5 Ways to Foster a Resilient Mindset
“Just because you haven't found your talent yet doesn't mean you don't have one.”
- Kermit the Frog
Mindset matters.
If you follow my social media pages at all, you’ll see me post a ton about mindset, and aiming to have a growth mindset.
But what is a growth mindset exactly, and why is it important?
Let’s start with a mindset – which is the set of beliefs that we hold that helps us make sense of ourselves and the environment around us. Basically, our mindset is how we look at things, and it’s heavily influenced by what we believe in, our experiences and other factors.
Our mindset can be fixed and rigid, such as the thought “either I’m good at it or not,” or “that’s just how I am, I can’t change it.” There’s not really much in between. Having a fixed mindset can be limiting to our goals, hopes, dreams, and overall self-esteem. Fixed mindsets don’t just happen overnight though, they are often developed over time based on our experiences, relationships, and beliefs.
A growth mindset on the other hand, fosters resilience – aka the ability to adapt and bounce back after challenges. A growth mindset would challenge the fixed thoughts above with “I can learn to do anything I want,” or “I’m a constantly evolving work in progress.”
See the difference??
Why do we need to have a resilient mindset? It helps us tackle life’s challenges, which, let’s be honest, we see daily. A resilient mindset can help us focus on solutions, maintain perspective of the problem before us, and celebrate progress when we achieve it.
To have a resilient mindset, you need to cultivate resilience skills such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress management. These skills become tools we can rely on during difficult times.
Here are 5 ways to work toward developing a resilient mindset:
Emotional Regulation: Resilience entails managing and regulating emotions in healthy ways. Mental strength enables individuals to acknowledge and process their emotions, avoiding emotional suppression or avoidance, which can contribute to resilience.
Coping Strategies: Resilience entails using effective coping strategies to manage stress and adversity. Mental strength equips individuals with a diverse toolkit of coping skills, enabling them to choose and apply appropriate strategies. Pay attention to when you are getting too busy or even trying to be overly positive – which can be toxic and unrealistic. Instead, aim to stay in the moment, notice what is happening in and around you.
Problem-Solving: Resilience requires effective problem-solving skills to navigate challenges. Mental strength provides the cognitive tools and clarity needed to assess situations, make informed decisions, and take productive actions. Look at your options, weigh the pros and cons but don’t over-think.
Social Support: Resilience benefits from strong social connections and a support system. Mental strength helps individuals seek and maintain supportive relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement.
Growth Mindset: Resilience is tied to a growth-oriented mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and personal development. Mental strength encourages a mindset that embraces growth and continuous improvement.
In essence, resilience is the outcome of cultivating mental strength. Developing a resilient mindset empowers us to face life's difficulties with courage, tenacity, and an unwavering belief in their ability to thrive despite challenges.
A resilient mindset empowers individuals to face challenges and setbacks by providing them with the psychological tools and attitudes needed to navigate adversity, learn from experiences, and emerge stronger. Basically, a resilient mindset equips us with the mental strength and adaptive strategies necessary to confront challenges head-on. It helps us view setbacks as temporary and surmountable, encouraging proactive problem-solving and a belief in our capacity to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.
To your resilience,
Missy Jane
PS - If you are ready to start nurturing your own resilient mindset, schedule your free call with me today! I’d love to help you foster growth and achieve balance and joy in your life!
