Mindset is a funny old thing. You can’t touch it or see it, but it is undoubtedly the most important thing to master when it comes to reaching your goals and getting what you want. I honestly believe that success doesn’t come down to natural talent, your education, background, or whether your parents can bail you out if things go south… mindset is key.
When I say mindset, of course I mean one that is positive, a growth mindset, a mindset primed for success.
Stanford psychologist, Carol Dweck, who is an expert in this and writes about a ‘growth’ mindset, shows us through her research that growth-minded students employ better learning strategies, experience less helplessness, exhibit more positive effort, are less likely to place limits on their lives and more likely to reach for their potential.
See the power of the mindset!
However, there is a big BUT…
Your mindset is malleable and can unfortunately be easily knocked or shaped by negative experiences, even from other people or things you take in subconsciously. This is why it is so crucial you work on your mindset. It is like a muscle; you have to cultivate it daily and work at it to make it strong.
Protect your mindset so you can minimise the negative things that invade it and cause “mindset rot”.
When it comes to developing a strong ‘success mindset’ there are so many things you can do, from positive affirmations to working with a coach. However, you need to be aware of these three seemingly harmless “mindset stealers”. Sure, they look harmless but if you don’t watch out for them, they will slowly chip away at your mindset and do long term damage.
No. 1: Your Language
No. 2: Mood Hoovers
No. 3: All or Nothing Attitude
No. 1: Your Language
No. 2: Mood Hoovers
No. 3: All or Nothing Attitude
The problem with your mindset is that it is with you every day. This means it is tuned into what you say (out loud and to yourself) ALL the time. There is no ‘off’ button. It will pick up what you say whether it is positive and supportive, or negative and detrimental. You have to mind your language.
What are you saying to yourself?
Do you casually berate yourself, or actively talk yourself out of action? Do these kinds of phrases ever make its way into your vocabulary?
Minding your language also includes self-deprecating humour. I think Brits love a bit of that, but it can quickly turn from a joke to negatively impacting your mindset. I have an amazing friend who came to one of my workshops on how to squash limiting self-beliefs and had a realisation that she needed to stop joking “the fat b**th is going for another biscuit” because this kind of language isn’t constructive despite it being ‘a joke’.
Your language creates your thoughts, and your thoughts inspire your belief and action.
Mood hoovers, energy vampires, drains… whatever you want to call them, these are the people in your life that despite you loving dearly, suck at your positive energy. You know who I mean!
The family member who’s well-meant “oh, you sure that is going to work dear?” just puts self-doubt into your career plans, or the friend who’s life is like an episode of East Enders and she likes to whinge about it constantly.
Now, I am not saying you should give them a call, tell them that they are a mood hoover and you no longer have room for them in your life. But if you are serious about improving your mindset, then do be aware of them and protect your mind! It will depend who they are and the dynamic of the relationship but there are some things you can do to improve the situation of the mood hoovers in your life from sapping all that success mindset goodness.
Maybe, like you, I am an “all or nothing” person. Seems harmless right, and what does it have to do with mindset? Well, a lot!
The trouble with an “all or nothing” attitude is that it is too black and white. It is too win/lose. When it comes to success, you need a growth mindset – remember what I said at the start about Carol Dweck’s research.
Growth and success are about progress, practice, learning from mistakes. It isn’t about trying it once and completing is first time. Can you see now how an “all or nothing” attitude can impair a positive mindset. There is no room for learning, progress, baby steps forward or improvement.
If you are like me with a “I have had one biscuit, the diet is ruined so I might as well have the whole packet” type, be aware that this kind of behaviour impacts on your mindset. You’ve told yourself you have failed and to give up, because you see everything as a win/lose situation.
As Carol Dweck points out in her book Mindset, your mindsets can and does change. Like any other habit, practice gets you the mindset you want. You have to set your mind to it until the right mindset becomes routine. My blog 4 Insanely easy ways to create good habits explains the simple truth that habits are what gets you success and teaches four insanely easy ways to start creating good habits.
Keep a watch out for these three, seemingly harmless but detrimental, mindset stealers! Remember your life is only as good as your mindset, and you deserve an amazing life.
If you enjoyed this blog post, share it with a friend!
“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
– Carol S. Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology Of Success
Do You Want to Nurture Your Mindset & Avoid ‘Mindset Rot’?
When it comes to developing a strong ‘success mindset’ there are many things you can do, however, you need to be aware of seemingly harmless “mindset stealers”. I can enable you to be aware about those mindset traps, which can be harmful in the long run.
As a life coach, I want to support you with tips and techniques to create a ‘success mindset’ which will take YOUR mind in consideration, keep you from harms way in the long run, and create your life by design!
Other topics I specialise in include:
If you’re looking for a coach that is down-to-earth, supportive, and knows when to challenge and push you to help you be your best, then let’s chat.
Click the link below or feel free to drop an email to alice@alicedartnell.com
What My Clients Are Saying
“I initially signed up with Alice to help me with my time management and productivity in my business and everyday life. Alice is a fantastic coach. She is supportive, kind. I love her honest, no bullshit approach. Since working with Alice I have discovered so many new ways of doing things. She has helped me uncover the root of some of my habitual tendencies and transform them. The amount of care and support she offers is priceless. I highly recommend working with her.”
Oonagh English DipNT mNTOI – Life Coach and Nutritional Therapist
“The time management course has been a total eye opener for me – I have learned so much, implementing ideas and strategies I just never thought I had time to do! Just goes to show – if you have support by the right people in your life you can achieve anything! ”
Jacqui C – Oxfordshire, England
Did you know that your gut is your second brain? So what you eat can hugely affect your productivity, energy, and wellbeing. And I am sure you would love more of all of that!
Find out more by joining our FREE webinar in May 2022!
Join nutritionist & gut health specialist Amani Kaite and me for a FREE WEBINAR in May 2022 to learn how to improve your gut health to boost your energy and productivity!
You will learn to understand more about your gut and how to use it to increase your energy and be more productive. In this webinar you will get simple, practical, and actionable tips to achieve more while feeling good and healthy. You will also have the time to speak to the specialists (that’s us) to have all your questions answered. So don’t wait, join us on this amazing free webinar HERE!
Unfortunately, you have missed the highly successful and transformational January 2022 “Own Your Day” time management course. But you can get your free copy of the mini-training – “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Boosting Productivity and Finding Balance” HERE.
The Health, Habits & Happiness 12-Week Coaching Programme being held in February 2022 in collaboration with “gut-health queen” and nutritional therapist, Amani Kaite!
Are you ready to be your healthiest, most productive self? “Health, Habits & Happiness” is a transformational 12-week programme that will empower you to eat your way to productivity, feel more energised, and being fit & healthy in your busy life.
We created this program for overworked and overwhelmed people who want to work SMARTER not harder. The frameworks, resources and tools we teach you will help you find balance, clarity and renewed focus to accomplish your goals.
We created Health, Habits and Happiness just for you, and we know that this investment in your mental and physical wellbeing will reap benefits that will transform your life, just like it has for hundreds of other people just like you.
See what others have said!
“I saw several doctors but none could help me, so I read a lot of books and listened to podcasts, but the information was too much to deal and none of my symptoms went away. Amani helped me learn to listen to my body, explained the role nutrition plays in my health and gave me tools to take ownership of my nutrition. Now, my symptoms are almost gone, and if they appear, I know how to deal with them”. – T (Graphic Designer)
“I joined Alice’s course to challenge my mindset, improve my productivity and build healthier habits. I couldn’t believe what a positive experience this was – the content was delivered with such passion and enthusiasm, I felt invigorated and compelled to take action! I have loved every minute of it and felt supported every step of the way”. – Sarah (Business Founder)
Success Box is your revolutionary monthly membership book club combining the learning and community you expect from a book club with the empowerment and growth you gain in a group coaching environment. All through the effortlessness of a monthly subscription box. You can find out more about Success Box by clicking HERE.
Take inspired action from reading personal development books (not just reading them for the sake of it)
Accountability with others to prevent procrastination
Be introduced to new personal development books that you may not have chosen
Be confident in their worth as all books are vetted
Empowering and support with a like-minded, driven, inspiring community
Are you ready for a life-changing monthly meeting, support and community that will inspire you, challenge you and grow you, all through reading and sharing ideas?
Have you ever wondered what does it take to successfully work from home? My latest book is a hands-on guide for everyone working at home. It will show you in easy to read tips how to work from home, whilst staying productive, healthy and sane.
In informative, easy to read chapters, you will learn how to set up your own dedicated workspace, select the right office equipment and tips for video calling and conferencing. You will also learn the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries inside the home, managing distractions, avoiding procrastination and learn how to establish a routine that suits your lifestyle.
With many people working from home for the first time, this book is a practical guide to show you how to work from home, whilst staying productive, healthy and sane.
On sale for just £2.42 / $2.99! To purchase your copy click the Amazon button below!
Click below for more information!
This article is written by Alice Dartnell, life and success coach of Alice Dartnell Limited. Alice empowers busy professionals to be successful, transform their lives and achieve more by improving their confidence, mindset and time management.
For more information please see www.alicedartnell.com
Copyright © 2022 Alice Dartnell Limited
Disclaimer
This blog is published by Alice Dartnell Limited solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The author and publisher are not offering it as legal, accounting, health care or other professional services advice. While best efforts have been used in preparing this blog, the author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entity with respect to any loss or incidental or consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained herein. Every person and company are different, and the advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. Alice Dartnell or Alice Dartnell Limited is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in this blog. You should seek the services of a competent professional as appropriate. You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results. Always consult your own General Practitioner if you’re in any way concerned about your health.
