Mind Your Mindset

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to excel in everything they do? You know they have a similar background as you and your peers, but their climb up the success ladder appears to be effortless. How does this happen? One answer may be as simple as their mindset.

What Is a Mindset?

A mindset is born from a set of core beliefs and intrinsic motivations within each individual and encompasses our inner view of the world and ourselves. Mindset is an influencer of your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. Your mindset naturally changes as you age, learn, and experience new stimuli.

You may ask, “What does mindset have to do with being a success, and how can I change it to my advantage?” Success may result from education, talent, or both, but it most likely depends on your attitude and how you look at succeeding. The good news is there are different types of mindsets. We will discuss fixed and growth mindsets, what they mean, and how they can help or hinder our well-being and quality of life.

The Fixed Mindset

A person with a fixed mindset believes their abilities, such as intelligence and talent, are static. Some believe they are born with specific skills or talents that they cannot alter. Have you ever heard a person state they are not good at math? Such a statement frustrates many math teachers, as they are pretty sure the attitude or fixed mindset is to blame. A fixed mindset may be detrimental to a person’s success because they tend to dismiss opportunities that may have otherwise aided their life’s goals.

Keeping a static attitude also rings true in recovery and well-being. Success may be difficult if you adopt a fixed mindset that you cannot change. Talking with a friend, loved one, mentor, or seeking help through mental help therapy can foster a new perspective on your attitude toward change and growth.

The Growth Mindset

A growth mindset believes that we can improve our intelligence and talents through learning and effort. The view that a person can develop intelligence and skills is not new. Critical thinkers during the age of the Renaissance discussed that we humans have the potential to make ourselves into what we aspire to be. If we have known this fantastic information for hundreds of years, why does a fixed mindset still exist? Answering that question lies with several factors, including our core beliefs, our upbringing, and our worldview, to name a few.

We can change to implement growth in our lives. You do not have to stagnate in a job you detest due to not believing in your abilities. We no longer have to be afraid of change, thinking we are not smart enough or good enough. You no longer need to believe in the inevitability of relapse in your recovery.

Moving from a fixed to a growth mindset does take effort. You will be reprogramming your brain and body to perform positive, nurturing tasks, which is a big deal. At that juncture, you should not hesitate to ask for help. Talk with someone who has been where you are. Maybe they have some solid advice to get you started toward your goals. Some of us, however, may need a little more than that. We may be willing to change and have an intense desire to do so, but we do not know where to begin. Apply self-care by seeking professional help through a therapist or recovery specialist and take a positive step toward unlocking unlimited possibilities.

Can You Help a Loved One or Friend Change Their Mindset?

Humans hold certain assumptions and expectations about themselves, their life, and the situations surrounding them. You may be able to see someone’s propensity to a fixed mindset and want to help, but the real challenge lies in helping to motivate them to change.

If you are of the growth mindset, you might advise a friend to try some of the things you do to work on transforming and maintaining an attitude for growth:

• Self-affirmations
• Journaling
• Making pros and cons lists
• Dispositioning
• Self-efficacy

Helping a loved one or friend understand change and all its possibilities is admirable. If needed, you can also use another avenue by suggesting they seek counseling. A mental health professional could help your loved one understand their beliefs, attitudes, and motivations so they might be able to see a path for change. If you or a loved one are in recovery or relapse and do not believe you have the strength or resilience to succeed, talk with your program leaders, peers, or sponsors for help. We all have the inner strength to change and to succeed, and so do you.

CTA:

At Brazos Recovery, we understand that your mental well-being is at the core of your success and quality of life. The challenges associated with feelings of low self-worth, recovery issues, or relapse can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one are feeling powerless or experiencing substance, use recovery issues or relapse, please know that there is help for you. At Brazos Recovery, we provide supportive treatment for males to meet their needs and enhance well-being and growth. You will meet and develop relationships, including peers and sponsor support. Find clarity and peace in knowing you can have the life you want. Please don’t wait to get help. Please call us at (254) 232-1550 to learn more about our programs.