From Physio to Engineer: Unlocking the Power of Mindset for Accelerated Learning and Career Change (Part 1 of 2)

Introduction

Throughout the last two decades, I've immersed myself in a vast collection of personal development, biographical, entrepreneurial, and self-help books. From the well-known New York Best Sellers to the more obscure and esoteric titles, I've read them all. In addition, I've had the privilege of meeting some of the most remarkable professionals, mentors, and individuals who have not only "been there, done that," but who also have successfully made mid-career shifts. Through these experiences, I've noticed common themes and fundamental truths that have left a lasting impact on me. In this blog, I'll be sharing the practical information that I've personally found most relevant and applied, along with scientific evidence to support the approach to accelerated learning and mid-career change.

To begin with, in this post, we'll be talking about why having the right mindset is crucial for accelerating your learning, successfully upskilling, and making mid-career transformations. Without adopting the right mindset, your efforts in applying accelerated learning techniques could be fruitless.

The term "mindset" has become an overused buzzword on social media and YouTube, often exploited by get-rich-quick schemes and self-proclaimed gurus. Unfortunately, this widespread use of the term has detracted from the true significance of mindset. As I mentioned earlier, cultivating the right mindset is the foundational step to help you learn more effectively and improve your cognitive flexibility and fluid intelligence. In a future blog post, I'll dive deeper into optimizing cognitive flexibility and fluid intelligence, which is essential for accelerated learning in adulthood, particularly for career change.

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For now, let's take a moment to explore why mindset matters so much when it comes to learning and transformation.

In essence, I wish to share two key mindset concepts that I've personally found useful in my transformation from a senior physiotherapist to a junior software engineer, as well as becoming a better entrepreneur. These concepts have been instrumental in helping me cultivate the right mindset, and I believe they'll be just as valuable to you. The first is Growth Mindset, and the second is Beginner's Mind.?

The Growth Mindset

?Let’s dive into what a Growth Mindset or Abundance Mentality is all about. To provide some context, I'll start by introducing the opposite concept, a "Scarcity Mindset." Individuals with a scarcity mindset tend to view the world as a fixed, finite, or limited pie of resources - be it time, money, love, knowledge, networks, opportunities, and so on. In other words, they tend to focus on what they don't have or lack. On the other hand, individuals with a Growth Mindset or Abundance Mentality believe that the world has more than enough resources to allow anyone to be successful. This concept was first coined by Stephen R. Covey in his best-selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People in 1989. To give you a quick summary:

Scarcity Mindset

• Sees the world as a fixed, finite, or limited pie of resources.
• Focuses on what they don’t have or lack.
• Views failure as a limitation.
• Stays within their comfort zone.

Growth Mindset

• Believes the world has infinite resources to allow anyone to be successful.
• Focuses on possibilities and opportunities.
• Views failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
• Embraces challenges and takes risks.

You may have come across the famous saying “The mind is everything, what you think, you become.” Interestingly, this quote is directly applicable to what we are discussing here, and scientific research backs up this view. Two key studies that reinforce this idea, with a focus on learning, are worth mentioning. The first is a Princeton University study (Reference: https://www.princeton.edu/news/2013/08/29/poor-concentration-poverty-reduces-brainpower-needed-navigating-other-areas-life ) that suggests a lack of time or resources can lead to poorer decisions (similar to a 13-point dip in IQ), as poverty imposes a cognitive load that saps attention and reduces effort. The second study, conducted by Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, found that young children with a growth mindset can more easily overcome academic and learning challenges compared to those who demonstrate a fixed mindset (Reference: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/dweck-growth-mindsets ).

So, if you agree that cultivating an “Abundance” or “Growth” Mindset is a good idea, the next question is, how can you actually develop it??

1. Surround yourself with others who also have a Growth Mindset

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who also have a Growth Mindset can be incredibly beneficial to your personal growth. But it's equally important to steer clear of chronic complainers, negative, gossipy, and toxic people who drain your energy and time. Remember, you only have a limited amount of time and energy, so use both wisely. If you find yourself unable to avoid these types of people, try practicing mindfulness meditation, Yoga, or going for a run to detox from their toxic vibes. Additionally, debriefing with a trusted friend or partner can also be helpful.

The quality of your life is heavily influenced by the relationships you have around you. Therefore, make an effort to spend more time with those in your network who also display a Growth Mindset. Study those who have progressed further along this mindset spectrum, learn from them, and ask them questions. Don't forget to celebrate the success of others, no matter how big or small their wins may be.?

2. Express gratitude

Expressing gratitude regularly is another powerful tool to achieve personal growth and happiness - and it’s backed by science! The most inspiring and happiest people I have met all practice gratitude in one way or another. While it may seem new age and perhaps corny, gratitude journaling is an effective way to practice gratitude. When you express or practice gratitude, your brain releases neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for happiness. Additionally, your cortisol hormone levels reduce, which helps alleviate stress. Regular practice of gratitude also leads to neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to change and re-organize itself over time in response to learning and new experiences. As Oprah Winfrey aptly said, "If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you will never have enough."

3. Focus on what you have?

If you're considering a midlife career change, it's important to develop and practice a growth mindset. Rather than thinking you're too old or lacking the necessary skills or experience for a new role, take some time to reflect on the work and life experience you've gained and how it can be applied to your next opportunity. Don't let these doubts progress into Imposter Syndrome, a psychological condition where you doubt your own abilities and constantly fear being exposed as a fraud. Instead, focus on how you can sell your skills, knowledge, and experience in a unique and useful way for your next role.

4. View challenges as opportunities?

We all encounter obstacles in life and work that seem insurmountable at first. However, confronting these challenges head-on can offer great opportunities for personal growth and learning. It's a critical part of becoming a stronger and more well-rounded individual. The more you test your limits and capabilities, the more you understand about yourself. You'll learn the most when you make an effort to get out of your comfort zone and delay short-term gratification. Therefore, it's essential to view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve your mental resilience and grit. According to research scientist and TED speaker Angela Duckworth, grit and self-control are the two key traits required for achievement. Grit is defined as the tendency to sustain interest in and effort toward a long-term goal, while self-control is the voluntary regulation of impulses in the face of momentarily gratifying temptations. (Reference: https://angeladuckworth.com/research/ )

5. ? ? ? ? Understand your own limitations?

While it's great to believe that anything is possible, it's important to be realistic and understand your limitations. Seek constructive feedback from people you trust and respect, and take time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you prioritize what you should work on to improve and avoid self-delusion, which can set you back from achieving your goals. It's essential to have a clear vision of your life or career goals, but equally important to develop a pragmatic plan to achieve them with smaller steps.

6. ? ? ? ? Be Mindful

Take time to meditate, reflect, or engage in relaxing activities that help you detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Schedule regular breaks, such as family vacations, spa retreats, or hobbies that help you recharge and recover on a weekly basis. It is often during these times of rest that you have a “light bulb” moment, have enhanced creativity and come with your best ideas. Practicing mindfulness can help you enhance self-awareness, clear your mind, and make wiser decisions without emotional distractions. In a future blog post, we will explore the science behind meditation and provide tips on how to achieve tailored functional benefits.

7.? ? ? ? The ability to zoom in and zoom out??

Being able to zoom in on the details and zoom out to see the big picture is a valuable skill that can be developed with practice. It can help you manage your emotions, improve your decision-making ability, and open up new perspectives and solutions. However, be mindful of overemphasizing one skill over the other, as both have their weaknesses. Balancing both skills can help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.

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8.? ? ? ? Self-Compassion?

No matter where you are in life, it's important to take pride in what you've accomplished so far. Personal achievements are relative, and practicing self-compassion involves accepting your flaws, being forgiving, and loving yourself even when things aren't going well. Remember that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the human experience, and try not to compare yourself to others. Appreciate and stay true to your unique story and journey. Accept and be proud of who you are.

9.? ? ? ? Understand that the adult brain can still learn new things

Excitingly, recent scientific research has shown that the adult brain continues to be neuroplastic, meaning it can learn and adapt throughout your life. However, the way in which you learn changes over time. Before the age of 25, you may be able to learn things faster and more passively, but after this age, active learning and strong emotional triggers may be necessary. In a future blog post, I'll share science-backed strategies and lifestyle modifications such as exercise, nutrition, meditation, and sleep that have been successful for me in enhancing neuroplasticity and accelerating learning in adulthood.

In the next blog post - Embracing a "Beginner's Mind"

Sometimes in life, taking a step back can help you move forward. The concept of a "Beginner's Mind," also known as "shoshin" in Japanese, involves approaching new experiences without assumptions or preconceptions. This mindset can open you up to new learning opportunities and help you achieve higher levels of mastery. In my personal experience, embracing a Beginner's Mind allowed me to successfully transition from a career as a physiotherapist with 17 years of experience to becoming a professional software engineer during COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne. In the next blog post, I'll delve deeper into the concept of a Beginner's Mind and share practical strategies for cultivating it.