Mindset is defined as – ‘the established set of attitudes held by someone’

We use many phrases that in truth are referring to our mindset:

• Being in the right frame of mind.
• Having the right mentality.
• It’s not in my make up.
• Having a sunny disposition.
• Not in my character.
• Their temperament is wrong.
• I worry about my temper / behaviour sometimes.

But what is Mindset?

Basically, it is a set of beliefs which are formed when you are very young, shaping how you make sense of yourself and the world around you. Your mindset will influence how you behave in any situation, it influences how you think and feel about things. What you believe, especially about yourself, will impact your success or failure in anything you do.

You are said to fall into two categories – Fixed or Growth

One theory is that this is something we tend to learn from those around us in two ways either by Praise or Labelling.

Praise – It is thought that personal praise, praising a talent or telling a child that they are vey clever actually promotes a fixed mindset. It installs the black and white idea that the child either can or can’t do something.

Labelling a child with a stereo type can lead to a fixed mindset but can also work the other way. Reassuring a girl that boys are better at maths than she is, or a boy that girls are better at cooking…! But exposing a girl to the likes of Carol Vauderman or boys to top rated chefs can encourage a growth mindset.

Why is Mindset Important?

It plays a critical role in how you cope with what life throws at you.

With a growth mindset you are more likely to have a thirst for learning and trying new things. This often will translate into perseverance and success. You will also realise that something that you try but didn’t work, is just a learning exercise rather than failure.

Do you know what your mindset is?

If you would like to have access to my short questionnaire to work it out type ME in the comments below.