The Mindset

Why do some people see the glass as half-empty while others see it as half-full? 

Research shows it is the result of their mindset!

The mindset represents our mental state that acts as a lens to define our reality. It influences and shapes our daily actions and thoughts toward everything we encounter. For example, If you have a growth mindset, you believe in:

• It is never too late to do anything
• Seeking continuous constructive feedback
• Continuous improvement - what can I do better next time

In simple terms, the following picture explains the mindset implication on us:

 6 types of mindset

Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset

According to Covey, an abundance mindset reflects the assumption that there are sufficient opportunities and resources - to all people - than what we see by default assumptions. This is materialised, for example, by including our ideas as well as the others, when we are in a project discussion. In contrast, scarcity mindset assumptions motivate us to fight for opportunities and resources; at the expense of cooperation and collaboration with others. Within this context, we tend to behave in defensive and/or aggressive as a result of competing with others to protect our realised interests.  Hence, instead of wasting your energy and efforts on competing others; focus on treating others with abundance for win-win results!

Positive vs. Negative Mindset

A positive mindset focuses your efforts to find solutions rather than complaining about problems (negative mindset). Problems happen, so we need to challenge instead of accepting them as reality. Challenging problems requires understanding what caused them and keeping working on mitigating identified causes. Failure in trying to solve a problem should be considered as a learning experience, rather than a set-back. In this respect, just think about what would happen had Edison quitted early on his bulb experiment: we would have been in total darkness now! 

let us learn from Edison when he said that every time I fail is one step closer to success - this is a truly positive mindset.  

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

Dweck suggests that a fixed mindset represents people's firm inner belief that their basic qualities (i.e., intelligence, talent) are simply fixed traits. They accept these traits as fixed rather than work on developing them. This thinking implies that people are good (or bad) by default at what they do. Conversely, a growth mindset is learning and development-oriented. People with this mindset firmly believe that they can improve at whatever they do,  through relevant training and development.

You may assess your current mindset on the following 2 assessment tools: 

Quick tool @  https://blog.mindsetworks.com/what-is-my-mindset

Detailed tool @ http://homepages.math.uic.edu/~bshipley/MindsetQuiz.w.scores.pdf

Then, how to change your mindset?

In my next blog, I will share suggested steps to change your mindset, toward growth and success.

I hope you found this blog helpful. If so, pls share to spread knowledge. Also, a feedback comment is highly appreciated.

Thank you

Dr. Nizar Baidoun