Episode 09: The Magic of Mindset
Your Mindset is Your Choice
Mindset is a major component of self-awareness. Intentionally choosing your mindset is possible - and you hold your own power!
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
In this episode, we talk about the magic of mindset. We get into why it matters and I introduce a concept that can unleash so much personal power – it’s…well…magical.
I am talking about this through the lens of a leader – but, like most of what I talk about on this podcast – this is a 100% human concept. It is super powerful for all areas of life.
As I’ve shared before – I believe that self-awareness is pixie dust for making the most out of our lives and for becoming a confident and impactful leader. And mindset is a huge component of self-awareness.
So – let’s start by looking at the dictionary definition of the word “mindset”:
“the established set of attitudes held by someone.”
The “word” established does not mean final. What is established is a CHOICE and can change and evolve – all the time!
And with self-awareness and tools to help you see your own brain – we can be intentional about that choice. We can make choices about our mindset that serve us and serve those around us.
You may have heard of some common ‘types’ of mindsets such as growth mindset, business mindset, learning mindset and positive mindset…..you can put whatever descriptor you want in front of it – but the basic premise is the same. The power of creating the type of mindset you want is doesn’t waiver based on the type.
And the power comes from….are you ready for this? Your thoughts. That is where the magic lies.
But unfortunately, managing your mindset is not typically one of the topics that is a part of leadership development curriculum. Trust me – I’m a huge supporter of organizations that invest in their leaders. But to really maximize the investment on leadership development programs and initiatives, teaching leaders how to manage their minds will lead to enhanced effectiveness, connection, confidence and optimal results.
Organizations worldwide spend roughly $356 billion on leadership development efforts. Yet, the BrandonHall Group, a human capital research and analyst firm that surveyed 329 organizations in 2013, found that 75% of the organizations rated their leadership development programs as not very effective. Why aren’t companies getting more bang for their leadership development buck? It’s likely because most leadership development efforts overlook a specific attribute that is foundational to how leaders think, learn, and behave: their mindsets.
Mindsets are leaders’ mental lenses that dictate what information they take in and use to make sense of and navigate the situations they encounter. Simply, mindsets (or thoughts) drive what leaders do and why. For example, they explain why two different leaders might encounter the same situation (e.g., a subordinate disagreement) and process and respond to it very differently. One leader might see the situation as a threat that hinders their authority; another as an opportunity to learn and further develop. When leadership development efforts ignore mindsets, they ignore how leaders see and interpret problems and opportunities like this one.
Our thoughts control everything.
But - it’s not about just being positive. It’s not about faking ourselves out. It’s about being intentional. It’s about holding power. It’s about being conscious.
There are plenty of tools available. I am going to talk about the one that I use, which is The Model. This was developed by Brooke Castillo at The Life Coach School (where I am certified).
(Be sure to listen to the podcast for a detailed review of The Model)
Here is a simple example:
C: Boss says: I need you to come see me right away.
T: Oh my gosh, I’m in trouble
F: Nervous
A: Ruminate and catastrophize. Act short toward those around you. Procrastinate (not go see boss right away). Start looking for all the things you’ve done wrong.
R: Find evidence for why you might be in trouble OR show up in a way that makes your boss think you did something wrong.
OR
C: Boss says: I need you to come see me right away.
T: I wonder what’s going on.
F: Curious
A: Go see boss.
R: Find out what’s going on from a place of curiosity.
Notice how different THOUGHTS create different feelings, actions and results.
We will talk more about this in future episodes. There is much more to dive into – things like limiting beliefs (unhelpful thoughts) – how you can go about changing them – which often times requires some ‘unlearning’.
We will talk more about ways to use the model and ways to create results by pre-determing what you want thoughts to be. We can look at how perception plays into it. How combining understanding who you are with observing and managing your thoughts around that can be used.
But I wanted to simply introduce the topic and The Model to you in this episode.
I wish I would have really understood the power of thought work and had a tool like the model earlier in my career.
I would have spent less time beating myself up
I would have spent less energy making up stories in my head
I would have reframed what it meant to be a people pleaser.
I would have spent more time challenging beliefs that weren’t serving me.
I would have used my voice more.
I would have leveraged the power of compassion and curiosity earlier.
I would have understood that circumstances (workplace, things that people said, etc.) didn’t cause my feelings – my own thoughts about those circumstances did.
I would encourage you to consider one-on-one coaching to really magnify self-awareness and have someone help you see your brain.
What do you think?
Have you ever realized how your thoughts are an option?
Do you currently use a tool like The Model to manage your own brain?
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