_edited.png)
What if the dreams you've hoped to fulfill could motivate or innovate new ideas or pathways for change?
Dedication plays an integral role in our ability to feel successful and accomplished. Aspirations involve a deep sense of hope we have to achieve something great in our lives - we are responsible for understanding the actions that are involved in growth.
What if the dreams you've hoped to fulfill could motivate or innovate new ideas or pathways for change?
We've heard the phrase, "Never Give Up." It is a phrase often tied to those who are suffering and at a point of "giving up." You could be one of those individuals who has endured countless stages of your life where you've face the same ongoing battle with little to no reward, or a sense of fulfillment. In order to feel that we can maintain the challenges we have yet to face, we must understand what's getting in the way of dedicating ourselves to the action that plays a role in our success.
I advocate for mental health growth, and I emphasize the value of a "growth mindset" with my clients as well. While working on building a secure attachment, and sharing the vulnerable attachment needs and emotions to our partners, we must understand that secure attachment is a lifelong journey. That commitment you make on the day of your wedding, "'til death do we part" . . . well, there is certainly validity to this statement when you see the ongoing dedication that researchers and writers have put into developing a model like Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
In order to have a "growth mindset," you have to believe the skills you have can be developed into something more. What does that entail? Well, first, this requires hard work - this is about more than achieving something, because it involves the productivity that plays a role in doing so. Productivity involves ongoing effort and and feedback. In scholarly research, a common theme for self-efficacy (our belief that something can be done) is learning.
Instead of falling into a "fixed mindset," or a belief that your gift(s) is/are innate, you focus on growth, and where you embrace commitment in critical thinking and feedback. Because there might be moments where you fail or see downfalls in your aspirations, who do you turn to for support? We need that system of comfort in our failures - people we turn to for feedback and thoughts about actions we've taken so far to meet our goals.
Even as consultants, when we talk with business owners, we convey the message that "growth mindsets" create healthier workforce environments. Employees in areas of continued growth (i.e. trainings, learning opportunities, critical feedback, opportunities for growth, diversity, etc.). report feelings of empowerment and commitment to their positions and career paths.
I recognize that a "growth mindset" is not an easy step to take throughout various stages of our lives, and the reason for this involves the following: Facing challenges, which might involve critical feedback or criticism can create insecurities or defensiveness - therefore, we have to focus on triggers from criticism and feedback and make space to process emotions tied to these particular triggers. In workspaces, or relationships, there can be high focus on talent and status - In many workspaces or relationships, having a "fixed-mindset" culture, involves a deeper focus on gender role stereotypes, less collaboration, little to no feedback from employees or loved ones, etc. - In this situation, you have the opportunity to gain insight into what you ultimately want within your path. If you are unable to feel heard from your partner or employer, you might feel lonely and need a healthier support system.
Given what you've read in our blogpost so far, what would you say? Are you dedicated to maintaining a "Growth Mindset?"
It's okay if you're struggling to understand or even grasp what you want for your future, within a career path, relationships, or further successes. Let's have a conversation and figure out exactly what your own barriers to growth might be. We face these challenges at various points in our lives, and sometimes a healthy support system starts right in this place with a therapist. If this fits what you're needing in your life right now, reach us by contacting us below.
Also, if you're reaching and looking for a resource for guidance and support, I hope you've gained something helpful from this reading today.
#CultivateConnectionCounseling #relationships #mentalhealthsupport #seekingtherapy #therapists #privatepractice #EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #couplescounseling #growthmindset #mentalhealthblog