Cultivating a Conscious Growth Mindset - Intelligence

Hello dear friends,

I hope the new year has started on a peaceful note for you and that you are able to tread firmly on your goals which you have committed to accomplish.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by life and work demands, wondered how to find calm in chaos, or sought practical directions to improve your life, today I will share some rewarding perspectives and thoughts for you.

However, it's important to remember that whatever we read is here to guide and provide direction; the real action must come from you.

In my last newsletter, I elucidated on the five winning habits that create success for you. As we live in VUCA times, unprecedented events in our lives can derail our planning, causing frustration and despair. Yet, how can we accept this impermanence, and turn anxiety and stress into calmness and inner peace.

The key -> You have the power to create that 'reflective space' -> all about being conscious that you have a CHOICE.

The biggest mistake people make is to think "I know the answer". It is dangerous to think you know the answer because it limits possibilities to consider other options and make those choices.

This habit of un-empowering yourself with self-limiting possibilities is the hindrance to creating a growth mindset-intelligence.

Personally, when I'm in a dilemma, my conscious thinking triggers me to consider that:

• Choices are always available.
• I can make them by considering options.
• This makes my mind more lucid.
• The decisions I make are aligned with my values and virtues.

This type of thinking allows me to find deeper meaning in each day to bring the ad hoc to plan or create 'a net' to accommodate the uncertain.

Now, I want to share with you how this habit can be a turning point to transform your mindset. Thus, if you are poised to learn more about this conscious transformation, it would be valuable for you to read this newsletter to the end.

Let's see how these principles enable you in rebuilding a more meaningful life.

These principles below serve as a beacon to rewire your brain, when you are stuck in life's darkest and difficult moments.

1. Morning Reflection Time: Dedicate a few minutes each morning to meditate. Reflect on your experiences from the previous day and visualize how you want your current day to unfold, mentally preparing for challenges and maintaining calm in stressful situations.

2. Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for every day in a journal. This helps focus on the positive and appreciate life's small joys.

3. Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical exercise. You must value a healthy body, be it through walking, running, yoga, martial arts or any activity you enjoy.

4. Principle of Control: When facing challenges, remember the principle of distinguishing between what you can control and what you can't, focusing on making wise decisions and calmly accepting what is beyond your control.

5. Self-Discipline: Cultivate self-discipline in eating, finances, and priority management. Set realistic goals and work towards them consistently.

6. Nightly Self-Assessment: Before going to sleep, reflect on your day’s actions. Assess if you acted according to your values and principles, identifying areas for improvement and planning.

7. Learning from Inspirational Examples: Explore books or biographies of luminary figures who embody authentic values and learning from their experiences.

8. Detachment from Others' Opinions: Avoid overly worrying about what others think. Focus on acting according to your own principles and values.

9. Awareness of Life's Impermanence: Remember the inevitability of death, using it as motivation to value life and make mindful decisions.

10. Skill Development: Dedicate time for learning or improving skills. Personal growth should be your topmost priority.

11. Accepting the Uncontrollable: Recognize that there’s no harm in what happens to you unless you choose so. Accepting the uncontrollable reduces distress.

12. Valuing Authenticity in Relationships: Seek genuine and mutually beneficial relationships, based on virtues and good qualities.

13. Contemplation of Mortality: Set aside moments to ponder your mortality, helping to contextualize daily concerns and value available time.

14. Cultivating Positive Self-Respect: Face challenges with self-compassion and motivation, instead of self-judgment for factors outside your control.

15. Altruism and Community Involvement: Look for ways to help others without expecting rewards, strengthening a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Cultivating virtue, self-mastery, and seeking insights. This core principle posits that although external events are beyond our control, we wield influence over our responses and perspectives. This grants us leverage to navigate life’s various challenges.

Conscious transformation imparts the wisdom of investing our efforts in areas we can effect change, instead of expending energy on the unchangeable.

All these practices and behaviors require constant practice and doesn’t promise immediate changes, but over time, these practices can transform your life and mindset.

If you think you would have benefited from my insights through the earlier newsletters, share your experience in the comments. Thank you all for your ongoing support and presence. I hope this reflection has been helpful.

I look forward to hearing your experiences, reflections and thoughts to see how consciousness is helping you as leaders to reframe and cultivate a renewed your mindset.

Sincerely,

Zavahir Dastoor