Is there something about your mindset that you’d like to change?

Perhaps a fear is holding you back from expressing your thoughts publicly. Or your perfectionistic strivings are limiting you at times. Or you secretly don’t trust those around you with doing a good job.

How can you change the way you think? By acting mindfully into a new way of thinking.

A quote to keep in mind

“Adults are much more likely to act their way into a new way of thinking than to think their way into a new way of acting.”

– Richard Pascale, ‘Surfing the Edge of Chaos’

How to act your way into a new way of thinking

Don’t just act! Act mindfully. Acting in a haphazard and impulsive way will only strengthen your current way of thinking.

Let’s say that you’re constantly worried about giving constructive feedback to a team member. Here’s what acting mindfully might look like:

Step 1: Choose your ‘just manageable challenge’

Start experimenting with someone who you feel most comfortable with.

Step 2: Look inwards

Ask yourself:

• What am really I worried about?
• What’s at stake here that I care deeply about?
• What is it the outcome that I’d like to achieve?

Step 3: Prepare yourself

Write down the feedback, rehearse it and iterate on it.

Step 4: Carry out the ‘just manageable challenge’

Step 5: Make a record of it

Once you’ve done it, don’t erase the memory – capitalise on it:

• What went well and what could have gone better?
• What did I learn and how did it make me stronger?
• How do I view things differently now looking back?

Here’s a challenge for you this week 😉 – identify something in how you’re thinking that you’d like to change. Then plan an intention to act mindfully into a new way of thinking!