Mastering the Mindset: 3 Qualities of Growth Minded Leaders
Author: Bianca Cardenas, PhD | Consultant
Growing up, I remember noticing this inner voice constantly running in my head, pointing out my every mistake and flaw. I’ll be honest; these thoughts made me feel worse about myself. It felt like this never-ending loop that just kept playing daily, and I’m pretty sure it showed in how I carried myself. But then, there came a day when I had simply had enough. I couldn’t keep going down this road of self-doubt and negativity. Ultimately, this empowered me to challenge those negative thoughts.
Isn’t it ironic? Despite its destructive tendencies, my inner critic merely reflected my own fears. The more I understood this reality, the less control it had over me. So, I embarked on a journey to rewire how I thought about my thoughts. It led me to a simple yet profound truth – our thoughts are incredibly powerful. Drawing from my personal experience, these are the three qualities that played a pivotal role in reshaping the way I thought about things.
Being honest with myself.
At first, it was hard to accept the idea that it’s perfectly okay not to be perfect. I had to come to terms with the fact that making mistakes didn’t mean I was a failure. In fact, it was actually a testament to my strength. It had nothing to do with endlessly chasing some elusive idea of perfection; instead, it was all about appreciating the unique beauty found within our imperfections and understanding that real strength is firmly grounded in self-acceptance. And you know what? It only got easier with time.
Resilience in the face of failure.
One of the most challenging parts of this transformative journey was undoubtedly the process of learning how to bounce back from my mistakes and failures. I had to come to terms with the undeniable truth that these setbacks were, in reality, stepping stones on the path to success. I made a conscious effort to train myself to see challenges not as roadblocks but as invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. Each time adversity reared its head, I didn’t succumb to defeat or let discouragement take hold. Instead, I found the strength to persevere and viewed each setback as a catalyst for transformation.
Lifelong learning.
I had to come to terms with the fact that I will never know everything. This seemingly simple realization brought with it a tremendous sense of freedom. It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, freeing me from the self-imposed pressure of trying to be “all-knowing.” So, I began to see learning as a lifelong quest for knowledge and growth. I no longer feared the unknown but embraced it – every experience became a gateway to expanding my horizons.
Throughout this journey, I came to understand that having a growth mindset doesn’t require knowing everything; it’s all about the unwavering commitment to improving oneself, both as an individual and as a leader. These invaluable lessons not only transformed my life but also molded my leadership philosophy, propelling me along a path of continuous self-improvement. This transformative voyage has solidified the immense influence of our thoughts and the remarkable potential for personal growth when we wholeheartedly embrace it.
For more information about how LWF can help you identify and develop growth minded leadership, contact us at https://worthyleadership.com/contact/