How often do you throw out flippant lines such as ‘I can’t’ or ‘I have no control’? You might not think it much, but these statements, however flippant, can subconsciously become a truth we tell ourselves. These truths can affect our mindset and then the results and environment we create for ourselves. Don’t set yourself up for failure before you have even tried!
These statements lean towards a fixed mindset. You say a statement and there is nowhere to go. They don’t lead your thought process anywhere except into a spiral of negativity. So, this week, I encourage you to think about really listening to your inner dialogue. Identify when you say something that is from a fixed or negative mindset and then reframe it into something that can generate growth. Listen to your staff and those around you and encourage them to do the same. Instead of ‘I don’t know,’ try, ‘I don’t have an answer right now, but I am willing to think about it some more.’ Or, ‘I don’t have the answer but I know where I can go to learn more.’
Below are some other common fixed mindsets and ways to reframe them for growth.
Printing this out and sticking it on the staff fridge would be a great way to start the conversation. If you would like a PDF version, complete the form below.