A growth mindset is an essential part to leading a productive, effective and full life. To cultivate a growth mindset, we should teach others to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy making an effort, and to always keep learning.

A great question is: How can you continually try to learn as a way of curating a growth mindset? There is no one answer because we all have our own learning style. So I would say, think back to a time when you were able to master a mountain of complicated material or a certain challenging skill.

Last week my sister, Cristina, called during my lunch break. The timing was perfect. I was just sitting down to a large fresh salad on my sunny back porch and we could catch up.

There are two quotes from Buddha that come to mind:“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.”

Adela Baker is the force behind Mind Coach NOLA. Big things are on the horizon for 2019 & we can’t wait to share them with you! In the meantime see what 5 Life Lessons Adela finds most valuable…

Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes? Do you feel that you don’t deserve it all? What is that costing you? How does it affect your life? How do you want to feel? How would that benefit you? What would be possible for you if you let that belief go? On a scale of 1-10, what is it worth to you to transform this?

I was just discussing this topic with a client this morning! She had the external distractions under control (phone, internet, chatty colleagues) but could not fully immerse herself in her work because of internal distractions (her own mind). So that’s the question: How can you control your thoughts to be most productive?

One of the keynote speakers at the conference I attended recently was Eduardo Briceño, who founded Mindset Works together with Carol Dweck, PhD. One anecdote I found fascinating related to his experience with Cirque du Soleil. As you know, Cirque du Soleil dazzles audiences around the world with flawless performances.

One of my favorite sessions at the International ADHD conference earlier this month was facilitated by Dr. Christopher Willard, psychologist, author and educational consultant specializing in mindfulness. He asked us, “Are you mind full or mindful?” Is your mind full of random thoughts or are you paying attention in real time with kindness and curiosity? We reach for our phones on average 150 times per day. How many of those times are necessary? Or even conscious choices?

The participants were amazing. They were all engaged, curious and willing to share. Moreover, they were all open to new ideas and eager to grow. They were brave and adventurous in their conversation.

Do you find benefit in spontaneity?

Yes, spontaneity is fun! It can be associated with risk, adventure and discovery. Sometimes letting go and acting on a spontaneous decision can bring joy and exhilaration.

Long term goals are necessary to make sense of the everyday grind. Why are you doing these daily sometimes difficult tasks? We need a vision (and the feeling that accompanies that vision) for a life long plan. Short term goals are stepping stones to get there.

What are a few obstacles that could’ve set you back, yet you persevered? Breast cancer was a bitch. It was like I was forced to take on another job in addition to everything else I was doing. I had never felt healthier in my life and suddenly I was told that I had cancer! It was just so time consuming, researching treatment options, shopping around for doctors and getting second opinions, endless hours in waiting rooms. Then days after my bilateral mastectomy I was told I needed radiation therapy! I wanted to punch someone, only I couldn’t lift my arms.

It all began with a question on Saturday morning. “Mami, how fast can you run a mile?” I didn’t know. I knew I was fast, used to be fast, had been fast. Definitely past tense. I also knew that I was terrible about speed work, fartleks, and all that other stuff you’re supposed to do. I’m more of the slow and steady wins the race type. But my daughter wanted to know. She’s on the middle school track team and talks about this stuff daily. She had a growth spurt, has legs longer than mine, and wanted to race me. I was still in my running shorts and thought I could use one more mile that day, so I agreed. I had nothing scheduled except for “Mom time” anyway…

Perhaps you've seen the famous TED talk by Carol Dweck, PhD, "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve," in which she explains her research on motivation. She found that, in general, people have two mindsets: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset…

“This is it, Mami!,” exclaimed my daughter. My son knew exactly what she was talking about it. “This is the place from the picture! We found it!” And yes, I definitely knew what they were shouting about. Only I had trouble responding because I had tears in my eyes, was awestruck by its beauty and dumbfounded by the fact that we had made it. My heart swelled with pride because I had made it happen. We were there...

I usually alternate my runs with yoga classes, but this week my husband is out of town, so it’s up to me to exercise the dogs every morning. Just like me, they need to get their wiggles out to be calm and focused the rest of the day…

My legs are sore, but in a good way. This weekend I took the family camping and hiking in Tunica Hills, north of St. Francisville. For someone used to living below sea level, the steep bluffs of Clark Creek Natural Area provide a welcome challenge.

Here’s another article for those of you that like brain research like I do: "Effects of gratitude meditation on neural network functional connectivity and brain-heart coupling." Practicing gratitude meditation on a regular basis makes you feel better.

Last week I attended a talk by Tulane graduate Dr. Ned Hallowell, author of the classic international best seller, Driven to Distraction. After a trip down memory lane recalling his Tulane days, he shared his New England childhood struggles with learning differences and how those led to his years of research and successful treatment of both children and adults with ADHD.