Understanding the Different Types of Mindset: A Journey to Growth

Ever wondered why some people seem to thrive on challenges while others shy away? It all boils down to mindset. Professor Carol Dweck nailed it when she said, "A Growth Mindset is not a declaration, it's a journey." And, it is a journey. From learning new things & brand new experiences to failing & reframing it as learning. It is a journey this life business and with it our minds are in the driving seat. They can sit and be burned by the past not wanting to try and grow or, take on the healing and help us change the way we approach the landscape of the roads we are all travelling.

As a science lover and mindset coach I get excited about the facts & the opportunity we all have to change the way we think. Let’s dive into the different types of mindsets, understand how our brains adapt and change, and explore techniques to give your mindset a refreshing makeover.

There are several ways our brain responds to different events in life. To simplify a complicated view there are 7 core situationals in which our brain has a preformed response. Worldview, how we show up to challenges we face, the amount of effort we deem we can put in, how we take feedback, view success of others, respond to making mistakes and how open we are to accepting help from others.

What Do We Mean by Worldview, Challenges, and Effort?

Worldview: This is basically how you see yourself and your abilities. Do you believe you’re set in stone, or do you think you can grow and change? Is life being done to you are are you doing life.

Challenges: How do you handle difficulties? Are challenges exciting opportunities or terrifying threats? Do you show up ready to take it on or shy away and want to hide when the road gets a little rocky.

Effort: What’s your take on hard work? Do you see it as a necessary part of success, or just something that highlights your shortcomings? The too hard basket is your friend or you give anything a crack to see how you fare.

Feedback: How do you react to feedback? Do you welcome it or feel defensive? When someone is giving you constructive help do you clam up, close off and want to tell them where to stick it or, see it as something you can use to be better.

Success of Others: How do you feel about others' achievements? Are you inspired or threatened? Do you live with the green eyed monster and covet all others have with a sense of 'why them not me' or take others thriving as a motivation for you to do the same.

Acceptance of Help: Do you seek and accept help easily, or do you see it as a sign of weakness? Are you one to put your hand up and ask for advice. Seek out mentors and those who are succeeding where you want to go or feel that any help would be a leg up and you have to go it alone.

Making Mistakes: How do you handle mistakes? Do you hide them or learn from them? Are mistakes the end of the world for you, just another example of how you are not cut out for anything or, are they redirections and shapings so you can hone your skills and craft to become better and better.

These factors shape our mindset, influencing how we respond to life’s ups and downs. Each mindset of the 5 we will cover will respond innately to each of these settings. From a perspective of subconscious feedback there is a default belief in each mindset.

Let’s break down how these differ across various mindsets.

The Mindset Continuum

1. Fixed Mindset
2. Low Growth Mindset
3. Mixed Mindset
4. Growth Mindset
5. High Growth Mindset

But how are these mindsets fixed and why do we vary in the way we respond to the world around us. Well it comes down to biology and experience. Wondering How the Brain Works and how it is possible to change a mindset if it is the synapsis. It all comes down to neuroplasticity.

Here’s the Scoop..

Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brains to rewire themselves. Yep - just like an electrical wire needing reconnection or redirection the synapsis in the brain have a plasticity allowing them to be reformed and 'reeducated'. Let’s unpack this fascinating science with a basic overview of what is happening inside our minds.

The Brainy Bits: Neuroplasticity

• Synaptic Plasticity: When you learn something new, the connections between your neurons (synapses) get stronger. Think of it like building muscle through exercise. Plasticity is referring to the ability to shape and form so just like anything if we want to reprogram or change we can repeat a new behaviour till it becomes the norm. Think of a tennis serve. We are always throwing the ball too low and service is in the net. Physiologically by changing the toss to be higher then repeating the adaptation consistently till it becomes an unconscious consciousness we can correct our service and no longer have to think about it when it becomes a motor pattern behavior.
• Structural Plasticity: Your brain can change its physical structure in response to what you do and learn. It's like adding new roads to a city map. Like a muscle can be built you are not replacing the existing muscle fibres you are adding to them. Creating additional fibres through hypertrophy allowing for more support in movement and functional growth. The brain has the same ability with is synaptic structures allowing to alternate growth pathways.
• Functional Plasticity: If one part of your brain gets damaged, another part can take over its functions. Imagine a backup generator kicking in when the power goes out. The brain is not one dimensional it is multifaceted. This means we have programming to help us function subconsciously. In the case of damage the brain will adapt and use other parts and connections to compensation. But growth is not damage it is enhancement so with the right techniques we can create new pathways for the brain to follow serving us in our outlook of growth not negativity.

As with everything about us there is biological magic behind everything we are. While not a simplistic topic here are the basics to give you an idea of how and why it is possible for us to change the way we view the world.

1. Hebbian Learning: “Neurons that fire together wire together.” When you repeatedly do something, those neural connections strengthen. Just like the phrase 'perfect practice makes perfect' it is about continually showing up and flexing the neurons the way you want them to form the new way of doing things.
2. Long-term Potentiation (LTP): Your brain strengthens certain pathways when they’re used a lot, making it easier to access that info later. This time is calls to the phrase 'use it or lose it' except this time we are choosing what to use and consciously repeating the behaviour till the LTP takes over and our new way of functioning becomes the unconscious consciousness.
3. Neurogenesis: Your brain can grow new neurons, especially in areas like the hippocampus, which is key for learning and memory. Just like the body the brain can develop with nurture, use and direction neurogenesis allows us to bulk up in the brain. We say when children are young their brains are like sponges - well this is because there are not prior learned behaviours and they are completely open to taking on new forms of learning and incoming information.

But we aren't kids anymore so how can we reframe and learn new ways of thinking?

There are techniques to reframe your mindset and not they are not complex or invasive (lobotomy be gone), they are practice and habit bringing change to reality.

Changing your mindset isn’t just about thinking differently; it’s about rewiring your brain. As a coach there are several ways I work with my clients to change their way of thinking but if I was to cover my favourites and the most known (so you can go do some more research) - Here are some effective techniques to help you do just that:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a rockstar technique that helps you change unhelpful thinking patterns. CBT is essentially a form of psychotherapy that helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs, replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors Here’s how you can use it:

1. Identify Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to your negative thoughts. Write them down if it helps.
2. Challenge Those Thoughts: Question the validity of these thoughts. Are they based on facts or feelings?
3. Replace with Positive Thoughts: Substitute those negative thoughts with positive, growth-oriented ones. For example, change “I can’t do this” to “I’m learning how to do this.”

Mindfulness

Staying present can help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Mindfulness involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgment. It includes practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindful observation. Here’s how to practice mindfulness:

1. Breathing Exercises: Take deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your lungs.
2. Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day meditating. It helps to calm your mind and increase self-awareness.
3. Mindful Activities: Engage in activities like yoga, tai chi, or even mindful walking to help ground yourself.

Growth Journaling

Keeping a journal can help reinforce a growth mindset. Growth journaling involves regularly writing about one's experiences, thoughts, goals, and progress. It often includes reflecting on challenges and identifying learning opportunities. Here’s how to get started:

1. Daily Reflections: Write about what you learned each day and how you overcame challenges.
2. Set Goals: Set short-term and long-term goals. Track your progress and celebrate small victories.
3. Gratitude Lists: Write down things you’re grateful for. It helps shift focus from what you lack to what you have.

The News That Excites Me

'It is just the way I am' is the most incorrect reasoning for behaviour. No, your choice is who you are because the mind is not set in stone. We have come to accept we can impact the health and wellbeing of the body. We know diet, exercise, healthy practices can all impact how the body is faring. We can heal what is not optimal and we can completely change our quality of life. the mind has always seemed to be a little harder to impact and in some cases viewed as a foregone conclusion to how we are seeing the world. This is simply not true. While the brain cannot be seen to change it can most certainly be felt when it does but because it is a silent process we have to trust the process and know it is possible with the right processes to change the way we think and become healthier in the mind too.

Changing your mindset is like embarking on a journey. It takes time, effort, and persistence, but the rewards are well worth it. By understanding neuroplasticity and applying techniques like CBT and mindfulness, you can cultivate a growth mindset and unlock new potential. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the journey and learning along the way

There is so much potential in the human mind and It is why I am so passionate about being a mindset coach. I teach how to put into practice the changes we are discussing today because we are so capable of living healthier lives by building to a growth mindset. Anyone can do it.

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Keep it Simple - Sugar

Rach xx