Cultivating a winning mindset
We’ve all heard of the phrase that, what we think of others says a lot about who we are. One of the forefathers of psychology and psychiatry, Carl Jung said: “everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves”. Those we cross roads with are our mirror, if we look close enough, we can change into who we want to be, i.e. the better version of ourselves.
In creating a winning mindset, we need to be cognisant of what is actually hoarding our brains. We need to be aware of what we are thinking at all times. This is important because our mindset allows us to recreate things where they don’t exist. So in creating a winning mindset, the first step is to take stock of the kind of thoughts going through our minds. Doing this will allow us to arrest unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs, thus empowering us to shape and redirect our thoughts to what is useful and beneficial for us.
I am certain Lao Tzu was inspired by the book of Proverbs when he said: “watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
This November, be extra vigilant of what you have allowed to make home in your mind. Grab your journal and pen; bring forth your curiosity and openness and ask yourself these questions:
What am I thinking about?
is what I am thinking about helpful?
Is it contributing meaningfully to where I want to be, and who I want to be?
What are my thought patterns costing me currently?
What have I been saying “NO” to when I should have said “YES”?
What have I been saying “YES” to when I should be saying “NO”?
If I don’t change my thought patterns, what is at stake?
What steps am I going to take to change my thought patterns towards an enriching and winning mindset?