With a Growth Mindset, You Will Be Tomorrow Where Your Thoughts Take You
BOB NEVILLE
Strategic global retail leader driving growth and innovation and transforming retail landscapes with visionary leadership and agile strategies. 30+ Years Clarks, Under Armour, New Balance, PURE, adidas
I'm lucky to have so many incredible people like YOU, in my life, from all walks of life and all around the world. Recently, I've had some conversations with a few of you who are struggling to make sense of everything happening around us. There's no denying that it can feel overwhelming with so much negativity and conflict out there, both globally and personally.
There is a way forward
I want to share the teachings of my mentor and good friend Chin Teik who has really helped me navigate these challenges. He often reminds me of the power of our mindset. He says, "You are today where your thoughts have brought you." It's a simple but powerful reminder that our thoughts shape our reality. And considering that around 80% of our daily 60,000 thoughts tend to be negative, it’s crucial to be mindful of what we’re telling ourselves.
One of the key aspects Chin Teik emphasises is the power of positive thought. This concept is not just theoretical—it's something we see in action all the time, particularly in the world of sports. Take the athletes preparing for and competing in the Paris Olympics as an example. Many of them use visualisation techniques to mentally rehearse their performances, picturing themselves crossing the finish line first, nailing that perfect routine, or hitting the target spot-on. This isn’t just about imagining success; it's about training their minds to believe in their potential and preparing their bodies to execute what they've visualised. This mental practice plays a crucial role in their success, showing how powerful positive thinking can be when paired with effort and determination.
Chin Teik also talks a lot about the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, we get stuck thinking that our intelligence, abilities, and talents are set in stone, which can leave us feeling like we’re stuck where we are. But with a growth mindset, we see these things as learnable and improvable with effort. As he says, "With a growth mindset, you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." This means that even when things are tough, we can keep growing and becoming better versions of ourselves.
The choice is really ours. We can either let the negativity around us weigh us down, or we can focus on what we can control—our actions, our responses, and our mindset. By choosing to cultivate a growth mindset, focusing on positive thoughts, and visualising our own success, we not only find a way to balance our lives but also start seeing the good in others and in ourselves.
And remember this: Don’t let a poor leader define you, and don’t let losing your job define you. Believe in yourself, learn from life, see the beauty and love around you and with a growth mindset, get excited about your future.
You’re incredible, you’re loved, your not alone and your future is very bright.
I hope your having a great summer, peace and love to you all.
Bob
Visual Merchandising DTC/B2B EMEA at ON | Retail Experience Professional | Merchandising & Sourcing Expert | Experienced Founder & Director | Volunteer for the homeless
2 个月As someone who barely escaped burn out and a toxic work environment, I need to continue to believe in myself and trust that my future is still bright and full for growth!
Recently retired
3 个月My thoughts are predominantly positive, Bob, and have been my whole life. Which may help to explain why I have been blessed with such a fabulous life. I got this positive outlook from my mother and father, and of course, from my lovely wife Cindy. Thanks for the reminder, and hope everything is going well for you and family.
Head of Digital Product Delivery and Transformation
3 个月A positive mindset can accomplish anything and with the colleagues and friends that surround you any mountain is achievable! And with a spectacular location, how could you not!
Head of Retail - UK/ROI at Clarks
3 个月Love this Bob, Great Pictures by the way. Tranquility right there. That has to be great for the mindset ??
Project Management | AgilePM | PRINCE2
3 个月I agree!