Week 3 - Adopting a Growth Mindset
The way we perceive the world is influenced by many factors, but we all have a default mindset in which we view and interpret life and all it throws our way. Our thoughts and feelings are shaped by our beliefs and our beliefs are influenced from experiences, in particular in the early years of our childhood.
When we work to adopt a ‘growth mindset’, we naturally become more willing to perceive any situation as an opportunity for learning. A growth mindset does not come naturally to everyone, but it can be practiced and adopted over time to become our default mindset.
You may have experienced times where your intention is to simply ‘think positively’ about a situation or towards life in general. But often without having first worked on changing our default belief system, thinking positively only lasts so long. What we are better off working towards for a long-term, positively altered mindset is a growth mindset.
Thoughts - Feelings - Actions/Experiences - Beliefs. The (TFAEB) Model
When we have a willingness to see things differently, we become open to other perspectives on outcomes and opportunities. This ultimately changes how we act and/or the experiences we have.
What we experience directly influences what we believe to be true in our world. This then continues to feed our thoughts, feelings, actions and experiences. If we change what happens at any part of the TFAEB model, all stages are affected. This stands for both positive and negative changes.
There is an inspiring saying - ‘change your mind, change your world’. When we understand how each aspect of the model can affect one another, we can see how this is possible.
The frame in which we perceive the world (our mindset) has the potential to be changed at a fundamental level. Our default mindset can move from one of negativity, limited thinking, fear and stress towards a more positive frame, with expansive thinking, acceptance, opportunity and openness for alternate outcomes and lessons.
We will discuss the relationship between thoughts, feelings, actions, experiences and beliefs further this week in our workshop.
Until then, take a moment to familiarise yourself with this week’s journal activities.
‘Own Time’ activities
- Week 3 yoga postures and meditative practice (see below)
- Journal activities:
- Pages 42-43 – Adopting a growth mindset
- Pages 44-45 – Witness your default mindset
- Pages 46-53 – Daily reflections
