Harmonize Your Way to Pursuing Your Dream
Janae Smith
Curating Impactful Experiences & Community Engagement with AI & Digital Transformation.
Unleash the Power of a Growth Mindset to Achieve Your Wildest Dreams - Real and Unexpected
Edition #3
September 7, 2023
Cues Intro ??
“Welcome to the newsletter where it gets Real and Unexpected with me, your fave re-xpected rambler, Janaé Ashleigh Smith. YES, I can definitely talk (AND write) a lot, but hey, that’s why you’re here *wink wink, smooches*. In this space, I’ll share my REAL and UNEXPECTED perspective on real topics that you unexpectedly may or may not be thinking about right now. Some say I’m a mind-reader and some ask if I can read their mind - either way, it’s worth the read. We’ll be covering basically any and every thing about life and everything else in between it. I’ll even share parts of my journey, because let’s be honest, everyone loves a real and unexpected story. So there’s a little something for everyone. R U ready?! Yeah? Perfect! Oh, when you’re done, don’t forget to read the sections below and like, comment, and share. Thanks!
LET’S GET INTO IT, SHALL WE??
So the topic of discussion is about *drumroll please* utilizing a growth-mindset (and music) as the compass to achieving your wildest dreams.
In the quiet, yet not so quiet moments of life's daily hustle and bustle, we often catch ourselves dreaming of what could be, something beyond the ordinary. The pursuit of our dreams isn't? basic; it's a thrilling adventure that invites us to shatter the chains of doubt and fear. Those moments offer us the potential to transform obstacles into opportunities. Just like we've explored the Better Self Enhancement and the GLOW mode in previous discussions, today we delve deeper into the art of chasing dreams, discovering untapped potential within ourselves, and igniting our growth-mindset that leads us toward our aspirations.
A growth-mindset illuminates the path towards personal and professional development. When a person believes that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point for a growth-mindset, defined by the groundbreaking research of psychologist Carol Dweck. Now, if I could bottle that up and sell it, I’d become the wealthiest person in the world. What a dream, but to be honest, a growth-mindset is also not the easiest to maintain. It falls on a spectrum with a fixed-mindset, and sometimes obstacles can be so challenging that it can initially cause you to react more on a fixed-mindset. So much so that the chains of doubt and fear makes it hard for you to believe that you can transform those obstacles into opportunities. But hey, you’re human. This is the exact reason why I introduced the Better Self Enhancement and the GLOW mode before discussing a growth-mindset.?
With understanding the significance of authenticity, intentionality, and self-efficacy, the combination will help you maintain such a precious gem. Just how we maintain grass: we love it for what it is, we learn about it’s strengths and it’s weaknesses, we nourish it, we tackle those weeds so it can have the opportunity to grow, and we believe in its ability to grow. Realistically, we know it’ll go through its phases of being unpretty and grow sluggishly, but as long as we’re patient and maintain it like how I mentioned, it’ll always grow to be better than the time before. It’s a journey called maintenance. If you refer back to our previous editions, I discussed using the Better Self Enhancement as maintenance. Check out Edition #1 for the full inside scope!?
In essence, a well-maintained growth-mindset is a compass that embraces obstacles as pivotal opportunities for continuous learning of new skills and knowledge and self-improvement that will empower you to bridge your present self to your envisioned future aka your wildest dreams. Furthermore, a growth-mindset fosters adaptability, allowing your dreams to evolve and change as you do.?
“Ooh, I see so much further
Than what's in front of me” - Burna Boy
So if that’s you, then grow your mindset with these strategies below:
?Embrace Challenges: Seek out challenges to learn and grow.
?Learn from Failure: See failure as a chance to improve.
?Love Learning: Stay curious and explore new interests.
?Practice Persistence: Keep going, even when it gets tough.
?Seek Feedback: Use feedback to get better.
?Set Clear Goals: Break goals into steps and track progress.
?Reflect and Meditate: Mindfulness helps you grow.
?Surround Yourself with Positivity: Be around supportive people.
?Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations.
?Learn from Inspirational Stories: Read about growth-minded individuals.
?Teach Others: Sharing knowledge reinforces your learning.
?Track Progress: Keep a record of achievements and lessons.
Are you a music lover who loves a good song or three to help you stay on course of accomplishing your dreams? Well, lucky for you, I’m going to dive into some of my favorite songs by my big bro, Burna Boy. Yes, I said big bro. Why, are you the genealogy police? LOL
Anywho, "Wild Dreams" by Burna Boy featuring Khalid. - Listen here:
?“I can't help myself from havin' these wild dreams” - Khalid
"Wild Dreams" by Burna Boy featuring Khalid is a beautiful musical manifesto that uses lyrics to speak to the profound significance of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter how wild or far-fetched they may appear and uses the power of instruments to create an intense, yet contagious flow of invigorating energy that will leave you empowered. Not to mention, have you listening to this, on repeat, because it’s one of those “good for the soul” type of songs. It's an anthem for the dreamers, the adventurers, and the fearless souls who dare to envision the extraordinary.?
“Don't let them tell you, you too proud or your dreams are too big” - Burna Boy
Although a “growth-mindset” wasn’t mentioned in the song, the lyrics illustrates the ideology that urges us not to be disheartened by setbacks and doubters, but to keep pushing forward with unwavering self-belief and confidence. It’s a necessary commitment to embrace change and step out of our comfort zones by taking calculated risks and being open to new experiences and opportunities to propel us toward our dreams. It also reminds us not to lose sight of the present moment and savor the adventure and appreciate the beauty of each step taken.
“Life is a ride, I take the front seat
Let The Most High drive, He can't go wrongly” - Burna Boy
Jeremiah 29:11 GNT?
If Burna Boy has taught us anything, you better “Bank On It”. - Listen Here:
?“We all strive for more” - Burna Boy
“Bank On It” is a reminder for the self-proclaimed warrior to keep moving forward as they embody the very spirit of tenacity, “that fierce blend of determination, persistence, and grit” that defines a growth-oriented individual. As Burna acknowledges the role that a higher power may play in one's life and success, “Bank On It” also serves a prayer for grace, patience, guidance, strength, and protection from the naysayers.?
“As the day comes, as I go on
Guide and watch over me oh Lord” - Burna Boy
Philippians 4:13 ESV
Furthermore, the lyrics' unshakable belief in achieving success aligns perfectly with self-awareness, expressing the importance of understanding of oneself–strengths and weaknesses. The instruments in "Bank On It" work in harmony to create a multi-dimensional emotional experience, evoking feelings of empowerment, optimism, and reflection. Making it another “good for the soul” song.
“You can put a hundred grand pon it
Anything I said, I stand pon it” - Burna Boy
Be fully committed, stay grounded, stay true to your values, and push forward. You the saying,“I said what I said, and I’m sticking to it”, yup, do THAT (period). We all know what happens when we believe in what we want to accomplish, nothing can stop what is destined to become reality.?
“Go, go ahead, it's your time, baby” - Burna Boy
Last, but certainly not least, we all need a little celebratory motivation too, even if it didn’t happen yet, just know it’s coming.
“Sittin On Top of The World” by Burna Boy featuring 21 Savage - listen here:
领英推荐
radiates a celebratory spirit, with its lyrics and melodies echoing a sense of triumph and fulfillment that can come from achieving one's aspirations–or the motivation to achieve. It serves as a powerful reminder that hard work and determination can indeed lead to the pinnacle of success and satisfaction, especially through the times …?
“You survived through the night, through the darkest of times
It's only right that you do what you like” - Burna Boy
Through its optimistic lyrics, the song emphasizes the euphoric sensation of being "on top of the world." This sentiment mirrors the profound understanding that pursuing dreams is a labor of love, where the rewards become all the more gratifying when one has invested time and energy. It also conveys a sense of gratitude for the journey that leads to success.
So remember, the pursuit of our dreams isn't basic.
“Everything advanced, nothing that I do is basic” - 21 Savage
In the backdrop of Burna Boy's music, we find a powerful message about the relentless pursuit of dreams that resonates deeply with the visionary dreamer. Through Carol Dweck’s studies, we are reminded that our dreams are not merely a destination; it is a transformative journey. So, whether you're a seasoned dreamer or embarking on this quest for the very first time, fasten your seatbelt and turn up your volume as you embark on this not so basic journey to transforming your wildest dreams into reality.
Until next time RU Crew —
Thanks for reading AND check out the sections below for more! ??????
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Check out the resources I mentioned in today’s newsletter. I also added in some extras!
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Happy tears, always.
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With love from your fave re-xpected rambler ????
The one and only Janaé Ashleigh
Creator and Founder of Real and Unexpected
“Be authentic and GLOW (Grow, Lead, Optimize, (Value my) Worth) with intention.”