What Does Mindset Have To Do With Growth?

And, no, I don't mean that in a physical sense, but more in line with self development.  So, when do you think we actually experience growth?  When we're relaxing at home watching television or getting a sun tan on the beach?  Or is it when ...

• We are struggling?
• We are challenged?
• We are forced to do something out of our "norm"?

Well, no, no, yes, yes and yes!  However, the most critical thing is what you do when you are faced with a challenge.  So, are you "programmed" to face those challenges and opportunities for growth and fulfillment or are you "programmed" to avoid them and miss the opportunity that just may be your break to something great and very special?

Foundation for Success & Self-Empowerment -- Proper Mindset

In a lecture I attended many moons ago, the concept of the triune brain was used to illustrate how we learn.  In a nutshell, the triune brain -- according to evolutionary theory -- is made up of three layers, of which the highest level is the neo-cortex (aka "the reasoning brain") and the lowest level is the reptilian layer.  And here comes the interesting part.  As the stress level increases, the human brain has a tendency to downshift from the neo-cortex, down to the limbic system (emotional component) and further down to the primitive brain, also known as the "reptilian brain" (survival component).  We definitely would be in trouble if we had to constantly contend with snappy alligators in our daily lives, huh?  ;-)

So the futher you go down the brain "layers", you lose that higher functioning component of the brain, that is, the reasoning component of the brain.  Once you start the downshift process, there goes your reasoning powers.  It will be difficult to live functionally if we constantly functioned in the lower "layers" of the brain.

But there are those that are cool under pressure and seem to always make the right decisions.  So what sets them apart from those that seem to not be at their best when they are challenged and struggling (aka "under stress")?

These "cool under pressure" individuals have a proactive mindset rather than a reactive mindset.  Simplistically stated, they hardly downshift to the lower brain "layers", in fact, they focus on staying at the neo-cortex level of the brain.  They have learned to control their thoughts and to not have their thoughts control them.  These are the individuals who have more control on a given situation than anybody around.  They create success.  They create opportunities.  They make sure their mind is obedient to them.

Proactive Mindset vs Reactive Mindset

When you are constantly functioning in the lower "layers" of the brain, you are in essence, functioning in a reactive mindset.  Let's say someone is making fun of you.  How would you respond?  Your mind will offer you ideas, thoughts and past memories of incidents similar to the situation at hand.  Instead of thinking what you should be thinking about, you will let emotions of anger, uncertainty, anxiety and/or limiting beliefs take charge, and you'll end up in a confrontational situation.  Once you are in that state, you will be in no position to find resolutions to any problem and to respond to challenges in a creative and productive manner.

So if you're always in that reactive mindset, you will have difficulty responding to challenges and issues ... bottom line, you will have significant problems living a functional life.  And for that very reason, you should always find yourself operating in the proactive mindset.

Hmmm ... how would a proactive person respond to that insult?  Well, for one thing, you would not let emotions or limiting beliefs take over.  And by not downshifting to lower "layers" of the brain, you will be able focus on what you should be thinking about.  Since people who insult others are looking for a reaction or response against the insulting remark they made, your focus should be on not giving any reinforcement to those types of individuals.  And thus, you will think of a way to avoid any confrontation with the instigator, such as cracking a smile and just walk away from the premises.

<<<<<<<<<< <> >>>>>>>>>>

When you operate in a proactive mindset, you are in control since you have the power to select the appropriate thoughts, ideas and solutions for a given situation.  Think of your mind as a tool, and moreover, you "own" it so why not decide to use it for your benefit?

Operating in the proper mindset will help you live a more functional, enjoyable life.