Mindset: A Review

Mindset is a powerful book about inner change. It focuses on the two mindsets, fixed and growth. The two mindsets are simple and easy to understand. The fixed mindset can be defined as everything that happens to an individual is good or bad, up or down, black or white. People who think on this level have no room to budge, are very set in their ways and have a very hard time accepting or listening to new concepts or ideas. The growth mindset, on the other hand, is defined as people understanding that they can develop their skills over time. People who think at this level know that as they learn more and are open to new ideas, they will begin to see the whole picture, improving their traits and skills because of this.

Carol puts it this way:

"as you begin to understand the fixed and growth mindsets, you will see exactly how one thing leads to another-how a belief that your qualities are carved in stone leads to a host of thoughts and actions, and how a belief that your qualities can be cultivated leads to a host of thoughts and actions, taking you down an entirely different road. It's what we psychologists call an Aha! experience."

These two simple concepts lead to a great deal of heavy thinking. The way that we think about ourselves internally directly relates to how we act externally to others. Mindset is a must read book in the journey to open your mind to new things, break down old patterns and begin building new ones. It may not be a quick process, but the rewards once complete will last a lifetime.

I personally enjoyed this book so much that I read it in one night! I could not put it down. It related to so many topics that I had been studying and proved so many of my own thoughts, that I was amazed I hadn't discovered it earlier. Only to find out it was just released in 2006.

Some readers may find the information upsetting as it relates so closely to them. The important thing to remember is that it is OK to get frustrated or even upset to a point. I believe that we all have our own beliefs and change is hard for a lot of people. However, once you allow yourself to see another viewpoint from a neutral standpoint, you can start to then look back on your current views, making adjustments as you see fit.

Change will only happen to those that welcome it and embrace it with open arms. Those who resist change and resist to see other views on topics will stay the same, or in the fixed mindset.

There is a quote that I feel relates to every aspect of life. I am reminded of it again and again, sometimes multiple times in a single day. The author is anonymous, which adds to the allure of the quote.

"What you believe is true, is true, and nothing else."

-Author unknown

This simple quote is so powerful. This goes along the same lines as the fixed and growth mindsets. It all comes back to you and your mind. What and how you speak to yourself internally ultimately defines and shapes your environment, who you interact with, and how you interact with those people.

Think about that for a minute. What if you spent your time telling yourself you were no good, had no skills, was always going to be broke, and will never succeed or be happy in life. These thoughts will start to shape yourself and your life. You may continue to work at a job that doesn't allow you to move up, may stay friends with others who have jobs leading no where, and are struggling financially and emotionally. Is this the life that you want for yourself? I know few people, if any, who wish that life upon anyone, let alone themselves!

Now, let's look at the optimistic side of things. You are young, ambitious and very motivated. You have a job that has the potential to turn into a career. And you know that you are only starting out and are working extra hard to learn more and grow more. On top of all that, you decide to start a part time business to earn extra money to pay off debt, put more away for retirement, and allow yourself a few extra "toys" that you feel you deserve. Having these thoughts will allow you to meet and exceed your goals, will surround yourself with like-minded individuals who push you and encourage you to succeed and help you along the way.

Real life examples of these two mindsets can be seen everywhere once you understand them. Look at yourself, your family and friends, even coworkers to casually place them into one of the two mindsets. You might be amazed! It all comes down to this: choice. Every day you have a choice. You can choose to be rich, or poor. You can choose to be closed-minded or allow new thoughts and ideas in. You have the power to choose the fixed mindset or growth.

I encourage you to start developing the growth mindset, if you haven't already!

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