Are You in the Right Mind for Your Career?

The right mindset can dramatically influence your job search or career progression. On our latest episode of the Career Progressions Podcast, I spoke with the Principal of Positive Paradigm, Craig Gomez , about the importance of taking the right mindset into your interviews. We'd argue doing this is as important as anything you do to prepare. (You can tune in to that conversation HERE .)

Whether you’re out of work looking for new opportunities or aiming for a promotion, the way you approach challenges directly impacts your success. Research shows that positive thinking, combined with a growth mindset, not only enhances your performance but can also boost your overall satisfaction at work. In this edition of the Career PROgressions Newsletter, we explores how mindset plays a crucial role in navigating career changes, backed by scientific research and a few powerful insights from legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson.

Understanding Mindset

A growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that talents are innate and unchangeable. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, while those with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges due to fear of failure.

In the context of a job search, this distinction is crucial. Job seekers with a growth mindset are more resilient and adaptable. They are better able to cope with rejection and see setbacks as part of the process. Conversely, those with a fixed mindset may view every rejection as a sign of personal failure, making it harder for them to persist in their efforts.

The Science Behind Positive Thinking

According to various studies, positive thinking has significant effects on both mental and physical health, which can be particularly important during a stressful job search. A Harvard study found that optimists were 19% less likely to die prematurely from major causes such as heart disease and cancer. Additionally, people with positive mindsets are more likely to adopt healthier habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, which contributes to better overall well-being.

Optimism also plays a pivotal role in professional settings. Research from Stanford University shows that employees who adopt a dual-growth mindset—one focused on both personal and job-related development—report higher levels of job satisfaction and happiness six months after career development interventions. The key takeaway here is that individuals who believe in their ability to grow and adapt are more successful in transforming both their personal skills and their roles at work.

Why Mindset Matters in a Job Search

When looking for a new job, the stress of uncertainty, rejections, and financial pressure can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. However, maintaining a positive mindset can help job seekers stay motivated. Studies indicate that the average person has between 50,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day, and 95% of these thoughts are repetitive. Unfortunately, many of these are negative, meaning that job seekers may be reinforcing self-doubt without realizing it. To combat this, experts recommend adopting practices such as daily affirmations and focusing on one’s strengths.

Job seekers with a growth mindset also tend to be more proactive in seeking out opportunities for networking and learning. They are less likely to be paralyzed by fear of failure and are more likely to experiment with new approaches, such as reaching out to potential employers through social media or pursuing additional certifications to enhance their resumes.

Lessons from Phil Jackson

Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson offers valuable lessons on the power of mindset, not just in sports but in life and career. Known for his success in leading teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple championships, Jackson’s coaching philosophy was deeply rooted in Zen principles and mindfulness.

One of Jackson’s key lessons is to focus on the process rather than the outcome. He believed that obsessing over winning can be counterproductive. Instead, Jackson emphasized the importance of playing the game the right way and trusting that the results would follow. For job seekers, this is a powerful reminder: while the goal may be to secure a job or promotion, the focus should be on improving your skills, preparing thoroughly, and staying present during interviews.

Jackson also practiced mindfulness with his players, encouraging them to sit in silence and breathe together to align their minds. This technique helped his teams perform better under pressure, a lesson that can be applied to stressful job interviews or negotiations. By staying calm and grounded, job seekers can approach interviews with clarity and confidence, improving their chances of success.

The Power of Compassion and Self-Reflection

Jackson also emphasized compassion as a critical leadership quality, which can be translated into self-compassion during a job search. Often, people are their own harshest critics, especially when faced with rejection. However, showing yourself kindness and understanding is key to maintaining a positive mindset.

Self-compassion allows job seekers to recover more quickly from setbacks. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or missed opportunities, they can reflect on what they learned and apply those lessons in future situations. This approach is in line with the growth mindset, where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success.

Strategies for Cultivating the Right Mindset

Here are some practical strategies to foster a positive and growth-oriented mindset during your job search or while seeking a promotion:

1. Daily Affirmations: Start each day by affirming your strengths and capabilities. Repeating positive statements like "I am capable of learning and growing" can help rewire your brain to focus on possibilities rather than limitations.
2. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine to help manage stress and stay focused on the present. As Phil Jackson taught his players, even simple breathing exercises can have a profound impact on your mental clarity and decision-making abilities.
3. Focus on Growth: Look for opportunities to develop new skills or improve existing ones. Whether it's taking a course, volunteering for new responsibilities, or seeking feedback from mentors, continually improving yourself can keep your mindset focused on growth.
4. Embrace Setbacks: Rather than viewing rejections or failures as permanent, see them as opportunities to learn. Each interview or networking event is a chance to refine your approach and become better prepared for the next one.
5. Stay Connected to Your Purpose: Keep your long-term goals in mind, but don’t get bogged down by immediate outcomes. Focusing on your bigger vision for your career can help you stay motivated even when things don’t go as planned.

Keep Moving Forward

In both job searching and career advancement, your mindset can be your most powerful asset. By adopting a growth mindset, practicing positive thinking, and learning from the wisdom of leaders like Phil Jackson, you can turn challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth. Mindset isn't just a vague concept; it's a proven strategy for achieving success in all areas of life.

If you need support finding the right mindset, send us a note on revealtalent.com .