by Lalia Helmer
“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” –William James
“ Attitude” falls somewhere in between emotions and thoughts, beliefs, and personality traits. I prefer the term “Mindset,” a stronger synonym to attitude, which suggests an orientation of more intention and focus.
The definition of mindset, from Wikipedia: “ a mindset is a set of assumptions, assumptions, methods, or notions held by one or more people or groups of people that is so established that it creates a powerful incentive within these people or groups to continue to adopt or accept prior behaviors, choices, or tools.”
It is virtually impossible to start and grow a business, or your career or life, without a positive mindset. Without cultivating a positive mindset you cannot create those powerful incentives that move you towards success.
William James thought that the mind was capable of being reset and current research in cognitive science and psychology are proving this to be true. One can change, create, and develop a mindset in a positive direction that can have huge benefits to one’s health, life, work, and wellbeing.
Our culture loves to teach children that a positive mindset is an important contributor to reaching success. Think of the wonderful stories of that little train chugging up the hills “The Little Engine That Could” chanting “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,” or the pig in the Oscar winning movie “Babe” who believed that he was a sheep dog that could win the sheep dog contest, in spite of all odds and snickering.
Yet, kids these days grow up to be adults surrounded by plenty of cynicism and scorn about “foolish “optimism and “pie in the sky” thinking.
A positive mindset is not purely silver lining optimism or thinking happy thoughts. It encompasses a broader scope of thinking that involves toughness, grit, and determination. A positive mindset also includes being appreciative, understanding, mindful, and compassionate. The wonderful thing is that if you build up any of these positive states of mind you end up strengthening the others too. There is a multiplier effect that occurs when you consciously affect your mind to be positive in one way that helps develop the others.
There is real evidence that comes from research psychology that by daily practice of mental exercises like gratitude or mindfulness, amongst others, brain chemistry can be shifted and permanent changes can be made to one’s mindset. There are terrific books by researchers, based of proven mental techniques and strategies that will help you cultivate a positive mindset. I hope to list some of my favorites in subsequent posts.
Another way to cultivate a positive mindset is to work with a coach who can help you identify the states of mind that are hindering you from moving forward and help you shift them to more empowering ones.
William James did not yet have the science to prove all of this- but he was correct, you can change much of your life for the better with a positive mindset.