Mindset Explained

How we interpret the world and interact with others is shaped by more than just knowledge or ability. Mindset is a subtle yet powerful factor in how we engage with the world. In this article, I take a closer look at what mindset is and why it matters.

What is a mindset?

A mindset is a set of core beliefs in a particular domain. Those come with expectations, explanations (how does the world work?), and goals. Since you have a mindset for each aspect of your life, you have more than one.

People are usually not aware of their beliefs because a mindset constitutes their default mode of thinking, their view of the world, their normal. So, working on your mindset requires uncovering it first.

Please keep in mind that while mindset is a helpful construct to reason about behaviour, reality is more complex, and a mindset is one of many factors that influence behaviour.

How does a mindset affect behaviour?

First, we have to understand how the brain works. In a nutshell, it constantly analyzes streams of sensory input, tries to detect patterns from which it can infer a known situation and predict what happens next. I have written about that more in depth here: https://www.garudax.id/pulse/three-surprising-facts-brain-oliver-flaggl-xi2wf

The mindset, along with your experience, the current state of your body, and your relationship with a person, influences both the analysis and prediction. For example, if you believe the world is a hostile place, you are far more likely to interpret someone's behaviour as an attack on you. That will put you under stress more often. I have written about stress here: https://www.garudax.id/pulse/quick-guide-stress-oliver-flaggl-y0zpf

In theory, changing your mindset also changes your behaviour and experience. In practice, changing your behaviour first and letting the mindset adapt can be easier.

What is the right mindset?

Has someone ever told you that you don't have the right mindset? Next time this happens, let them describe the right mindset and explain how exactly it helps you.

With a mindset significantly impacting our behaviour, it's tempting to think that the "right" mindset is crucial for success. That idea has some flaws.

Actions, not beliefs, determine success. A mindset alone doesn't bring forth action, let alone the "right" one. You can do the right thing with the "wrong" mindset and vice versa. It would also be naive to think that any mindset will serve you equally well in all situations. Or that there is only one "correct" set of beliefs. What some people want to sell you as the right mindset can, in fact, even be detrimental to your success. And let's not forget that in any interaction, other people's behaviour matters as much as yours.

On the other hand, with the example of stress, I have shown that a mindset can get in the way. That is a more sensible approach to the topic: If you are stuck or make the same mistakes time and again, consider uncovering the mindset that leads to that situation and then figure out how changing it can help you.

I recommend avoiding the term "right" in this context. Think of a mindset as something that can either support or undermine you in a particular situation.

Example: The growth mindset

The growth mindset is the most often explicitly cited mindset. Let's use it as a showcase on our journey to understanding mindsets.

Many people believe it means that you can achieve anything. However, a more accurate definition is that change is possible under the right conditions and with proper support. It's called growth, not everyone is secretly a genius.

The concept originated in examining students' performance. The researchers found that two opposing mindsets can influence performance in school. A fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that we are born with talents and weaknesses which stay with us forever. Students with that mindset tend to put less effort into subjects they are not good at. With a growth mindset, we see mastery mainly as a matter of effort. We could paraphrase that relationship as "I am not good" vs. "I am not good yet".

The concept is even more interesting when we look beyond the context of learning. People with a fixed mindset will do everything to defend their ego and hide their deficiencies. Otherwise, they think, they are branded for life because they can't change (easily). With a growth mindset, on the other hand, mistakes are part of the process and an opportunity to, well, grow.

People with a fixed mindset also tend to look down on others and quickly point out their mistakes to boost their ego ("I am much better than X"). In contrast, people with a growth mindset prefer to orient themselves toward better ones ("How are they doing that? How can I become like that?").

As you can see, a mindset that seems to apply only to a small aspect of your life can be part of a much bigger picture.

Conclusion

A mindset, which is a set of beliefs, can greatly impact your life. The significance of the effect on your behaviour depends on the situation and many other factors. You can use a mindset as a tool whenever you feel you are stuck. Try to uncover your beliefs and figure out how changing them can help you / your brain make better decisions that move your life in the desired direction. But remember: A mindset is not a magic pill.