As an Executive Coach I focus on clients’ existing beliefs and patterns of thinking. My job is to help clients recognize, question, and revise persistent patterns of thought.
When you operate in the world with a particular mindset, that mindset will determine how you view and interpret the world around you. That is, you will look to confirm what your often unconscious mindset already believes to be true, whether that serves or hinders you in your lives
| Fixed Mindset | Growth Mindset |
| – You feel stuck or stagnant – You believe you reached your limits | – You see challenges as learning opportunities – You constantly develop skills or knowledge |
Beliefs dictate mindset. To create a Growth Mindset, you must change the way you think over time. A Growth Mindset is directly linked with life-long learning, and this leads in:
- Broadening your knowledge
- Making connections
- Enhanced creativity (a sought-after skill nowadays)
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
Previously the perception was that people either have a Growth Mindset or a Fixed Mindset. Recent studies show that people have both, depending on the circumstances. The interesting point here is how much time you spend on each one of them. Do you lean most of the times towards a Growth Mindset or a Fixed Mindset? The goal here for you is to maximize the former and minimize the latter – as much as humanly possible. You need to maintain your Growth Mindset over time.
The good news is that you have control over your abilities and achievements. You have the power to create your future! Once you start viewing obstacles as opportunities then you’re on the right track. And the best way to find opportunities is to create them. Plus: believing in yourself, having confidence, and setting goals.
Being optimistic and realistic are a must if you wish to create a Growth Mindset, as they help you:
- Stretch yourself
- Believe in your ability
- Use a systematic approach
Then comes success. But what is success?
Relying on Talent alone has traps; it should always be combined with:
- Practice
- Persistence
- Focus
Growth Mindset:
- Consider your talent levels
- Describe your commitment levels
- Consider what would you do to enhance your skills
You can turn mistakes, failure, and challenges to your advantage. So always:
- Prepare for challenges
- Accept potential failure
- Embrace the process
- Celebrate failure
At the same time:
- Expand your knowledge
- Broaden your skills
- Test new approaches
- Review progress
- Make tweaks
| Past | Present | Future |
| Past experiences shape who you are | How you think in the present influences your mindset | How you view your future impacts your goals |
| Accept the past | Create a learning mentality today | Be optimistic about where you’re headed |
| Consider it: – Can you accept past events? – Can you learn from the past? – Can you accept past mistakes? | Where are you now? – Do you plan how to develop a Growth Mindset? – Do you reflect on challenges? – Do you focus on the present moment? | Consider the future: – How optimistic are you? How good are you at setting goals? Do you believe you can learn new skills? |
Leading with a Growth Mindset:
- Encourage learning through trial and error
- Grow into your role as a leader
- Learn as you go
- Ask others for feedback
- Be flexible and adaptable with your approach
Your potential is an infinite possibility of future advancements. Potential is expandable, changeable, and pliable. Developing potential offers you:
- Increased motivation
- Increased creativity
- Increased happiness
- Being in the flow (Activities that stretch you while keeping you interested and fully absorbed)
Change is part of growth:
- Accept the change and any discomfort
- Understand where the discomfort comes from
- Choose to be optimistic
- Choose support
- Communicate throughout the process
Finally, a slice of personal philosophy: “Enjoy the journey and not the final outcome!”