The Resilient Mindset – don’t let a fixed mindset defeat you

The Resilient Mindset – don’t let a fixed mindset defeat you

How to thrive in times of change

This is a challenging time for all of us. For many times are hard and the world has become a frightening place. So can you survive mentally intact and thrive?

How do you develop a resilient mindset?

Well accepting that we all have core values that we want to carry through life, most other parts of our thinking can changed. And a mind that is prepared to change and take on the requirements of new circumstances has most chance of staying intact. It is time to learn to challenge your own thinking.

A fixed mindset will chatter away in your head, if you let it.  It will tell you all the reasons why you shouldn't change. It is also likely to fill your head with negativity. It will tell you why you are not up tot he task of change. An, slowly it will erode your confidence.

The nasty fixed mindset will tell you that even if you wanted to change, you couldn’t do it! It might whisper that you’re not bright enough! You are not strong strong enough!  Or it might hint that if you change people won't love you any more.

Now sit back coolly and start answering back. Are any of those doubts founded in reality? Think of things that you have achieved in the past.

Time for you to start answering back.

“Well I’m certainly bright enough – if I see the need for change, I’m bright enough to do it.  I can learn and I can find people who will help and advise me.  I can learn and the people about me will probably like the new me! If not, well they will have to accept I have the right to be happy.”

You fixed mindset will probably answer; “But what happens if and when you fail?

So here is your defense.  “Everyone fails sometimes. But I’ll do it well and I’ll manage the risks – so I’ve got every chance of success.”

“But” says your fixed mindset, “if you don’t make the change, you can’t fail.”

“No, but, if I don’t try, I’ve failed already!

Now your fixed mindset sneers and becomes cunning.  “Oh so it is going to be easy for you then!”

You smile wryly.  “No it isn’t going to be easy.  Nothing worth having comes easy. I’m going to do it anyway”

Push the negativity back into the shadows where it deserves to be! If you keep beating it back, at some point your fixed mindset will slink away.  It won’t be dead. It may emerge occasionally when you are feeling tired or frustrated. But you have the upper hand now.  You know you have to find the energy to take up your sword and beat it back into the shadows again.

With practice you can learn to think positively and confidently about your change.  You will develop a resilient mindset.

You can do it! You can make the change you desire – it is time to start believing. Reach for your sword and begin practicing.

Wendy Smith is a career consultant, life coach and business coach with depth of experience in organisational development, management, coaching and personal development. That experience

means she is equally at home helping clients find a new career direction, starting-up new businesses or dealing with life’s more challenging personal issues. You can contact her at wendy@wisewolfcoaching.com

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find all her books on Amazon at this link