“Happiness depends on your mindset and attitude.”

-Roy T. Bennett

Was there ever a challenge you’ve faced that you thought you couldn’t overcome? I’m pretty sure that most if not all of us had this moment at least once. During that moment, what were the thoughts running in your head? Did you hear that pesky little voice telling you that this challenge is just way beyond you? It’s that familiar voice that always makes itself known during tough situations. Situations that can drastically affect either your personal or professional life. That’s the voice of the fixed mindset part of you. We all have this type of mindset. It is a part of us and removing it completely is almost impossible. However, with the right attitude, it can be tamed.

What exactly is a fixed mindset? According to Carol Dweck, a lead researcher on the topic, “In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.”

What are examples of having a fixed mindset? One good example is the line of thinking that you’re either good at something or not. No middle ground. No buts and ifs about it. It’s like seeing the world in black and white. We all know this is not the case. We know that with hard work, you can be good at something even if you’re initially not. So how do we overcome our fixed mindset?

Make The Choice

You have to make the choice not to succumb or listen to the fixed mindset part of you. It will always be there especially in challenging situations. You have to make a conscious effort of not succumbing to its calls and just giving up. Acknowledge that it’s there and move forward. Challenges are meant to be overcome.

Talk To Yourself In A Positive Way

The way we talk to ourselves can affect what we can actually accomplish. When faced with a challenge, if you tell yourself that you can overcome it, chances are that you will. Even if you don’t you’ll feel a lot better knowing you did everything that you could. Knowing that you did everything within your power helps you move on to the next challenge even if you weren’t successful in the previous one.

Be Open

Things are always changing and you have to be accepting of new ways of doing things. This is especially true if you are an entrepreneur. The business world is constantly evolving and changing and if you refuse to accept the new ways of doing business, your competition will leave you in the dust.