“The mind is like tofu. It tastes like whatever you marinate it in.”
~Sylvia Boorstein
So much has been said about mindset. Is your mindset Fixed or Growth? Do you have a positive framework or a negative one? Are you more open to people and possibilities or more closed?
We here at Chatsworth Consulting may have a perspective or two on which of these might be more useful or productive or effective to have. We may even “teach” some of this in our coaching and team facilitation work. We might even show our hand later in this post.
However, what’s most important is an echo of Sylvia’s comment. We soak in – we marinate in – whomever or whatever we’re around most, and that tends to influence the mindset we’re most likely to have.
Think about the different ways you can show up, depending on the people and circumstances you surround yourself with. The “can’t stop me now humorist” when you’re with “that group of friends.” The “powerful, grounded certainty” that slowly emerges during your yoga practice. The “focused problem solver” as you dive into the latest challenge with your team at work. The “we’ll never get there pessimist” when you’re working closely with your colleague who is convinced you’ll never get there, no matter where there is.
Our brains often do take on the mindsets, attitudes, beliefs, and approaches of those around us. We are hive, social animals, and we have evolved to assimilate. To be like others. To fit in.
Which is why we need to choose what we marinate in. To choose, as best as possible, what and whom we surround ourselves with. To be Thoughtful about it – present, very intentional, and authentic.
If you want a Growth Mindset (which research has proven to take us further) surround yourself with people with Growth Mindsets. If you want a positive framework – which opens our minds to possibilities and enhances creativity, engagement, energy, and effectiveness – marinate in a positive framework. If you want to be more open to people and possibilities, hang out with people who are more open.
We are, in many ways, a product of what and who surrounds us. Be Thoughtful about it.
What and who have you chosen to hang around, and why?
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If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.
For support in finding the mindset you want more of, contact Robyn at rmcleod@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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