Mindset Matters: Why Your Brain Leads Your Life

Have you ever had a boss or a leader who was a nightmare to deal with? You know, one who clearly didn’t have your best interests at heart? I can think of a few over the years myself that come to mind… 

I bet you can think of a few people too...

Well, imagine that boss is your brain - basically the CEO of your life. How's that brain CEO treating you? Are they a nightmare or the best leader you've ever had?  Think of your brain CEO like the bossy little voice in your head. The lens through which you see the world, otherwise known as your mindset. 

What the Heck is Mindset Anyway?

Mindset is basically how you see the world and is a culmination of your unique experiences and background in life. Yes, it really is the that little voice in your head, taking on the role of the leader of your life and dictating how you react to challenges, setbacks, and all the nonsense life throws your way. It's the difference between saying to yourself,”I can't believe I messed that up. I'm such a loser," and "Okay, that didn't go as planned. What can I learn from this disaster?"

Why Should You Care?

Because, like a CEO, your mindset calls the shots, makes the big decisions, and determines whether you’re hanging out on the beach with friends or crying into your coffee alone in the corner over yet another missed promotion... and here's why that matters. 

1. It Shapes Your Reality: What you think, you become. Ever heard that phrase “where your thoughts go, your energy flows”…. well if you believe you’re destined to be stuck in a middle-management rut forever, guess what? You will be. But if you think you're a badass capable of climbing the corporate ladder or launching your own business, you'll find ways to make that happen.
2. It Controls Your Reactions: Ever noticed how some people seem to bounce back from setbacks like they have a hidden life raft somewhere? That’s mindset magic. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, they analyze, adapt, and move on. It's not some hidden secret sauce; it's a growth mindset.
3. It Influences Your Happiness: A positive mindset can turn the most mundane job into a source of joy. Okay, maybe not joy, but at least not a soul-sucking pit of despair. By focusing on what you can control and being grateful for the little wins, you can find contentment even in the most unlikely places.

The Two Different Types of Mindsets

The Fixed Mindset is that annoying jerk of a voice that believes your abilities are set in stone. You're either good at something, or you're not. End of story. Fixed Mindset loves to throw a pity party whenever things get tough and avoids challenges like the plague. Unfortunately Fixed Mindset can be very persuasive when it wants to be because our brain naturally wants us to stay safe and predictable. This is your "stick in the mud" voice.    

Then we have the Growth Mindset. This cheerleader voice believes that abilities can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and input from others. Growth Mindset thrives on challenges, learns from criticism, and comes back stronger after every setback. While Growth Mindset pushes the limits and often makes us uncomfortable, it’s only with Growth Mindset that we can pursue our dreams. 

Making the Shift

Switching from a fixed to a growth mindset isn't like flipping a light switch or saying that it’s so. It's more like trying to rewire your brain while dealing with the daily chaos of work and life...and if your life is anything like mine, well you’ve likely already got a lot going on. But don’t worry it's doable, I promise. You can start with small steps:

• Embracing Challenges: Step out of your comfort zone. Take on that project that scares you. Ask for feedback (and don’t roll your eyes when you get it - simply say thank you).
• Learning from Criticism: Instead of getting defensive, use criticism as a roadmap for improvement. Remember, it's not personal; it's business. It’s also ok to take the criticism, objectively evaluate it and decide not to use it.  As long as you consciously consider it, it will help you grow. 
• Celebrating Your Efforts and Small Wins: Focus on the hard work you’re putting in, not just the big end result. The journey matters just as much as the destination and it’s important to recognize all the little things that happen along the way.  As my husband always reminds me, it’s the little things that matter. 

Your mindset is the silent yet powerful force that if it's leading in your best interest it can transform your career and your life. Embrace the power of a growth mindset, and watch as you turn every setback into a stepping stone.

Remember, in life it’s not the things that happen to us that define us, but how we react to those things.