Rewire your Brain

Breaking Mental Barriers: Rewiring Your Mindset for Success

Years ago I read an amazing book called "Refactor your Wetware". It was so good I even wrote to the author thanking them for the insights and tools it provided. I have used it time and time again. As my career evolved and I moved into leadership roles it became more and more apparent that my brain is the key to success.

(https://www.amazon.com.au/Pragmatic-Thinking-Learning-Refactor-Wetware/dp/1934356050)

We know that Leadership is a tough job! Leadership is activated and constant thinking and problem-solving. Do you do it well? Do you want to do it better? Have you ever wondered why some people seem to navigate challenges while others struggle effortlessly?

The answer lies in their mindset.

Your mindset is your most powerful tool. It shapes your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, which, in turn, influence your behaviours and actions. A growth mindset, characterised by the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work, empowers you to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and achieve your goals.

On the other hand, a fixed mindset, believing that your qualities are set in stone, can hinder your progress. It can lead to a fear of failure, an unwillingness to step outside your comfort zone, and a tendency to give up quickly when things get tough.

But here's the good news: you can rewire your mindset for success. It's not about magically transforming into a completely different person; it's about recognising and challenging your limiting beliefs and replacing them with empowering ones.

5 Activities to Rewire Your Mindset

1. Identify Your Limiting Beliefs:

Start by becoming aware of the negative thoughts and beliefs that sabotage your efforts. What are the recurring themes that hold you back? Write them down and challenge their validity. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Consider using tools like the "ABC Model" from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify the activating events, beliefs, and consequences associated with your limiting beliefs.

2. Embrace Challenges:

Instead of shying away from challenges, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Stepping outside your comfort zone expands your capabilities and strengthens your resilience. Consider taking on a new project, volunteering for a leadership role, or enrolling in a course to develop a new skill. Doing something new or different means you are stimulating your learning centres and creating new connections and associations with existing knowledge. This gives you a huge edge in Problem-Solving skills!

3. Learn from Setbacks:

Failure is an inevitable part of the journey towards success. Instead of viewing setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, see them as valuable lessons. Take the time to analyse what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use that knowledge to move forward. Adopt a "growth mindset" approach to setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for learning and development.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences:

The people you spend time with significantly impact your mindset. Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging individuals who believe in your potential and inspire you to be your best. Seek out mentors, coaches, or peers who can offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement.

 5. Visualise Success:

Imagine yourself achieving your goals. Create a vivid mental picture of the desired outcome and feel the emotions associated with it. Visualisation can help you overcome self-doubt and build confidence in your abilities. Use visualisation techniques to enhance your performance and motivation.

 Bonus Activity: Cultivate Self-Compassion:

Above all else - be kind to yourself, especially during challenging times. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend, peer, or team member facing similar difficulties. Practice mindfulness and self-reflection to develop a deeper understanding of your emotions and reactions.

Remember, rewiring your mindset is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It requires consistent effort and a willingness to challenge your ingrained patterns of thinking. But the rewards are well worth it.

By adopting a growth mindset and practicing these activities, you can break through your mental barriers and unlock your full potential for success. As a leader, learning how to use your brain to it's maximum is part of the job!