What separates us from the pain of discipline or the pain of regret is our mindsets. Basically a fixed vs. growth mindset.
Ultimately:
A fixed mindset:
Minimal effort and when things get tough, it is time to give up
A growth mindset:
Extra effort and when things get tough, it is time to step it up and push forward
As you can see above, there are some quite obvious differences between a fixed and growth mindset.
You must always remember:
Intelligence is not static. Maybe you have certain traits, talents and skills that have always come more easily than others, but you can always learn more and continue to grow in which ever direction you please.
We can always become more intelligent, rather than appearing more intelligent.
EMBRACE CHALLENGES
Even if you are falling flat on your face, you are still moving forward. That itself is embracing the challenge, even if you don’t succeed at first, you are giving it all you have got, with the intention and courage to climb to a higher ground.
PERSIST THROUGH OBSTACLES
Obstacles are tricky. They are meant to be that way. They are meant to stretch you, challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. As these come, look at them as a test to really determine how much you really want your end result/reward. Sometimes a good obstacle will allow us to stop and think of what we are doing and how we should be doing it. As these thoughts and questions come, if you answer them strongly, you wont give up. In my opinion the euphoria of your rewards will always outweigh the pain of an obstacle.
PUT IN THE EFFORT
Today’s society is full of instant gratification which has started to wash away the importance and value of hard work. These days, it will take an incredible heart and determination to push through the pain of discipline. However, once you do, seeing the rewards reaped can become as addictive as alcohol or even drugs. We tend to get a natural high, however this leaves us with a much clearer and healthier perspective.
ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
Criticism is easy to ignore, especially when it is hurting our (yes I said it) egos… It kills our sense of pride, so we tend to shove it under a rug and walk away. However, avoiding it will keep you static. Take feedback, understand it and apply it and keep moving forward. Let go of the ego (as hard as it can be) and this will be one of the best things you can ever embrace.
BE INSPIRED BY THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS
Seeing those around us moving and shaking and changing the world can be the best kind of inspiration. Yes we can tend to become overwhelmed and even jealous by it… But if you can learn to harness this influence, learn to applaud the success of others, as much as if it was your own, these will become an inspiration rather that a pressure or some kind of weight holding you down. You need to remember, your time will come if you keep your heart in the game and focused.
There you have it, the 5 Mindsets of the Mentally Strong. The question I have for you is; what will you do about it?