Life is harder when you expect a lot of the world and little of yourself

“Life is harder when you expect a lot of the world and little of yourself. Life is easier when you expect a lot of yourself and little of the world. High standards, Low expectations.”

James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

Image from Unsplash by Call Me Fred

How often do you find yourself upset when things don’t go your way?

If we wait for things outside our control to fulfill our expectations, we’re sure to be in for a very bumpy ride.

Alternatively, if we look within our own mindset and efforts, we can definitely adjust our approach to outside events.

EXERCISE:

How can you maintain high standards while monitoring and managing the expectations you have for yourself and the world around you?

“You don’t need a new year or the new day to start over. You only need a new mindset.”

“You don’t need a new year or the new day to start over. You only need a new mindset.”

—Hazel Hira Özbek, poet & musician

Image from Unsplash by Elena Koycheva

In his 2018 book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, Dan Pink does a solid job pointing to a variety of scientifically proven insights about how to live, work, and succeed.

With the stumbles, delays, and stops presented by COVID over the past year, many of us are looking for a fresh start, to get back on track with various personal and professional priorities.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading Dan’s book or check out one the many strong YouTube video summaries. Look beneath the many insights from his research and see for yourself where and when your mindset plays an important role in choosing to take on a new activity or task.

 

Becoming is Better than Being

Becoming is Better than Being.”

—Carol S. Dweck, Stanford University Professor of Psychology

Image of Mindest Book Cover

I consider myself a “work in progress,” a lifelong learner, and of course, a Coach, who is in the business of helping others become a better version of themselves in as many areas of life as they desire.

The book Mindset, by Carol S. Dweck describes the fixed and growth mindsets that apply to each of us to various degrees. Attributes of each include:

FIXED MINDSET GROWTH MINDSET
Skills, abilities and intelligence are static Intelligence and ability can be developed through effort
Works from a “judge and be judged” framework Learning occurs from setbacks
Avoids obstacles & challenges
Gives up earlier in the process
Often ignores feedback
Open and receptive to feedback
The success of others poses a threat to them The success of others is a model to guide their own success journey
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks You can teach an old dog new tricks

EXERCISE:

Where can you augment and fan the flames of your own growth mindset to become the best “YOU” possible?

How can you serve as a coach or mentor for others to help them become all they can be?