A new year brings time to reconnect with our network. We touch base for updates, follow up after the holidays, gain insights into goals for the new year, attempt momentum as Q1 revs up. During one of these recent dialogues, I connected with an old friend. We reminisced about the days when we worked together, cherishing the fun and synergy of the team. Providing updates of team members we knew had “moved on.” Organically, the conversation moved from work-life to health and family and then insights to new ventures.
When my friend told me what was new in life, there were so many phrases that stood out.
“I failed.
Sadly.
I’ll admit.
It’s embarrassing.
Regrettably.”
There was a monologue of self judgement and justification to validate a recent career move. Here was a friend who had reinvented themself and revitalized a skillset during a pandemic. A “bus stop” role attained to sustain family income, yet the personal reflection was negative. We then talked about mindset and switching thoughts from failure to learning.
Last week during a group networking call, breakout rooms were provided to assist the discovery of common ground. Predetermined questions were given to facilitate the direction of our dialogue. One such question was, what are your goals for 2021? One participant stated their current occupation and then divulged their objective. Wiping tears from the face, there was genuine heartfelt passion behind this planned jump, but what followed were words of doubt.
“Not certain I can do it. We’ll see what happens.”
Doubts and fears. Moments of hesitation emerging as the unknown becomes visible on the horizon. We all have these thoughts, but this is where mindset is everything. It’s in these moments that determine our next steps. How do we tip the scales towards productivity? To see the opportunity and find value in the experience vs judging it as greater than, less than, or equal to? Failure vs learning?
If we don’t believe in our goals, how can others support us on our path?
We are each made up 99% positive attributes. Yet we have an uncanny ability to fixate on the negative. That 1% becomes a spotlight effect and we feel the world is watching. Judging. How is it in these moments of self-doubt that some people remain in stagnant in overwhelm and others just do?
One of my dearest colleagues is one of these people. Last year, Tish mentioned she was going to apply for a Ted Talk. She didn’t know if she would be accepted or not as she stated, “we miss out on all the opportunities we don’t take.” This type of mindset sets a foundation for a positive viewpoint. A paradigm that imagines possibilities. A mindset filled with intention and movement. Tish applied and her talk was selected. She presented for Tedx Naperville this past November.
Mindset truly is everything. Below
TIPS TO SUSTAIN A STRONG MINDSET
- Start living life in gratitude. Find gratitude in everything. Stress and tension melt away when we are in a grateful state of mind.
- Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, identify three things you’re thankful for and set your intention for the day.
Should the mindset turn negative.
- BREATHE.
- Chat to yourself and then Reset.
- Ask yourself how berating yourself helps the situation?
- Ask yourself WHY you think you’re not worth it? Then ask this question again.
- Remember, there was a reason that thought, the dream, the wish, the attainable goal popped into your head. Listen to that inner voice. What’s it saying to you?
- Place affirmations in a place or on a phone and look at them daily.
- Create a vision board
- Tell others your goals and vision. The more people you tell, the more constant it remains in thought.
Quotes I Love for the Journey
- “If you think you can or can’t you’re probably right.” – Henry Ford
- “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney.
- “It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up.” – Vince Lombardi
- “If You Are Working On Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have To Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.” – Steve Jobs
- “The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “People Who Are Crazy Enough To Think They Can Change The World, Are The Ones Who Do.” – Rob Siltanen
Mindset IS everything. Choose a good one.