mindset - what is it and why it matters

Well hello hello and happy day!
 
I’m sure you’ve heard the word “Mindset” tossed around on more than one occasion….
 
If you aren’t really sure what it is…the dictionary meaning states:
 
“The established set of attitudes held by someone.”

Your mindset/attitude can also be called your beliefs or your stories.
 
You’re probably thinking, “OK great…but how does that translate into everyday life?”
 
 
Many of the beliefs and stories we tell ourselves are actually instilled in us at a very young age…they come from the teachers in our lives (parents, guardians, peers, educators, experiences and so forth).
 

At a very young age, children are like sponges…they take everything in and their teachers help form their perception of life. It’s kind of like loading software into a computer.
 

Some of the beliefs are so ingrained they work on a sub-conscious level and it’s not until people do the “inner” work…do they find them.
 
Other beliefs are easier to find…but it takes awareness of thoughts and feelings.
 

So what’s the big deal with mindset?
 
Because our thoughts often control our actions… mindset, attitude, beliefs, stories, perception…whatever you want to call it…can determine whether or not a person achieves their goals…or for that matter, it can affect their ability to set goals!
 

I’m not going to dive deep into this today but here’s an example of a negative or self-sabotaging mindset…belief…
 

 “I’ll never get out of debt.”
 

The more a person believes this…the more this statement will play out in the reality of their life.
 

Think of it this way…if someone constantly tells themself they will never get out of debt…it becomes their truth. When they believe this is their lot in life…quite often they give up trying to change their situation or don’t even bother to try because they believe there is no way out for them.
 

On the other hand…a positive mindset could be a motivator to help someone set and achieve goals.
 

For example:
 
If someone believes getting out of debt is possible….it changes their perspective…they can see the possibility ….and when they believe something is possible, then they are more likely to take actions to achieve the goals…

Maybe they’ll ask for help… educate themselves…take a course…work with a coach… whatever they do, it will be an action towards achieving a goal that they believe is possible.
 
 
The beauty of it is even if someone has a negative belief or story…these are not permanent!
 

Stories can be re-written…but the work to create change depends on the story and how deep it goes…if it’s something that’s running on a sub-conscious level…it’s going to take more work.
 

Basically your thoughts create your reality.
 
 
Try this:
Even if it feels true to you and not self-sabotaging, take a moment to reflect how your thoughts are affecting your actions…are they motivating you to move forward or holding you back?
 
Think about your money stories…what do you tell yourself about money and debt, good and bad? If you can’t think of anything, make a conscious effort to notice your thoughts and feelings that come up around money.
 
 
If you have negative or self-sabotaging stories…how can you change them around? What words can you use.
 
For example:
 
Old story: I’ll never get out of debt.
New story: I’m smart enough to figure out a way to get out of debt.
 
Old story: I have to work hard to make money.
New story: Money comes easy to me.
 
Being appreciative of what you have can also help you to release negative thoughts and behaviours.
 

For example…instead of beating yourself up about the debt you have…focus on the good things that came from that debt…it doesn’t mean you want to hold that debt forever…but it just may help you release some of the mental stress associated with the debt.
 
And as Oprah put it, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
 
On that note, I am outta here.
 
Have yourself a totally fantabulous day and let your awesomeness shine!
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