You can change your performance simply by choosing a wiser mindset. It is important to believe in the possibilities ahead for you.
First we must believe that we have the power necessary to do what we are inspired to accomplish in life. Unfortunately, we frequently fail to generate that belief in ourselves.
“The most common way people give up their power is by believing they don’t have any.”- Alice Walker
Turning back the clock Experiment: In 1979, Harvard University Professor Ellen Langer conducted an exercise with a group of eight men in their 70s at a converted monastery in New Hampshire. The facility was made to look as if it was 1959 in every way. They played Perry Como on the vintage radio, Ed Sullivan was on the black and white television, and they put magazines from 1959 on the tables. Each of them was instructed to act like it was 1959 and to speak to each other / treat each other like it was 1959.
Before the retreat, they were each tested on many mental and physical characteristics.
After the retreat, they were retested on each of the aspects. The results?
- They were more flexible.
- Their posture had improved.
- Their hand strength had increased.
- Their eyesight improved by 10 percent.
- Their memory improved.
- In 50%, their IQ had improved.
- Their physical appearance appeared 3 years younger as estimated by independent judges.
This is a profound example of the placebo effect. How might we use this information for our own benefit? It was simply a mindset shift. If you want to feel younger, act younger…. Adopt the mindset of a younger person. It need not be an absurd midlife crisis to make you feel better.
The more you believe in your own ability to succeed, the more likely it is that you will.
Believing that we can bring about change in our lives increases both motivation and job performance.
In a study of 112 entry level accountants:
Those who believed they could accomplish what they set out to do received the best performance ratings from their supervisors. Their belief in their ability was a stronger predictor of performance than their level of skill or amount of training.
A focus on your strengths during a difficult task produces the best results. Even more important is believing that you can improve your abilities / results. That is what Professor Carol Dweck from Stanford calls a “growth mindset”, which is the opposite of a belief that your talent level is fixed. So, starting today… choose to accept that you can get better at the important things in your life if you simply try and have faith. Instead of saying to yourself and the world, “I am not good at x.” Simply say, “I am not good at x, yet.” A simple change like that can have profound impacts.
“If you can do a thing or you think that you can’t do a thing… you are right.”- Henry Ford
In a study of 373 Students, those that had a fixed mindset had static GPAs.
Those with a growth mindset improved their GPAs. It is that simple. If you think that you can get better, you are much more likely to improve your results.
Choose your mindsets wisely…
- Choose to believe in the possibilities
- Focus on your strengths
- Choose a growth mindset
See your success soar!
Just my opinion. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
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