How the right mindset can help you conquer all.

In outer space, astronauts keep one fundamental factor in mind at all times: ATTITUDE. In space, attitude refers to your current disposition or direction. They keep this factor in mind for one simple reason: get it wrong out there in zero gravity and you could end up dead.

Similarly, in life, our attitude determines our direction. Our direction determines whether we succeed or fail. It determines whether we make lots of friends or languish in solitude. Whether we live a bold, beautiful adventure of a life or nothing. Attitude is the key factor in determining the quality of our lives.

Just like in outer space, we can’t control what happens, but we can control how we respond. With the right attitude, we can choose the most empowering response. With the right mindset, we can complete the mission and head home.

Two mindsets diverged in a wood…

According to Stanford University Professor and best-selling author Carol Dweck. There are two types of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. In her New York Times best selling book “Mindset”, Dweck illustrates the two mindsets. She goes over the benefits of the growth mindset and the consequences of the fixed mindset. The results of her findings have profound implications in every aspect of our lives.

The fixed mindset.

With the fixed mindset, we believe our abilities are fixed at birth and can’t be changed. If you think about it, that’s a tough position to be in.

Thinking that way could slowly make you more guarded about revealing your full potential. After all, if you think you can’t improve in any significant way, why not try to just look good and hide your faults? Not a good place to be. Unfortunately, this mindset is deeply embedded in Western culture.

We praise stars and icons as well as friends and family for their “talents.” We opt out of striving to be the best we can be. Why? Because, we think we just weren’t lucky enough. The fixed mindset is everywhere.

The growth mindset.

With the growth mindset, we believe our abilities are malleable and can improve over time. That’s a hopeful proposition.

The growth mindset means that we can feel secure knowing that we are on the path to improvement. Provided we put in the effort of course. It means even when we fail we’re winning. It means we can focus on getting better. Knowing that all the trappings of success will naturally come as a result of time and effort.

As you might have guessed, the growth mindset is a lot more helpful. It’s also correct!  Scientific studies prove that the human mind continues to evolve throughout our lives. They are not fixed. You can teach an old dog new tricks… with the right mindset.

Which mindset do you have?

You don’t simply have either the growth or the fixed mindset. Everyone has both mindsets to varying degrees. You may be working a few times a week on your golf swing. Knowing you’re going to get a little bit better every time you head to the range. Or taking singing lessons with a teacher. That’s the growth mindset at work.

At the same time, you may be no good in some other area of your life and have long since given up trying. Telling yourself, “that’s just not the kind of person I am”. That’s the fixed mindset at work.

The power of the growth mindset.

We all have varying degrees of each mindset. The key is to notice and question judgments made while thinking you just can’t get any better.

Are you really not a “people person,” or is it simply the fixed mindset at work again? Will you really never learn to code because your brain “just doesn’t work that way”. Or are you just telling yourself a limiting story, fixed-mindset style?

The idea that you can learn, grow, and improve throughout your life is powerful. It means that with the right mindset and consistent action, you can make your life a masterpiece.

The “IT” factor

The ability to learn, improve and grow is the only “IT” factor anyone needs. And guess what, you’ve got it. No more running around like Austin Powers looking for his mojo.

Human life comes with the innate need to actualize our potential. We have a basic NEED to be who we can be. Greatness is not just for the people on TV. Each of us has the potential for excellence. If we want to live the happiest, most fulfilling life we can, we’ve gotta get our buns up and get to it.

Like Maslow said, “If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capable of being, then I warn you that you’ll be unhappy for the rest of your life.”

Unhappy for the rest of my life? Uh, no thanks, I’ll just get back to work now.

Attitude is direction. Check in early & often
Astronauts keep constant attention on their attitude because they can control it. It’s one of the few things they can control completely out their in space. Our daily lives are no different.

We have no control over most of the events and circumstances in our lives. We can’t control other people, our feelings, or even our own thoughts. What we can control in any given moment is our response. How we respond is always 100% under our control. How we respond is our disposition toward life it’s our attitude. Attitude is direction, and ultimately, leads to destiny.

Just like those astronauts, working day in and day out way out there in outer space. Lets check in on our attitude early and often, using a growth mindset to get the job done and get home safe.