Our performance at work is influenced by our mindset. In this lesson, we'll be considering the types of mindset which affect our performance and outputs, and those which can help with developing our intentional productivity practices.
When we're making changes to the way we work, it means we have to learn new ways of doing things. It takes practice and it can feel challenging to start.
But our ability, talent, and intelligence are not fixed, which means that we're able to get better at doing difficult things when we're willing to put in the work.
The best way to embed new behaviors when we starting something new is to break our habit goals down into smaller steps. And there are three mindsets we can use to help us along the way.
The first is the training mindset that we activate as we implement and practice new habits, routines, and behaviors.
Imagine what you want to be like, with these new habits and behaviors. Visualize yourself working in a better way and being more focused and productive. What does that look like?
This creates a positive imprint in your mind, which makes it easier to do and repeat these behaviors in your physical world.
The next step involves a trusting mindset, as you start physically performing what you've practiced in your mind. A trusting mindset involves having faith in yourself. Believe that you've got what it takes to do your best, based on the practice that you've put in.
The third step is about reviewing your performance, using a learning mindset. This means being curious, instead of being critical. Ask yourself questions about how these new productivity-focused behaviors feel? Are they working, or do they need work? How can you make your productivity system better?
Improving our performance requires that we get to know ourselves, so that we can lead ourselves better and engage in more supportive behaviors, more consistently.
There are two other mindsets that I want to share with you that can help or affect your intentional productivity practice.
Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
Your view of yourself and your abilities can affect how you do everything.
The concepts of fixed and growth mindset were coined by Carol Dweck, a psychologist and pioneering researcher in the field of motivation.
People with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence is static, that they can't improve, and that they are incapable of change.
People with a growth mindset understand that their intelligence can be developed and that they are capable of change and improvement.
Having a fixed or growth mindset in a particular area of our life or work will affect how we respond to challenges, obstacles, effort, criticism, and success.
But as we are capable of change, we are able to develop our growth mindset. And it's an essential viewpoint to have for improving our productivity and performance.
Grit Mindset
A grit mindset can help us to build resilience, get through challenging times, and keep going so that we can succeed.
Psychologist Angela Duckworth conducted hundreds of studies to uncover what gives a person grit. It turns out that to develop your grit, in essence, you need a combination of passion and perseverance.
Grit a key performance indicator for success and it's not linked to talent.
So having a grit mindset is about developing the stamina to pursue and adhere to your long term goals. It's about building a solid work ethic.
A growth mindset helps to build your grit mindset. Because you know that your ability to learn is not fixed and that with the effort you can change your situation.
If we want to master distraction, we need to learn to deal with the discomfort that comes with changing our habits. That's where your grit mindset comes in.
Your personal system for intentional productivity takes time and practice to implement.
And it may need to be adjusted or adapted as your personal and work requirements change.
Cultivating your grit and growth mindsets will contribute to your productive staying power and adaptability over time.
In the next lesson, we'll look at practical ways you can prepare for focus and flow.
