Why a Growth Mindset is Necessary for Turbo Thinkers©
Woe is me, I have ADHD. I get it. Yes it’s hard...and? You've done hard things before. You can do them again. Yes. You may, at times, have been driven by the fear of consequence. But, if you think back to your most meaningful accomplishments, they were most likely driven by genuine interest and curiosity. Turbo Thinkers thrive on novelty, fun, and intrinsic motivation. They are turned on by just the right amount of challenge combined with a sense of intrigue.
Some of us are left handed, some nearsighted, and some have more serious physical and mental disabilities. What is the mindset that allows you to persevere? One of my all time favorite quotes has been attributed to Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” So let go of the acronym, the labels, and the stigmas. Rather than harp on the disability, focus on your superpowers. We all possess natural strengths and we can all cultivate new ones. Thanks to neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections), we have continuous opportunities for growth and to become lifelong learners.
It is your mindset that determines your success. Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? With a fixed mindset, the outcome is predetermined. You base your actions on a specific desired outcome. For example, to look smart. In doing so, by definition you limit your own possibilities. You avoid challenges, give up easily, see effort as fruitless, get hurt by useful criticism, and feel threatened by the success of others.
With a growth mindset, you experience a greater sense of free will. You base your actions on a desire to learn. You embrace challenges, persist despite setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.
Can you change the dialogue in your head?
To:
I can learn how to do this.
I only fail when I stop trying.
I am inspired by other people.
I love to try new things.
I am a work in progress.
Feedback and criticism help me grow.
There is no failure. There is only success and learning.
From:
I’m not good at this.
If I don’t try, then I won’t fail.
I am jealous of other people.
I only stick to what I know.
I can’t change who I am.
Feedback and criticism hurt my ego.
I am a failure.
How badly do you want to improve the course of your life? Let me help you truly feel and BELIEVE that you can and you will.