Mindset. The force behind success and failure.
In this article I look at the power of our mindset, the influence it has on what we can, or can’t, achieve and what we can do to become the master of our mind.
“Wishing and dreaming is not enough. We must work on it.”
— Johann Wolfgang v. Goethe
We all think, dream or talk about things we’d like to do, change or achieve? Yet for many of us, it remains wishful thinking.
Goethe’s quote makes reference to the critical next step: namely not to just talk or think about a goal but to actually work – and keep working - on it.
This, however, is the difficult part so many of us struggle with. Statistics around the intention of leading a healthier lifestyle tell of 90% failure rates (1) of wanting to lose weight and of 63% of completely unused gym memberships (2). These are just two examples where intentions remained just that: intentions.
This might explain why we are fascinated by and look in admiration at people who achieve what they set out to do. No wonder thousands of articles and books are written about how successful people made their goals (and dreams) come true!
While the core of what we set out to do is anchored in our sense of purpose (= our Why), our self-belief and perseverance, - the driving force that keeps us powering on is a positive mindset and the motivation it fuels to succeed.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘MINDSET’? (3)
1) A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person’s responses to and interpretations of situations
2) An inclination or a habit
If our mindset is the reflection of our mental attitude, inclinations and habits – where do they come from? And how are they formed?
Our mind absorbs 400 billion bits of information in a second, every day, 365 days a year (4). This amount of information cannot be processed or stored in our conscious mind and is, therefore ‘moved’ to the subconscious.
Emotional, biological, cognitive and social factors, as well as past experiences, influence how we interpret and apply subconscious information.
To give you a couple of examples:
- Having been threatened as a child by a dachshund can trigger the disposition of fear of dogs in general as an adult.
- Having failed a driving test one might be inclined to think of also failing the re-take.
The interpretation of subconscious information influences most of our inclinations and responses. Our actions, behaviour and habits are therefore a reflection of our mindset and the motivation linked to it.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME AND MY AMBITIONS?
Let’s look at a couple of areas where adapting a positive mindset generates the motivation that helps us to realise our ambitions.
a) Excitement
b) Beliefs
c) Taking Action
A) EXCITEMENT
The psychology of motivation shows that we put energy into what we associate with pleasure and that we tend to move away from what we associate with pain.
The critical word here is ‘associate’. It is important to recognise that we have the choice to override subconscious ‘default’ interpretations of pleasure and pain i.e. we have the ability to consciously choose what feeling we want to associate with an action!
If, for example, a workout in the gym is associated with pain, our motivation to pack our gear is low. However, if we consciously associate a clear ‘why’ with the activity, we change our mindset e.g.
- I want to go to the gym because the initial pain will help me reach my goal of …. (= negative motivational trigger)
Or
- I want to attend this gym session because I am ready to … (= positive motivational trigger)
The key to long-lasting motivation is to be genuinely ‘excited’ to take an action. It does not matter if the motivational trigger comes from a negative or a positive statement. The important thing is to have a clear ‘WHY’ and genuine commitment for us to feel excited (and hence motivated) in order to take action.
B) BELIEFS
As we have explored, past experiences or social factors can influence how we interpret information, form beliefs and behave.
Limiting beliefs like the lack of self-confidence or self-worth are the result of negative interpretations. Once formed, they often impose barriers that hinder us from the realisation of our full potential.
However, limiting beliefs can be turned into positive beliefs by changing a negative mindset into a positive mindset.
Instead of dwelling over past failures, we have the choice to focus on past achievements (which demonstrate ‘success’) e.g.
- Instead of thinking ‘I can’t get that job’ we can take a positive view such as
- ‘I succeeded in past job applications. I, therefore, have the chance to also succeed with this one.
Changing how we see ourselves can be challenging. The belief in our own capabilities and in our self-worth is created in early childhood and often manifests itself as we grow older.
However, surrounding ourselves with a positive support network (friends, family, role models, mentors, coaches etc.) is helpful to adopt of a positive mindset and positive beliefs.
C) TAKING ACTION
For action taking to lead to success, excitement about the goal and having positive beliefs are critical.
Knowing the WHY for what we want to achieve and believing that we have the CAPABILITY to succeed generates the motivation to put actions into place.
A positive mindset overcomes procrastination and fear. It gives us the energy to move from ‘wishful thinking’ to taking actions, to get started, to take the plunge.
People who achieved their ambitions tell of the numerous setbacks they faced, of the journey being a long-distance race and not a sprint, of the importance of breaking down a big goal into achievable smaller goals and of the persistence they applied to keep working until they crossed the finishing line.
Taking action is the first step to realising our ambitions. The undeniable challenge is to keep up these actions until our goals are achieved.
The energy, motivation and resilience required to keep working until we have achieved our goals is fueled by the positive mindset we choose to apply.
A POSITIVE MINDSET IS THE FORCE BEHIND SUCCESS.
“If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.”
— Wayne Dyer
Engaging a coach can be part of the support network I mention in this article. I work with my clients on removing barriers and assist them in realizing their potential and ambitions. If you want to find out more about me, my approach and how I can support you – please reach out to me (see below).
1) Source: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/daniel-bartlett/weight-loss-diet-failure_b_3185060.html
3) Source: https://www.thefreedictionary.com/mind-set;
4) Source: https://motivationping.com/motivation/