mindset - Do we have a choice as to how we react to life’s challenges?
If we believe that we can choose how we react to something negative happening to us, does that change anything?
Interesting or just psychological mumbo jumbo?
Example - One person is made redundant from their job and is devastated and thinks it is the worst thing that has ever happened to them.
Another person thinks it will be just the push they needed to make a long overdue change in their life and sees it as an opportunity, with a cash pay-out!
Same situation - two different ways of looking at the event - So, what is the difference?
Example - A restructure has just been announced at work - One person thinks, Oh No, I just know I will lose my job in this restructure.
Another person thinks it needed to change and I am sure there will be some new opportunities that will come from this restructure, which might help me.
Some say, the only difference is the mindset we choose, and it is all within our own control, others, of course, would disagree!
Is it so easy to always look at the bright side of life, and what is the benefit of this mindset?
Modern psychologists talk about a Fixed or Growth Mindset.
A Fixed mindset, being one that is fixed from past experiences and not wanting to learn new things or change and tending to view life with a closed, limited viewpoint.
A Growth Mindset is one that is open to learn and listen to other opinions. They appreciate that there are many ways of looking at life and problems and will generally take a more positive outlook on life
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy considers the “ABC” method and theory, describing “A” as the Activating event, the “B” representing the set and fixed beliefs that have evolved in our life from experience, which then defines the “C”, Consequential Emotion and Feeling.
The theory being that we need to challenge and question the “B” (Belief) part in this scenario, to understand how someone has learned to view any situation in life, in order to progress in therapy.
We are experiencing a major Mental Health Crisis Globally - Can it really be so simple as to just choose how we think in a challenging life situation?
If it is true - could that just change everything?
We know of course that it is not simple however, if we believe that it is possible and that life could be so much more enjoyable, surely it is at least worthy of consideration?
I remember from an early age being taught to look at the positives in life, the glass half full, rather than half empty. Think Positive!
Religious beliefs encourage us to be good and kind to others and to be grateful for what we have, rather than focus on what we do not have. Be Grateful!
New Managers are sent on courses teaching them how to always show a positive attitude and be encouraging and open-minded! Be Resilient!
So - what is new in the information we are reading now about Mindset, fixed and growth and the connection to our Mental Health Crisis?
Some say, it is all the same and nothing new, just a great new Marketing and re-packaging strategy!
However, what I think has changed, is the science behind the theory
Human Behavioural Psychology and Neuroscience has evolved. Scientists are now talking about Neuroplasticity and how the brain cells can change in later years, which means we can change our fixed mindsets and habits if we want to put the work in!
Scientists are also now capable of proving the connection between the mind and the body, through a multitude of scientifically controlled studies. What we think about can cause a chemical reaction in the brain, which then influences our feelings, our body and our reactions!
If this is true, why are we not teaching this at school, in work, everywhere?
In summary, the science is catching up on how strongly the mind influences our overall Health & Wellbeing.
If you believed that challenging and changing your mindset can produce a chemical reaction in your brain, which leads to you having a healthier and happier life, would you try to change or stay in your fixed mindset?