Since this blog is focused with the Power of Mindset, I thought it appropriate to express how Mindset is different from skill set.

What is the definition of Mindset? According to Dictionary.com, there are several:

— noun

1. an Attitude, disposition, or mood
2. an Intention or inclination
3. a fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person’s responses to and interpretations of situations.

What is the definition of skill set? According to a Google search, skill set is a combination of words and is not in Dictionary.com as a single word. Further research revealed:

— noun
1. The skills needed to accomplish a specified task or perform a given function.

These two aspects must work together. If you have the skill set yet not the supportive mindset, then you will work hard to achieve and you may even experience what is known as ‘self-sabotage.’ If you have the Mindset yet lack in the skill set, then you have great potential with limited application.

My favorite Mindset definition is the third one… Your Mindset predetermines your perspective and your actions to situations, people and circumstances. Your Mindset is engaged before you are aware of it and often is outside of your conscious awareness. All you may be aware of is your conscious thought or the action you took.

To become aware of your Mindset, after a specific upsetting experience ask yourself:

• What result did I get?
• What is the benefit to me?
• What emotion does that create in me?
• What does that provide me?
• What would I rather have instead?
• What can I do different to have a new experience?

When you explore the answers to these general questions of What?, you will often discover that your Mindset was focused on protecting yourself or fear rather than learning and growing. Shifting your focus can create a new awareness and begin to initiate a new Mindset.

Join us again each Wednesday to activate the Power of Mindset in your life.