Does an Invisible Coach Live Inside Your Brain?

Is there an Invisible Coach in Your Brain? And Is it Time for a Mindset Reset?

A mindset is a set of beliefs that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself. Like a personal coach, your mindset influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation. Most of the time, we operate unconscious of how its voice speaks to us. Yet, it’s constantly driving our beliefs about ourselves and what we can achieve. Let’s dive into the guiding force of mindsets and learn how to choose the voice of your invisible coach wisely and, if need be, replace your coach for the next season.

Two Root Mindsets

According to psychologist Carol S. Dweck, author of “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” published in 2006, there are two fundamental mindsets:

Fixed Mindset: In this mindset, individuals believe their abilities are fixed traits that they cannot change. They may think that innate talent and intelligence alone lead to success without requiring effort. For example:

• “Either I’m good at it or I’m not.”
• “If I don’t try, then I won’t fail.”

Growth Mindset: People with a growth mindset believe they can develop talent and wisdom through effort and persistence. They recognize that everyone can improve and get smarter if they work at it. For instance:

• “I can learn to do anything I want.”
• “I’m a constantly evolving work in progress.”

Other Mindsets That Can Benefit

Mindsets play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and overall experiences. You can cultivate specific mindsets by referring to role models and archetypes or by diving deep into values that you desire to exude. Below are a few examples to consider.

Positive Mindset: This mindset involves maintaining an optimistic outlook. Individuals with a positive mindset focus on solutions, gratitude, and possibilities. They see setbacks as temporary and view life with hope and enthusiasm.

Self-Acceptance Mindset: Embrace who you are, including your flaws and imperfections. Understand that self-improvement stems from a place of self-acceptance.

“Let go of who you think you are supposed to be and embrace who you are.” – Brené Brown.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Entrepreneurs exhibit this mindset. It involves creativity, risk-taking, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failures. An entrepreneurial mindset encourages innovation and the pursuit of new opportunities.

Abundance Mindset: Those with an abundance mindset believe that there is enough for everyone. They see opportunities everywhere, share knowledge, and collaborate. This mindset contrasts with scarcity thinking, which fears scarcity and hoards resources.

Challenge Mindset: Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth characterizes this mindset. Individuals with a challenging mindset tackle difficulties head-on, knowing that overcoming obstacles leads to personal development1.

Mindful Mindset: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment. A mindful mindset cultivates self-awareness, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.

How to Adopt a Desired Mindset

Changing one’s mindset is indeed possible, and it involves intentional effort and self-awareness.

Self-Reflection and Awareness

• Start by reflecting on your current mindset. Are there patterns of thinking that limit you or hold you back?
• Recognize any fixed beliefs and be open to exploring alternatives.

Challenge Your Beliefs

• Identify limiting beliefs you hold. These might include thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t change.”
• Ask yourself, are these beliefs serving me well? Are they based on evidence or assumptions?

Speak Like You Are a Winner

• Monitor your inner dialogue. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
• For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I haven’t mastered it yet, but I’m learning.”

Choose Your Team Carefully

• Associate with people who have a growth mindset. Their influence can be powerful.
• Seek out mentors or role models who exemplify the mindset you aspire to develop.

Set Goals and Act

• Define clear goals aligned with your desired mindset. Break them down into smaller steps.
• Take consistent action toward those goals. Celebrate progress along the way.

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

• Mindfulness helps you stay present and aware of your thoughts. It allows you to choose how you respond.
• Cultivate gratitude by focusing on what you appreciate in your life.

Learn from Failures and Challenges

• Instead of avoiding difficulties, embrace them. Learn from setbacks and adapt.
• Understand that setbacks are part of the growth process.

It takes Practice to Reset your Mindset.

Be intentional about choosing the invisible coach in your head. Then, be prepared to put in the time to practice. Like a new habit, it can take practice before it becomes your new modus operandi.

Mindsets exist on a continuum; some days, progress can feel like baby steps. Be patient and kind to yourself and stay open-minded. Remember, you get to choose your invisible coach and make sure they align with where you want to be.