In this post, let’s return to the acronym of Mindset…

In the July 22 post, I shared my game of creating acronyms for words, specifically the word Mindset for this blog. Previous blogs have offered perspectives of M, I, and N. To continue the process:

My acronym for Mindset:

M = Made Up
I   = Individual
N = New
D = Different
S  = Shift
E = Evolve
T = Truth

Our personal Mindset is Made Up from our Individual experiences and by accepting information. To have a New Mindset, you have to be willing to think and explore Different perceptions which creates a Shift in your Mindset and allows you to Evolve to a new level of Truth for yourself.

Mindset is Different…

With the word mindset, it seems that there would be one defined thought pattern and everyone would agree to that one. And actually to each individual, their mindset is the one and often they cannot understand how anyone else could think differently. And if they think differently, then they must be uninformed because if they were informed then they would agree with ‘my’ opinion.

The difference in mindset can be seen within hot topics such as politics, global warming, meat eaters verses vegans, management verses employees, and on and on. Each group is convinced of the facts and truths of their viewpoint… opinion… mindset. And often with very little understanding or even respect for the opposite perspective.

What is fascinating is that if you stand in the neutral position, you can often understand key points from both angles, opportunities for agreement, and areas of opposition. Once an emotion is applied from a belief of right or wrong, then the chosen mindset is defended with little opportunity for hearing fully the other mindset.

Realize that your mindset is created from your personal experiences, influences and information gathered throughout your life. And that is true for each person. One glorious insight is that having different mindsets allows us to learn from each other and expand our viewpoints. As long as we are open to truly listening and inquiring. When someone instantly repels from an opinion that is different from their own, it indicates to me a fixed approach verses an adaptable one.  When you have a fixed position, there is stagnation. When you are adaptable, you are open to possibilities of expanding your awareness.

An analogy would be a pond of water that is fed by a natural stream verses one that is not. The stream brings fresh water, nutrients, and energy to the pond. It would be vibrant and alive. The pond that is stationary or fixed would quickly become stagnant and life limiting. Do you want to vibrant and alive or stagnant?

Being open to understanding different mindsets does not mean you have to change yours. However, being open means that you may actually discover a new perspective that expands your viewpoint and modifies your mindset. And may not. The key is choice. Allowing for different mindsets allows greater choices for everyone.