What Do You Believe About Mindset?
Mindset plays a pivotal role in how we approach challenges, make decisions, and ultimately shape our success. As Dr. Alia Crum from Stanford's Mind and Body Lab defines it, mindset is "a mental frame or lens that selectively organises or codes information." It’s our attitudes, our beliefs, and our way of thinking, all of which can profoundly impact our behaviour and performance.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
Dr. Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research brought attention to the idea of growth and fixed mindsets. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. On the other hand, a fixed mindset assumes that abilities are static and unchangeable, often leading to a sense of helplessness.
Advances in neuroscience support the idea that the brain can continue to develop and rewire itself throughout life—thanks to neuroplasticity. With a growth mindset, we understand that we can improve and adapt, while a fixed mindset can limit our potential.
The Power of an Open Mindset
An open mindset, one that is receptive to new ideas and willing to learn, is crucial for leadership. Leaders with an open mindset actively seek improvements, are curious about others, and are open to feedback. This mindset allows for growth, strong relationships, and effective leadership.
Research by Dr. Alia Crum also highlights the impact of mindset on how we perceive stress. Individuals with a "stress is enhancing" mindset view stress as a motivating force that can improve their performance, whereas those with a "stress is debilitating" mindset see stress as something that hinders their abilities.
Stress and Pressure: Enhancing or Debilitating?
Dr. Crum’s research on Navy SEAL candidates revealed a clear link between a positive stress mindset and successful performance. Those who viewed stress as a source of motivation were more likely to complete the rigorous selection process. This reinforces the idea that stress, when managed properly, can be an energising force.
The Yerkes-Dodson curve, introduced in 1908, explains that performance improves with increased stress (or pressure) up to a certain point. Beyond that point, excessive stress leads to diminished performance. In the right amounts, pressure can enhance learning and performance, which is why the aviation industry and other high-performance sectors emphasise the importance of managing stress levels effectively.
Mindset and Performance Under Pressure
Understanding the effects of stress is key to optimising performance. When individuals perceive stress as a negative force, it can undermine their ability to function under pressure. However, when people view stress as a challenge to overcome, they tend to perform better.
At Deepsky, we focus on performance under pressure—not stress. Pressure, when managed properly, can drive motivation and enhance performance. Problems arise when the pressure becomes unrelenting, leading to stress and burnout. By fostering a mindset that views pressure as a tool for growth, leaders and teams can thrive even in high-pressure environments.
The Role of Beliefs in Shaping Mindset
Our beliefs shape our mindset, often without us even realising it. These beliefs are formed through our experiences and what we observe from influential figures, especially during our formative years. Sometimes, we are unaware of the mindsets we’re operating from. Being mindful of these beliefs—and their impact on our behaviour—can help us identify limiting mindsets that may be hindering our growth.
It’s possible to have different mindsets for different situations, and recognising this gives us the power to choose the mindset that will help us succeed. For example, you might maintain an open mindset with your own team but be more closed off when interacting with people from other departments. Recognising this behaviour allows you to adjust and apply a mindset that fosters collaboration and growth.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Cultivating Growth
Education and awareness can change our approach to challenges. Just as we can shift our mindset about stress, we can transform our beliefs about what’s possible. The key is to embrace a growth mindset and recognise that our beliefs, whether about stress, challenges, or our abilities, can be reshaped.
Key Takeaways:
- Mindset shapes performance: A growth mindset empowers us to take on challenges, while a fixed mindset holds us back.
- Stress can be enhancing: Changing your perspective on stress can improve performance and resilience under pressure.
- Beliefs are powerful: Recognising and adjusting limiting beliefs can help you unlock your full potential and foster growth.
Actionable Thought:
Next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: How am I perceiving this situation? Shift your mindset towards growth and see how it transforms your response to stress, pressure, and performance.