- The AAA Letter
- Posts
- The Best Mindset in Life
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
The Breakdown
DEEP DIVE
Hey fam!
I’ve found that there are two types of people you come across in life:
Those who see the world racing by, feeling left behind and trapped in their mistakes.
Those who learn from setbacks to make small (yet powerful) improvements to their approach.
Which person would you rather be?
It’s natural for us to feel upset and disappointed when we fail. It’s also easy to compare and think, "Why is that person succeeding whilst I'm stuck here?". We all have those doubts but learning to adapt is how we can create a growth mindset.
Embracing a Positive Perspective
Simply put, a growth mindset means seeing challenges as opportunities to improve. Think of trying a new instrument: it sounds badly out of tune the first time you play it. However, with time and effort, the melody starts coming through and you play more fluently than when you first started.
It's important to note that adopting a growth mindset will not guarantee success, it has to be coupled with patience and consistency. Every top achiever has faced obstacles. Take Milton Hershey, the brains behind the famous Hershey chocolate brand. He closed his businesses twice before tasting sweet success.
It’s beauty in the struggle.
Using a growth mindset to tackle your challenges gives you a spark to keep going against the odds. Don't compare your journey to others who've been at it longer. They have been tested several times behind the scenes and we only see the result of their hard work.
One thing that has worked for me is challenging myself to find the silver lining in every bad situation. This is easier said than done. However, it will start tuning your mind to find positives and roll with the punches. For example, if you lose a match, take notes, practice on your weaknesses, and come back stronger next time.
Warning: Do not live in ignorance of the negatives of your current situation, doing so may create more long-term stress.
The next step is to flip the script. Write down a list of common negative self-talk statements you say to yourself. Next to each statement, write down a positively re-framed statement to replace the negative one.
Negative: "My maths skills are so bad and will never improve"
Positive: "With practice, some help, and a positive attitude, I can improve my maths skills"
Catching yourself when your mind is about to say these negative statements and uttering the positively framed ones instead is another small step in practicing that growth mindset.
The final strategy I'd recommend is to choose your circle wisely. Surround yourself with positive influences. Supportive friends and family members can make a big difference in your journey. If some friendships and relationships drain you, it might be time for a tough conversation.
Every challenge presents an opportunity to grow.
TIPS & TRICKS
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Identify and Reframe Negative Self-Talk
Write down common negative thoughts you have about yourself.
Next to each, script a positive counter-statement.
Practice catching and replacing negative self-talk with these affirmations.
Embrace Failures as Learning Opportunities
After a failure, note what went wrong and what you learned.
Set a small, related goal to improve and track your progress.
Cultivate a Supportive Environment:
Evaluate your relationships and spend time with those who encourage your growth.
Consider distancing yourself from negative influences.
Seek out mentors or groups that align with your aspirations.
THIS WEEK’S RECOMMENDATION
This is one of the best informational videos about a growth mindset. When you watch this video, notice the difference in how a ‘fixed’ person responds to a challenge compared to a ‘growth’ person.