Embracing a Mindset Makeover for the New Work World
With changes coming at us from every direction these days in our personal and professional arenas, I often reflect on profound quotes that have always resonated with me. One that holds particular significance is from the inventor Henry Ford. The fact that I am gal from the Detroit area who started her career at Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, might have something to do with this affinity. The fabled saying from this great inventor is:
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
There are many uncertainties in life, much like a mystery novel full of suspense. All our lives are at such a pivotal place and depend on factors yet to be uncovered. When reading a mystery novel, are you tempted to read the last chapter before going through all the passages leading up to the unraveling of the ending?
As we turn the pages in this story on a daily basis, we anticipate the next event. Are we going to continue to work remotely? Will our jobs be outsourced? Will all résumés be selected by a computer program based on algorithms, keywords, and statistics? Will automation and the digital world replace the human element? Will collaboration with people via Zoom or other similar platforms allow the work environment to really be advanced with new ideas? So many questions, so few answers.
However, there are things we can do to take charge of the changing world in front of us. And the first step is to embrace a “Mindset Makeover.” Ford got it right with his famous quote because our success really starts in our mind. If we think we cannavigate these changes successfully, we will.
What if we decided to begin our journey with a Mindset Makeover that would focus on a positive reboot of our thoughts and actions? How would that allow us to calm down and believe that we are the writers of our own life story and that we are determined to have this story have a happy ending? In the words of another quote-worthy luminary, Brené Brown, in The Gifts of Imperfection, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
Let’s take a look at some ideas from the Faremouth Method® that might allow us to thrive and enjoy the process!
1. Do A Self-Inventory
Take a deep breath and really get honest with yourself about where you are in your personal and professional life. What areas bring you joy? What areas bring you discontent? Are you in your current career because of your interests and choices or because of what someone suggested you should do?
2. Ask Better Questions
If you are reviewing the answers to the above questions and finding your answers are not full of as many positives as you would like, what do you have to do to turn things around? Are there online courses you could take? Could you join more networking groups like Toastmasters or Rotary that can help you grow? What are some goals you want to achieve? Investigate the steps necessary to make them happen.
3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
If in your last performance review your boss told you your client-presentation skills were lacking, what do you need to do to improve? If, say, speaking in front of groups makes you uneasy but is a necessary ingredient for advancement, how can you “Step Out of Your Comfort Zone” to polish this skill and perhaps be considered for promotional opportunities?
4. Take the Time to Do It Right
The old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” comes to mind when I think of this step. Rushing into any endeavor without thoughtful deliberation usually doesn’t serve us well. Make a list of your goals for the next 30, 60, and 90 days or even the following year. Look at them on paper and then investigate what you have to do to make them manifest. If you need to seek out a trusted mentor, career consultant, or friend, don’t be afraid to get the assistance you need. Your goals might not manifest overnight, but the experiences and people you meet along the way might prove beneficial in many ways.
5. Be a Hunter
Once you experience this new Mindset Makeover and carefully examine the steps to get where you want to go, put action behind your thoughts to make them happen.
The current challenges we are all facing may be looked at as a mystery novel with a very positive ending. An ending with much growth, success, and expanded awareness. As we embrace a Mindset Makeover determined to have success as the only outcome, we will manifest things we never thought possible. Let’s take all the limitations imposed by our previous negative mindset and turn them into endless opportunities we can explore. We have to be willing to walk through a new door to success in ways we never might have imagined.
Remember, as Ford said:
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right!”
