4 Small Tips to Improve Your Mindset

Your mindset determines how you view and live your life. It is the way you look at things, the way you perceive information, and the basis for all of your thoughts. Your mindset can be everything, as it motivates all of your actions.

There are typically two types of mindsets - fixed mindsets and growth mindsets.

With a fixed mindset, you're being held back. This is the type of person who sees challenges as a sign that what they are doing isn't meant to be. For example, an entrepreneur with a fixed mindset might see issuing their first refund as a sign that their business is going to fail.

However, a growth mindset is the opposite. It is the definition of confidence. With a growth mindset, you believe that you can master anything with effort. For example, that same entrepreneur (but now with a growth mindset) can see the refund experience as an opportunity to learn a lesson and improve for next time. Because that is truly what all failures are - lessons and opportunities to learn and challenge ourselves.

If you find you have a fixed mindset, no worries, I'm here to help. Let's look at four small ways that you can improve your mindset. Focus on these tips every day, and you'll have a growth mindset in no time.

1. Reframe to see challenges as opportunities

Every time you're facing a challenge, try to reframe. And if even this sounds difficult, look at the opportunity in it. If you can master this skill, you can change the way you face challenges forever... in a good way.

All it takes is conscious effort. Literally, ask yourself in your head, "How can I learn from this challenge? What lesson can I take away?" Wait for the answer. Your mind will come up with an answer if you keep asking yourself long enough.

When reflecting, sometimes it may help to get your thoughts down on paper. Let your words flow and just see what comes out. I interpret the messages I receive in these sessions as messages from my guides.

2. Look for the small positives

It helps to see small moments in life as beautiful moments. Not all moments have to be big and drastic to be wonderful, fulfilling, and yummy moments. Sitting on the couch playing with your dog can be one of these moments, too.

If it helps, take note of the times in your day when your find yourself having a small moment of joy. At the end of the day, or even the end of the week, reflect on your list to see just how fantastic your life really is.

3. Remember that a growth mindset can be learned, just like anything else

This is the foundational principle of the growth mindset - that it can be learned. Someone with a growth mindset believes that they can master anything, especially a growth mindset.

It's a simple thing to remind yourself of. You're still learning, and this is okay. Remind yourself that you are allowed to fumble during this process, and it's not the end of the world.

4. Believe that you can master anything with effort, and then put in the actual effort

It's one thing to say that you are putting in effort, and it's another thing to ACTUALLY put in the effort. How are you working to improve yourself and your situation?

The world won't change your situation for you. You can't learn without trying. You need to actually put in the effort, and some of you reading this may have a hard time swallowing that. Sorry, not sorry.

I am not ignorant to the impacts to motivation that come with mental health difficulties, and as someone who suffers from them myself, I recognize that there are many ways to handle mental health difficulties... with effort. Sounds like a never ending circle, but all it takes is one break out of the cycle to change things.

That's all there is to it. And no, I'm not being too nonchalant about it. ANYONE can improve their mindset, and that's not just my growth mindset talking. That's my wisdom talking.

Skim this article every day if it helps you remember this strategy. You can get there, and I know you know that, too.