As we grew up, most people have not been conditioned to have a growth mindset, instead we were taught to follow rigid social norms and to adopt thought patterns, habits and behaviours as permanent and definitive. It was a straightforward instruction: “this is the right way, now follow it from now on”. In school, at home or at college, we have been conditioned to view all of these things as permanent aspects of our identity, and not just temporary ones – which they truly are.
But what is a growth mindset really? It means your focus is on the positive, on abundance, on what and who you can become. Your focus is on always growing more and more. Personal growth leads to professional growth leads to financial prosperity and more – everything connects, because it all begins from our mindset. Having a growth mindset means you are giving yourself permission to believe in more, to have more, to achieve more. With such a perspective, anything is possible, because you’re no longer subjecting yourself to limiting beliefs. The sky isn’t the limit… only your limiting beliefs are!
Over the years, I have learned many things, particularly this: nothing permanent defines me. My identity is not defined by my childhood, my schooling, my education, my upbringing, or any factors external to me. Other people do not define my identity. My identity is defined only by what I choose to define it by. And so is yours!
Think of your identity not as concrete permanently carved into a rigid square, but as a mould of clay which is ever changing, ever shifting, improving, developing into newer and better things. Your identity is an enigma, and you choose how, when, and as many times as you want to define it.
When I had the epiphany that I don’t have to be forever limited by what I currently am – whatever that may be, including any scarcity thinking, or toxic mental patterns or behaviours – an incredible weight lifted off my shoulders. I don’t know about you, but this realisation changed my entire perspective on life. Adopting a growth mindset was transformative. Why?
Because it meant I could become a better person.
It meant I could live a better life. I could learn and educate myself continuously.
It meant I had all the time in the world to become who I really wanted to be, someone I could truly deeply be proud of. That there wasn’t any ticking clock or deadline flashing how I had already missed my cue.
In short, it meant recognising that I had infinite potential, and that I could reach right out into the world and make it happen!
If that sounds exciting to you too, keep reading.
1. Review your beliefs
The first step to adopting a growth mindset is taking inventory of your current beliefs. The traditions and values you have been thought. Dig deep and be honest with yourself. Were there any values that your parents taught you, that you should be a good citizen, which implied an unfulfilling 9-to-5 and doing your duties in the family, without daring for more? Did your high school or college barrel into you the cookie-cut, socially approved pathway of life: school, work, family, grave? Were there any other factors or circumstances which made you adopt limiting beliefs?
If it helps, pull out a journal or piece of paper and write them down. Mindfulness, self awareness and honesty are essential in this step, to make sure you are truly acknowledging the present, in order to pave the way to a better tomorrow.
2. Release limiting beliefs
Once you are clear on the toxic or limiting beliefs that are part of your mindset, focus your intention on releasing them. If you no longer resonate with their truth (that you are limited, or undeserving of certain gifts, abundance, happiness, etc), then you have no choice but let them go, for they are no longer serving you. They have served their purpose. Now it’s time to release. Make space for that growth mindset.
3. Replace with a growth mindset
Transform each previously limiting belief into its opposite form – the real truth.
“I must follow the path paved for me by my parents. They birthed, clothed and raised me, and it is the least I can do to please them and offer them joy and fulfillment.” –>
“I follow only the path I set for myself. I owe nothing to nobody, except myself. It is my life, and I live first and foremost for myself. My ultimate scope is my happiness and fulfillment, because I know a life lived for others, in denial of myself, is not worth living.”
“According to social standards, working a 9-to-5 corporate job and minding my business is the right thing to do. Perhaps even fall in love, get married and raise a beautiful family. That must be enough for me.” –>
“Social standards are irrelevant to me. I will choose the path that is best for me, whatever that may be, and it is valid.”
“The media and books I grew up with all depicted wealth and rich people as heartless, disconnected from their true selves or souls. It only follows, that staying in modest means and being proud of it is the right thing to do, the soulful and spiritually correct path.” –>
“I acknowledge the illusions and false beliefs weaved into media, and I no longer allow them to influence me. Money is not evil, wealth is not evil, they are simply a medium. What defines me is not what I own, but my character – not the other way around. I am a divine being of the universe, and as such deserve the highest that the universe can offer. The universe is abundant. I deserve a life of abundance, of happiness, of love and success, and that includes an abundance of wealth. I deserve to be financially secure. And as such, I will coordinate my life path and my goals accordingly so as to achieve that financial abundance.”
4. Define your true self
The most important step is defining what you want to stand for. What do you want to believe in? What limitations (or lackthereof) do you allow into your mindset?
Write a list of positive affirmations that resonate with you, that represent the new, authentic you. Affirmations that heal any past wounds or vulnerabilities. Here are a few examples to inspire a growth mindset:
“I am a magnet for wealth.”
“At all times, I attract an abundance of happiness, joy and success.”
“I am always protected by the universe and guided to fulfill my soul path, my higher calling.”
“Everything always works out for me easily and effortlessly. My guardian angels look out for me and assist at any moment to make my life more peaceful and effortless.”
5. Acknowledge that you are evolving
Lastly, don’t forget… Having a growth mindset is a way of seeing life. It means you see life as a possibility, an open door, always an opportunity for something better. And that means getting familiar with change, and stepping away from complacency and your comfort zone.
Although you are a masterpiece, you are not framed in a still room as decor. You are an enigma, you are a magnificent creation, you are always evolving, and you can be anything you want. If you so desire, you can recreate yourself and your beliefs about yourself or the world or anything else – as many times as you want. There are no deadlines, no restrictions, no rules. This is your life, and the only rules imposed on it are yours, so make them worthwhile…
Evolve into the most beautiful version of you that you can imagine.
The world lies at your feet.