MINDSET CHANGE

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou

Change is inevitable, whether it is with our body, the seasons outdoors, the advancements with technology, and in general, the world around. Every decision we make and every path we take is informed by changes, either large or small. As an example, think of our minds and body’s – our thoughts change over time, our bodies age, sometime we are getting healthier, sometimes we are going the other way – the only constant is change.

The human body’s typical response to change is stress. Stress is actually a natural and healthy human response (think “fight or flight”), but when this becomes non-stop low-grade stress, what we call chronic stress, it can cascade into multiple health issues and conditions.

I am a firm believer that having a “growth mindset” helps with reducing stress while embracing change – where we see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. And with this mindset, without change we would feel stagnant, bored and uninspired.

Mindset is a set of beliefs that shape how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. In essence, it is what pulls everything together, and plays a pivotal role in what we want and whether we achieve it. Having a growth mindset helps us believe that our talents and abilities can be developed over time through effort and persistence.

So, how can we cultivate and safeguard our mindset? It starts with self-awareness. Recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with empowering ones.

• Practice gratitude to shift your focus to the abundance in your life.

• Embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process, reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

• Surround yourself with positivity, whether it's through uplifting relationships, inspiring content, or moments of self-reflection.

Here are some fun ways to build our growth mindset muscles:

• Learn a new skill or activity that is fun and intriguing – like 3-ball juggling or sketching!

• Listen to the words in your head and then talk loudly – watch out especially for phrases like “I have to...” or “I must…”, replacing them with “I choose to…”

• Change out your routine, like cooking a new recipe/cuisine, or doing your regular walking route in reverse (extra bonus: enjoy the brand new views!)

• Try an online challenge to shake things up – download the free 12-week PLAY-book on this website

• Be inspired by someone successful with a playful growth mindset – be it a famous personality (think George Clooney) or someone in your own network

• Boosting memory by playing brain-teasing puzzles, memory card games

• At work, consider both successes and failures as valuable learning opportunities, align performance evaluations to learning not productivity

• Celebrate your growth with others – you will appreciate it more!

The good news is that we all have the ability to learn, grow, evolve and develop – the neuroplasticity of our brains naturally allows for it. It starts with truly believing in yourself (the vision of your “future self”) and reframing the negative self-talk to positive beliefs.

Bottomline: Your mindset isn't set in stone. It's a muscle that can be strengthened with practice and nurturance. Choose growth, choose positivity, and watch as your mindset becomes the catalyst for unlocking your true potential.

As health coach, I will be your guide and accountability partner for you to quickly recognize and navigate your unique life journey through simple mindset shifts and habits!