The importance of having the right mindset

In sports, coaches often ask the players, "are you playing to win or playing not to lose?" There's a huge difference! Focusing on what you want and forming a clear vision of what success will look like empowers you to attract the ingredients and strategies you need to get there. Some refer to this as the "scarcity versus abundance" mentality -- if you pay attention to what you want to have (being grateful for what you have) you attract more of what you want.

Mindset and attitude matter. Here are some reminders:

• You may have to fake a little bit it until you make it, showing more confidence than you feel at the outset. People are drawn to people who believe in themselves. Show them you are worth believing in.
• What you focus on is what you'll attract more of. Another great reminder comes from a colleague who tells her team, "If you're on a bicycle and you're focused on avoiding that tree over there, you watch the tree. Inevitably, you'll run into the tree." Instead, she advises, focus on what you want -- not what you want to avoid.
• Remember the science of experience-dependent neuroplasticity: Your brain responds to what you focus on by expanding, growing, and developing towards those intentions. Your thoughts and feelings have tremendous power. You can actually change your brain by focusing on more positive experiences.

If you're struggling at work, looking for a job or looking for a better job, it's not only about resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, dress-for-success, and network of referral contacts. How you feel, communicate your confidence, mindset, and attitude also makes a big difference.

**these ideas previously appeared in Military.com https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/importance-of-attitude-finding-big-job.html**