So often we are told, even as kids, that if we aren’t naturally talented, we shouldn’t bother trying to get better. “You either have it or you don’t” are the deadly words that describe a fixed mindset.

The fixed mindset pigeonholes a person by what he or she is good at, and only by that. It avoids challenges, gives up easily, sees effort as worthless, ignores constructive criticism, and breeds the insecurity that leads to feeling threatened by others’ success. The fixed mindset is pressured by expectations that performance must match talent. The worst part about it may be that so often, we do it to ourselves. That’s why I’m so drawn to the opposite way of thinking & having a growth mindset.

The growth mindset is based on a desire to learn. It embraces challenges, persists despite obstacles, and welcomes the chance to learn from criticism. A person with this mindset views others’ success as a window into lessons and inspiration for even greater personal success, fueled by the power of free will (not expectation).

Most people are held back not by their innate ability, but by their mindset. They think intelligence is fixed, but it isn’t. Your brain is like a muscle. The more you use it and struggle, the more it grows. New research shows we can take control of our ability to learn. We can all become better learners. We just need to build our brains in the right way.

Let’s talk about three concrete ways to build this mindset and why these will benefit you.

1. Positive self-talk.
A mindset is like software: it runs on a script. So, if you want to change your performance, you must change the script running inside your head. There must be new words to replace, “You either have it or you don’t.”

The new script for a growth mindset says, “You have the ability to make yourself into anything you want. Your inborn talent is important, but how much you work is even more important.” This new script does not impose a cap on your performance. Instead, you’re issuing yourself a challenge to do the work only you can do.

2. Positive habits.
A recent New Yorker article, “Better All the Time,” pointed out that the growth mindset and the performance industry has created “the mainstreaming of excellent habits.” If greater success and performance is possible with hard work, then the more consistent and targeted the work, the more growth can be expected.

3. Positive feedback.
We live with big data all around us, delivered via technology that measures how you are doing compared to yesterday, last week, last year, your competition, but most of all yourself. There is no substitute for hard numbers to rank performance, and it widens the gulf between a growth mindset and the abstract “you either have it or you don’t” thinking.

Let Planet Beach help you get your mind right!

At Planet Beach we believe that relaxation is key to a healthy mindset. Just as you would feel relaxed spending the day at the beach, we strive to recreate that same feeling in our spas! To relax means to calm the mind, the body, or both. Relaxing can make you feel peaceful and calm. Being relaxed can help ease stress. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. So, come relax with us, erase that toxic mindset, and change it to a growth mindset today! CLICK HERE to find a Planet Beach near you, claim your free spa service, and get your relaxation on now!

Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfletcher1/
https://www.khanacademy.org/
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/11/10/better-time

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Written By: Paige Stuart, Planet Beach Brand Manager & Franchisee