What stands in the way of a positive mindset?
This is our last post in a series about “clarifying your mindset,” the important first step on your journey to change. This is a process of self-discovery that will help you find clarity about your purpose and direction.
Week 1: How to develop a “for you” mindset
Week 2: Find your purpose by drafting a “clarifying statement”
Week 3: Be honest about where you’re starting and identify your needs
Ultimately, we want to train ourselves to see opportunity and embrace change. But we need to guard against the fears and doubts that hold us back.
When we have a judgmental attitude, we are critical of ourselves and others. We gossip, make harmful assumptions about people’s thoughts and intentions, and compare ourselves to others.
Making assumptions will derail a positive mindset
When you’re in a negative headspace, take a closer look at your thoughts and fears. Ask yourself, “What assumptions am I making?”
Let’s say that you receive a terse message from your boss or your spouse. How do you feel? Maybe you’re worried it means something is wrong, that they’re upset with you. But unless he or she has said so, we’re merely making an assumption based on a behavior.
Daniel Meyer, the founder of Shake Shack, introduced a concept called “charitable assumption” in his hospitality training for employees. The idea is to give others the benefit of the doubt, to assume the best intentions, rather than assuming the worst.
Oftentimes, our negative thoughts are rooted in our fears and misbeliefs rather than the facts. Don’t entertain harmful assumptions. Make the charitable assumption instead. Wouldn’t you want others to do the same for you?
Stop comparing yourself to others
You’ll only trip yourself up if you take your eyes off your own lane.
When we compare ourselves to others, we are judging ourselves against a false standard. You run the risk of becoming so wrapped up in what you don’t have that you can’t see or appreciate what you do. Furthermore, you fall back into the “to you” mindset and are blinded to life’s opportunities.
Comparison and jealousy threaten to undo the progress you’ve made to clarify your mindset and run your own race. The only person you should compare yourself to is you. Ask yourself, “Am I better than I was yesterday?”
Takeaway
Don’t allow a judgmental attitude to sabotage the work you’ve done to uncover your purpose, address your needs, and visualize your destination.
Check your judgment and commit to a positive mindset.
Want to learn how to curb a judgmental attitude? As a Coach, I’m here to help you find clarity and commit to a journey of self-discovery. Schedule your complimentary coaching session today.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash