Mindset is THE Difference Maker

Mindset + Action + Circumstances = Outcome

I’m learning more and more that my mindset going into any given situation greatly effects the outcome. When I have a pessimistic mindset, I miss opportunities and lose out. When I have an optimistic mindset, I embrace the situation and usually have a more rewarding experience than if I had not.

Imagine two students enrolled in a difficult science class at a local community college, and both need this class to complete their degrees. In other words, both students have to be there.

Student A, does not particularly love science, but has made a conscious effort to keep an open mind and try to learn as much as he can. Student A goes to every class, does the work necessary to learn the material, and ends up not only getting a good grade but has also gained confidence and the satisfaction of reaching a goal. Student A has practiced his ability to assimilate new information, built a good working relationship with his professor, and even had some fun. Student A has added a new set of tools to his skill set, and now has a valuable reference if and when he needs it in the future. New skills and relationships lead to more opportunities.

Student B feels like he has better places to be. He feels like he will never really need this stuff in the “real” world, so why try? Student be lets others do the work and does not take initiative. He spends his time cramming for tests and copying homework, shows up for class sporadically, and ends up passing the class with a C. Nothing lost, but also nothing gained. So actually, Student B did lose. Student B went through the same school term as Student A, but has nothing to show for it. Student B lost valuable time and gained nothing.

If you are going to be somewhere and do something, why not get something out of it?

Circumstances are sometimes out of our control, but you and you alone control your mindset. If the window from which you look at the world gives you a shitty view, why not go find a different window?