Definitive Thoughts

We all have a moment when someone said something to us that “stuck” and it became part of our identity. Can you think of a time when a parent, teacher, stranger, or someone else said something to you that you held onto so tightly that you believed it to be true with every fiber of your being? These are things you may say to yourself on a regular basis.

”I’m not good at Math.” “I’m not great at reading.” “I’m too loud.” “I’m too much.” “I’m (fill in the blank).”

Oftentimes these things are said to us in passing out of someone else’s impatience, frustration, or it’s an inherited trait that is handed down over generations. There is a term for this mindset - it’s called FIXED. Fixed mindsets are often things we use to stay in a place that is known, comfortable (even if we don’t like it), and familiar. You may be wondering; What does my mindset have to do with anything? It has to do with your self-confidence. Our mindset gives us the hope of being able to accomplish something we once thought impossible. Our mindset is responsible for the risks that we take, or not. Our mindset is responsible for having the courage to believe in ourselves enough, or not to go after that “thing”.

The moment we recognize most of this isn’t true is the moment we can allow ourselves to grow. This is the moment we can give it a name and choose to replace the definitive with something that involves growth. The opposite of a fixed mindset is a growth mindset. Having a growth mindset is a practice and it is a way to see challenges and obstacles as a way to create change. This doesn’t happen overnight and it takes being honest with yourself, a plan, and consistently working toward your goal.

Try this for a writing prompt and let me know how it goes.

Where in your life are you holding yourself back?