Our mindset is our way of thinking, our beliefs and our opinions. In particular how we think about our strengths, abilities and skills.
Two basic mindsets shape our lives: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.
A growth mindset provides the understanding that talent can be developed. Those with a growth mindset are more open and ready to take on challenges. This is based on Psychologist, Carole Dweck’s research which found if you believe you can gain abilities, you are more likely to succeed in life.
Contrastingly, those with a fixed mindset believe attitudes are unchanging; their abilities cannot change nor grow. They will find themselves saying, “I stick to what I know”, “when I am frustrated, I give up” or “I can either do it or I can’t”.
This is where resilience can help.
Resiliency demands a growth mindset.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back or adapt when facing change or difficult situations, a tool which enables us to understand we are not defined by the challenges. However, in reality, we are only human, and from time to time, we may find ourselves in a fixed mindset due to frustration or exhaustion. We can help mitigate our fixed mindset taking over in situations where our growth mindset may struggle, by using tactics to build our resilience.
Here are our top 5 tips to develop a growth mindset:
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UTILISE SUPPORT NETWORKS
A strong support network can provide emotional, social, informational, and practical support. Networks can act as a general source of nurturing and enjoyment to fill up your resilience reservoir while acting as a buffer against stress when pressure is applied. Review your current support networks and identify relationships that need more attention. Ensure you are giving back by asking how you can support others in their growth mindset too.
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SLEEP SOUNDLY
Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to our health and mental wellbeing with benefits ranging from improved immune and brain function to increased positive mood. However, the answer is not necessarily getting more sleep, but rather getting better quality sleep aka deep sleep or ‘dream sleep’. So, it is time to :
- Cut back on afternoon coffee.
- Place your phone out of reach at night – ideally after 8 p.m.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness – DAILY
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TAKE TIME TO REST
RESTING IS DOING remember! Under extreme stress, chemicals flood through our bodies, most notably adrenaline, preparing us for ‘fight or flight’. The adrenaline rush makes the heart beat harder and faster, raising blood pressure. Relaxation can help us activate our relaxation response, which is a state of deep rest that is the opposite of the stress response. Find what situations and activities make you most relax and try to incorporate them into every day to support your positivity and growth mindset
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GET MOVING
Exercise in almost any form can help to relieve stress and boost your overall health and wellbeing. Not only does it keep the heart healthy and get oxygen into the system, but it helps deplete stress hormones and releases mood-enhancing chemicals which help us cope with stress better. #movemore #sitless
SUMMARY
The truth is, resilient people are better able to cope with, recover more quickly, and grow from challenges and demands. By adopting these tactics to nurture your growth mindset, you have the tools to mitigate the common causes of stress and consequently, a fixed mindset.
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