If you have been sticking with the resolution you made at the beginning of the year, by now you have accumulated momentum! If you have not already, you are on your way to forming a new habit or achieving a particular goal. What if you have not been advancing as you imagined? Or worse, you drifted back to your old self? Maybe it is because of your identity. Who is the person you believe you are? Until you transform that belief, your change will not be sustained.

Carol Dweck, PhD, in her book Mindset, compares a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. See my post Mind to Be for the graphic that compares the two. But in summary, in a fixed mindset we are concerned about maintaining our image. So, we tend to avoid situations where there is the potential to “fail.” A better perspective is to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Enter the growth mindset. Individuals in the growth mindset welcome challenges. Even though they may not always “win,” the experience is still enjoyable and worthwhile because of the learning aspect. Also, they are more receptive to constructive criticism.

We all manifest either mindset, but it is to our benefit to have a bent toward the growth one. For example, you may be jazzed to become a boss at Math but may have an aversion to growing in a sport. Or you may thrive in social situations but may have challenges with artistry.

Become aware of which one you lean more toward and consistently strive for improvement. Once you gain momentum in a direction that supports your unique ability according to Dan Kennedy, a renowned strategic coach, or your core genius, you are likely to function more passionately and ultimately excel more naturally.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

(NIV, Galatians 6:9)