Your mindset sets the tone for your life. You’ve heard it before—your thoughts control how you interpret the world around you. Mindset is how you view what you believe you can achieve and how you take on challenges. You’ve read the self-help books and watched the Netflix documentaries to try and shift to a more positive outlook. But as you’ve probably experienced, it’s not as simple as it sounds, and that’s because there is some science behind it.
Types of Mindsets
Psychologists have identified different mindsets that can either push you forward or hold you back. A fixed mindset makes you believe your abilities are set in stone and can’t change, while a growth mindset helps you believe you can achieve anything through hard work and training. But mindset isn’t just about thinking differently; it’s also about what happens in your brain. The mesolimbic dopamine pathway (your brain’s reward system) plays a huge role in motivation. Your brain actually releases more dopamine (the feel-good chemical) when expecting a reward rather than receiving it. That means the excitement of working toward a goal is what keeps you going.
That’s why people with a growth mindset thrive on new challenges. Every new challenge gives them dopamine. On the other hand, those with a fixed mindset don’t experience as much of a dopamine hit, making it harder to find motivation. This can lead to feeling stuck, unmotivated, and even struggling with depression. A negative loop of self-doubt can make it difficult to move forward and find motivation.
How to Shift Your Mindset
The good news? Your brain has neuroplasticity, meaning it can adapt and change. A fixed mindset isn’t permanent, and with small shifts and habits, you can reshape your mental patterns for a more positive outlook. Here’s how:
- Say “yes” more often: Take on small, new challenges with no pressure. Try a new food, a new sport, or something just for fun. The goal is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone without overthinking it.
- Watch your words: The way you talk to yourself matters. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try, “I’m learning how to do this.” The way you phrase things shifts your perspective and helps build confidence.
- Accept feedback: It’s easy to let feedback bruise your ego, but try seeing it as free advice from someone who believes you’re capable. Growth comes from adjusting, as you probably won’t get it right the first time.
- Don’t get caught up with the end result: When you enjoy the learning process, you’ll keep improving, and you might even keep going after you’ve mastered a skill.
A fixed mindset may lead to depression, but your mindset isn’t permanent. Try these tips to help rewire your brain for motivation and a more positive outlook on life.
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