In Winning Edge’s Take Another Step System, an inspirational leadership workshop, we pay particular attention to the notion of mindset.
What is a mindset?
A mindset is a particular way of thinking, a person’s attitude or set of opinions about something, or a frame of mind which orients (leads) an individual to a particular set of associations, expectations, and behaviors.
WE have 3 key points to discuss:
1) What is a growth mindset?
Are you growing or are you stagnant? Having a growth mindset means that intelligence can be cultivated, regardless of our IQ. A growth mindset sees opportunities instead of problems, learns instead of fails, and adapts to reach a goal or solve a problem. A leader with a growth mindset embraces new paradigms, new disciplines, and new challenges. With a mindset focused on growth, we can pursue excellence and leave mediocrity behind, enabling ourselves and everyone around us to take another step.
2) What is a fixed mindset?
Are you falling behind, or are you growing? Those with a fixed mindset see limitations in their capabilities, their intelligence, and their opportunities. Someone with a fixed mindset will tend to hide mistakes and avoid challenges, for fear of revealing weaknesses. People trapped inside a fixed mindset will stop short of pursuing their dreams. This mindset can also give one a false sense of security. With a fixed mindset, we cannot be the best version of ourselves, nor can we help others around us take another step.
3) Where are you?
Do you have a fixed or growth mindset? Champions are self-aware. In my years of winning, failing, and learning, I have grown to have a better understanding of myself, and my own strengths and weaknesses. An article from Forbes Magazine stated that 90% of top performers are highly self-aware, compared to the bottom fifth of performers, who lack this perspective. Here is an online test to find out what your mindset is: https://blog.mindsetworks.com/what-s-my-mindset
Once we become conscious of our own mindset, we will see with a broader perspective, be better able to adjust, and be fully prepared for ourselves and those around us to take another step.