset

·         When the Fixed Mindset is created in childhood, it is challenging to change it in our adult lives to a Growth Mindset, and sometimes impossible.

·         Growth Mindsets keep the brain healthy and active.

·         Maximizing your learning will help develop your Growth Mindset.

·         Believing in yourself and having faith will help in developing your Growth Mindset.

Engaging in dialogue and interacting with people who possess what you want, a Growth Mindset, will support you in your efforts.

In addition to our actions, it’s important for us to think and speak our Growth Mindset.  This concept should be part of your interactions with others. Is your Growth Mindset obvious to others through the choice of words you use to describe yourself and actions?

There are many words that are associated with a winning mindset. It is important that these words are part of our daily vocabulary, our lives and our actions. They become action words to motivate us to continue to work and grow.  Use them to create change and sustainable actions in your life.

In conclusion

we are basically who we think we are, and our actions support our beliefs. Growth is challenging, rewarding and necessary.  Developing a winning mindset is a choice. Doing it is a challenge.  It’s called Growth.

Words Associated with a Growth Mindset

Directions: Select 1 or 2 words. Add them to your vocabulary and show them in your actions.  Hopefully, after 21 days they will become part of you as you work on developing your Growth Mindset.

• abilities

• adaptable

• belief

• capable

• capitalize

• challenges

• confident

• critical thinker

• determined

• development

• explore

• faith

• focused

• forward thinking

• goals

• improve

• intelligence

• knowledgeable

• learner

• new

• open-minded

• opportunity

• persistence

• positive- attitude

• positive disposition

• positive- outlook

• positive- self perception

• positive- self-concept

• prioritize

• resilient

• skilled

• strategy

• success

• talent

• trust

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset

Directions: Identify the statements that represent you- what you believe or what you do.

What type of mindset do your responses indicate you have?  _________

Growth Mindset- Positive, productive, enhances career growth.   

Fixed Mindset- Unchanged, counterproductive, and potentially damaging.

(Note: Fixed Mindset can be positive for someone having a conservative approach, for routines, when focused or on a positive skill.)