Mindsets – What are they? Why Do They matter?

We see life through our own unique lens. A mindset involves a set of assumptions that help us distill complex world views into digestible information and then sets expectations, based on this input. Our mindset influences how we perceive ourselves and the world around us, ultimately impacting our behaviour, learning and achievement. Profession Carol Dweck PhD says, ‘ A mindset is a person’s fundamental belief about their qualities and abilities”. She says a mindset shapes how individuals approach challenges, setbacks and opportunities.

While mindsets can be helpful for distilling information and managing expectations, they can also be maladaptive, led to interpersonal problems and feelings of inadequacy, guilt, sadness and anxiety. It is common for us to hold on to mindsets that were adaptive at one point in life, but have since become maladaptive.

Mindsets can impact your reality. They impact your outcomes by determining the way you think, feel and respond to situations. Our attitudes and beliefs are core components of our mindsets. Our mindset shapes our attitude and attitude in turn reinforces our mindset. The same applies for our beliefs – where our beliefs shape our attitude which in turn shapes our mindset.

Let us take a look at the different types of mindsets :

1. Fixed Mindset -  This mindset is as the name suggests characterized by the belief that one’s abilities, traits, intelligence are fixed and unchangeable.
2. Growth Mindset - This mindset is characterized by the belief that our abilities, intelligence and traits can be developed and improved through effort, learning and persistence.
3. Abundance Mindset -  This is a mental outlook that is based on the belief that there are ample opportunities, resources and possibilities available to all of us. Having an abundance mindset causes us to view challenges as opportunities for growth, and we approach situations with optimism and openness.
4. Scarcity Mindset – This mindset stems from the notion that resources, opportunities, and success are scarce commodities in life. It is about viewing the world through a lens of limitation, where the perception of scarcity can shape your thoughts and actions. Those with a scarcity mindset often view the world through a lens of lack, leading to a fear of not having enough and a sense of competition for limited resources.
5. Beginner’s Mindset - This way of looking at life approaches tasks and experiences with openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceived notions. This mindset requires us to let go of assumptions, expertise and biases, thereby allowing for fresh insights and out of the box thinking.

By understanding, adapting and shifting your mindset, you can improve your health, decrease your stress levels and become more resilient to life’s challenges. The good news is that mindsets are highly changeable and if you are willing to learn the “how” of changing your mindset and defeating distorted thoughts you can enjoy more peace and happiness. This is possible because the brain is neuroplastic - meaning new neural networks can continue to grow, change and reorganize itself throughout one’s lifespan. By challenging yourself with new experiences and perspectives – you can form new neural connections which leads to having a fresh and supportive mindset. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) advocates that thoughts determine feelings and that you can learn effective techniques to modify distorted thoughts and self-defeating beliefs.