Which type of mindset do you have?

2024-07-05 ~ adminlife

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, in her insightful book *Mindset: The New Psychology of Success*, explains that there are two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. These mindsets shape how we view our abilities and personality.

A fixed mindset is the belief that our character, creative abilities, and intelligence are static traits that cannot change. People with this mindset think their basic abilities are inherent and will not improve beyond a certain point.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

Individuals with a fixed mindset strive to appear intelligent because they do not believe their intelligence can grow. They fear looking unintelligent, thinking that once labelled as such, they will always be seen that way. Common fixed mindset thoughts include:

Either I’m good at something, or I’m not.
I can’t learn now; it’s too late.
There’s no point in trying if I’m going to fail.
I always struggle with…
I’m a procrastinator.
I’m not creative.
It’s hard for me to lose weight.

In contrast, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can develop with time and experience. People with a growth mindset think they can become smarter, and that their efforts directly impact their success. They understand that persistence is key to learning.

Those with a growth mindset see their basic abilities as just the starting point for their potential. This mindset fosters a love of learning rather than a constant need for validation. Common growth mindset thoughts include:

I can always become better at something through practice.
I can learn whatever I want or need to, exactly when I need to learn it.
I see failures as opportunities to learn, reassess, and improve.
I can always do better if I put in the effort.
Determination and effort determine my outcomes.
I enjoy learning and growing and see it as a lifelong pursuit.

A key difference between these mindsets is how they handle challenges. A person with a fixed mindset will often avoid challenges out of fear of failure and may shirk responsibilities. Conversely, someone with a growth mindset embraces challenges, finding them engaging and valuable for learning. They overcome obstacles and move on to greater achievements.

Another important difference is in handling mistakes and feedback. A person with a fixed mindset is embarrassed by mistakes, often blaming others or becoming defensive when criticized. In contrast, someone with a growth mindset views mistakes as learning opportunities. They are open to criticism, seeing it as a way to improve and do better next time.

If you recognize a fixed mindset in yourself and want to change, you can. It requires practice, determination, awareness of your thoughts, and anticipating your reactions to situations. With effort, you can develop a more open, growth mindset that leads to success in all areas of life.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 45-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Now is your best chance to find my entire ebook collection for a promotional price at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Find my books at

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Michael_W

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Positive-Thinking Methods that Help Reduce Your Stress

2024-07-03 ~ adminlife

Have you ever noticed that some people seem to roll with the punches and stay optimistic despite their circumstances, while others struggle and feel overwhelmed? What makes some people handle life’s challenges and the resulting stress better than others?

One of the biggest differences is how they think about and perceive situations. Learning to put a positive spin on things and applying some positive-thinking methods can be incredibly beneficial.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

Here are 4 positive-thinking methods that can help reduce your stress in everyday and work life:

Try to Find the Positive in Every Situation

If your best friend or neighbour is moving, you might feel sorry for yourself. Instead, try to view it positively. For example, this could be a great opportunity to meet a new neighbour who could become a close friend. Or perhaps the new neighbour will have children the same age as yours.

Find Something Positive About Every Person

No one is perfect, including you. Develop a tolerance for others by looking for the good in people instead of focusing on their faults. This practice can lessen your frustration with others and reduce the stress that follows.

Avoid Negative Self-Talk

Our minds are filled with thoughts all day. Pay attention to your thoughts to see if they are mostly negative or positive.

Examples of negative self-talk: “You can’t do that,” “That’s too hard,” “You’re not smart enough.”
Examples of positive self-talk: “I can try that,” “I can figure it out,” “I’m smart, so I know I can do this.”

Learn to recognize and stop negative self-talk, replacing it with positive thoughts. This shift can lead to a more positive attitude, making it easier to handle challenges and reducing stress.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Have you ever felt emotionally drained after spending time with a negative person? Or perhaps you are the negative person affecting those around you. In either case, it’s helpful to spend time with positive, optimistic people and follow their example. These individuals have problems too; they just choose to make the best of their situations. Remember the saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

In conclusion, implementing positive-thinking methods can significantly reduce the stress in your life.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Now is your best chance to find my entire ebook collection for a promotional price at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Find my books at

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Michael_W

Photo by Jesse Bowser on Unsplash

Building a Successful Life

2024-07-01 ~ adminlife

Do you have friends or family members who have achieved immense success in their lives and you find yourself wishing you could have that the same? Are you filled with envy toward the people who have everything they want?

Most of us experience these feelings from time to time, but instead of allowing jealousy to make you miserable and negative, you can create your own success. After all, you are the only person who can control how you define “success.” So instead of spending your time feeling jealous, you can spend your time filling your life with success.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

Creating Success for Yourself

Many people spend their lives wondering when success is going to magically appear on their lap but, of course, it never happens this way. If, instead, we spend less time dreaming and more time building, we’d be much happier and success will be well within our grasp.

Rather than waiting passively for success to whisk you away, it’s time to create your own version of success. When you are proactively taking steps every day, you have a better chance of realizing your goals. After all, it’s far more productive than watching other people achieve success.

A great way to create the successful life you have always hoped for is to set clear, actionable goals. How do you want your life to be defined? What do you want to be doing a year from now, five years from now, or even ten years from now? What sort of goals can you set for yourself that will help motivate you and keep you going in the right direction so you can reach out and grab what you want?

You will want to make sure the goals you set are attainable. The best way to do this is to start with short-term goals that help you work towards your long-term goals. This will help you move forward and build momentum without becoming discouraged. Besides, it’ll help to keep your eye on the prize. If you set goals that are too ambitious, you will be more inclined to give up before you even get started.

Building a “Success” Attitude

Your attitude and thoughts determine your success, so make sure they are congruent. If you have some negative or self-defeating inner dialogues, it will be much more difficult for you to achieve your goals and build the life of success you have always wanted. That’s why it’s a good idea to use the power of positive affirmations to propel you forward.

Affirmations can help people from all walks of life reach great success, even if they started out in the lowest of low places. So remember that success isn’t limited to the rich and famous.

Having a list of affirmations on hand can help you overcome those moments of self-doubt, envy, or even anger that you may feel toward others. Affirmations are simple thoughts like, “Each simple, completed task propels me towards success,” or, “I am worthy of great success.” These affirmations help to remind you of what your goals are and, in turn, remind you that you are worthy of all you desire, and more.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Now is your best chance to find my entire ebook collection for a promotional price at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Find my books at

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Michael_W

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

The Champion and the Explorer: Competitive vs. Creative Mindsets

2024-06-28 ~ adminlife

Have you ever noticed how some people thrive in fast-paced environments, constantly striving to be the best, while others flourish in open-ended situations, exploring new ideas and possibilities? These contrasting approaches reflect two fundamental mindsets: competitive and creative. While they may seem like opposites, both play a crucial role in our lives and can be harnessed for success, depending on the situation.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

The Competitive Mindset: Championing Your Drive

Imagine a runner sprinting towards the finish line, lungs burning, pushing their body to the limit. This embodies the competitive mindset. It’s about setting goals, focusing on winning, and constantly seeking to outperform others. People with this approach are driven by a desire for excellence and recognition. They excel in structured environments with clear objectives.

Strengths of the Competitive Mindset:

Motivation: Competition ignites a fire within, pushing individuals to train harder, study longer, and constantly improve.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Competitive individuals are adept at setting achievable goals and developing strategies to reach them.
Resilience: Facing setbacks is inevitable in any competition. Competitive thinkers are determined and bounce back from failures, using them as stepping stones for future success.
Focus and Discipline: Maintaining focus and discipline is essential for surpassing the competition. Competitive minds excel at staying on track and resisting distractions.

The Competitive Mindset: When It Can Hinder You

While the competitive spirit can be a powerful motivator, it can also have downsides. Here are some situations where it might not be the best approach:

Stifling Creativity: The intense focus on winning can limit exploration and experimentation. The fear of failure might prevent individuals from trying new, potentially risky ideas.
Toxic Comparisons: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hinder personal growth.
Win-Lose Mentality: This mindset can damage relationships and create a hostile environment where collaboration is difficult.

The Creative Mindset: Embracing the Explorer

Now imagine an artist staring at a blank canvas, a writer lost in a world of imagination, or an inventor tinkering with a new idea. This exemplifies the creative mindset. It’s about exploration, innovation, and the joy of creating something new. Creative thinkers are drawn to open-ended problems and enjoy the process of generating unique solutions.

Strengths of the Creative Mindset:

Problem-Solving: Creative individuals are adept at approaching problems from different angles, fostering innovative solutions.
Open-mindedness: They embrace new ideas and perspectives, leading to a richer understanding of the world.
Curiosity and Experimentation: Creativity thrives on a natural curiosity and a willingness to experiment with new approaches and ideas.
Adaptability: The ever-changing nature of creative pursuits allows individuals to readily adapt to new situations and challenges.

The Creative Mindset: When It Can Hinder You

The freedom and exploration of the creative mind can sometimes lead to challenges:

Maintaining Focus: With so many possibilities, it can be difficult to maintain focus on a single project and see it through to completion.
Fear of Judgment: Sharing creative work can be intimidating. The fear of rejection might prevent individuals from putting their ideas out there.
Disorganization: The free-flowing nature of creativity can sometimes lead to disorganization and a lack of structure, making it difficult to manage projects effectively.

Finding the Perfect Balance: Championing Your Creativity and Exploring Your Competitive Drive

The good news? You don’t have to choose between these mindsets. The most successful individuals possess elements of both. Here’s how to strike a balance:

Embrace the Challenge, then Explore: When faced with a problem, start by analyzing what’s already been done (competitive thinking). Then, use that knowledge as a springboard to explore unique solutions (creative thinking).
Collaborate with Different Thinkers: Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths. A competitive thinker can benefit from a creative teammate who pushes boundaries, and vice versa.
Celebrate Both Victories and Discoveries: Acknowledge the thrill of winning a competition, but also recognize the joy and satisfaction of discovering something new and creative.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both competitive and creative mindsets, we can leverage them to achieve success in all areas of life. So, the next time you approach a task, remember: you can be both the champion striving for victory and the explorer venturing into the unknown.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Now is your best chance to find my entire ebook collection for a promotional price at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Find my books and many more at

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Michael_W

Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash

Myths about Burnout

2024-06-26 ~ adminlife

The fact that burnout is not a diagnosis, can leave some people sceptical of whether it really exists. In fact, Marissa Mayer, a former Google executive, went on record stating that she believed burnout does not exist. Instead, she believes that the signs and symptoms people experience relate more to resentment about not being able to do what they want.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

Fortunately, most people do recognize burnout as real, and recognize it as a real threat to people’s productivity and overall quality of life.

Here are some myths about burnout that you may hear from others:

Only weak people suffer burnout –

This is not true. Everyone in all walks of life suffers burnout. Many tend to be “go-getters” and “type A personalities” that have a lot on their plates.

You just need a good night of sleep and you will feel better –

By the time burnout has set in, one night of good sleep is not enough. When you are experiencing burnout, your sleep is disrupted. You will wake up, even after eight hours of sleep, feeling unrefreshed.

You just need more fresh air –

When you are not feeling well due to burnout, those who have not experienced it, think they know what you have to do to get better. They will offer all sorts of advice such as getting a good night of rest or fresh air. However, it is more complex than this. Healing from burnout takes more time. You have to heal your body on the inside (adrenal glands) before you begin to notice significant changes in how you feel.

It is your fault that you are feeling burnt out –

Although part of it may be due to poor lifestyle choices, putting the blame on yourself is not going to make the situation better. Instead, you need to learn what led to this predicament and what you can do now to get better. You will need to focus on things like improving your diet, sleep, and stress reduction techniques, to name a few.

You need to exercise more –

While exercise is normally recommended for improving energy, if your burnout is significant, exercise that is too vigorous can actually be detrimental to recovery. Instead, it is better to do light exercise and activity until you are well on your road to health again.

Burnout is only a psychological problem –

Although burnout includes psychological components, burnout also involves physical changes in your body. In particular, your hormonal symptoms get disrupted and contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing. That is why treatment of burnout should involve methods that address both psychological and physical well-being.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author

Photo by Tony Tran on Unsplash