Bob Martel
Updated: August 24, 2020
Central Mass. HEALTH - Fall 2020
It’s time for the mindfulness of mindset!
By Bob Martel
Is it me, or have people just given in to the chaos? Have they lost their mind(set)?
Have you noticed the changes in human behavior lately? Drivers seem more aggressive, if that is even possible here in the Bay State. That same attitude is showcased in the supermarket and just about everywhere. Current events and our concern about the future have shifted our mindset to a devil-may-care attitude. Or, the shift in societal norms are simply exposing the latent irrational behavior we are seeing at home and in the office. Have you noticed how some are stepping up and working harder, perhaps as a distraction, but more likely it is their optimism and hope that fuels them? Others may be surprising you with their mailing-it-in approach, giving less of themselves to the task at hand.
This is a good opportunity for everyone to be more mindful about our mindset, and give it proper care and feeding. After all, the mindset is a choice! You get to decide how you will control your emotions and your perspective on the world around you. Mindset determines your destiny, and the collective destiny of your company. Pay attention; nurture the right company mindset. Leaders need to be especially cognizant. Your employees are watching. The good news is we have the power to take more control over our lives, at home and in the workplace, even as these two environments have changed dramatically. We have the power of choosing how we want to think, envision, act and grow into the challenges of this chaos, or we can choose to be defeated.
These times are forcing us to examine our own thoughts, actions, and behaviors as well as abandon and welcome all kinds of habits. Yes, the pandemic, U.S. and world affairs, and changes in the workplace are causing us to get to know ourselves better, at least for those willing and brave enough to look inside. Our anxieties, fears, and stresses are ruling our lives because we think we have no control. Even our core beliefs seem to be on trial, either by our own subconscious mind, or by society. The world of work and home life are now blended. Remote workers, families under the same roof all day, and new restrictions on our routines, rituals and habits make life more stressful. Start with acknowledging your current mindset and decide what needs to change within you. Keep it light, not too critical of yourself.
Mindset is not a new term, but just as mindfulness has come into its own as a worthy notion, paying attention to our mindset is critical, especially if we want to be happier, like we tell ourselves, friends and therapists!
Mindset refers to our core beliefs about ourselves, our values and our character. Chaos can bring the authentic self to the surface, and we are not always pleased with what is revealed. Yet, we are pleasantly surprised to see when we have stuck to our core values, not allowing circumstances to change us.
• Greek philosopher Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but in how you react that matters most.” A clear mind makes for better assessments and decisions. U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James Stockdale shifted his mindset to that of senior POW in Vietnam when he was shot down in 1968.
• In her book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” author Carol Dweck boils it down to two choices. A fixed mindset, or a growth-oriented mindset, which is the sum of the subconscious intangibles going beyond the normal success factors.
My point is simply to shine a light on an important element of your success and happiness. Hold on to your core values as you refine your mindset.
Use this as an opportunity to reconfirm and re-energize, with new determination to count blessings. As Dory says in “Finding Nemo,” and a six year old posted on some awesome artwork in the barbershop, “Just keep swimming.”
Bob Martel is a performance consultant, author, and a professional hypnotist at Positive Results Hypnosis in Holden. Reach him at 508-481-8383 or at www.positiveresultshypnosis.com.
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Anonymous
August 25, 2020
A great article and Bob is correct. It is all in the way you look at things that matter!
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