Ever had this big mindset shift, read an inspiring book, heard an empowering talk or had an epiphany only to find yourself weeks/months down the line back where you started? Well the universal truth behind this realization is this, a changed mind alone cannot take you anywhere. It’s important to have a positive, growth-oriented mindset to achieve what you set out to achieve but without taking deliberate, consistent action towards it, it’s just wishful thinking. In this article I explain the reasons why you cannot just change your mindset and how doing action results in positive and permanent change.
The temptation to “just change your way of thinking” can be very seductive. Whether it be through doing affirmations, visualizing success or getting a “growth mindset”, and then passively wait for change to happen. There is a feeling of elation that comes with this transformation and while it is wonderful to start in this way it is not sustainable if one does not act on it. Your brain just wants to be comfortable, to sit in a warm state of thinking and visualizing rather than do the “work” of execution. The mind reverts to its old habits and the cycle repeats. Inspiration without action leads to frustration and inaction which in turn prevents opportunity from becoming a reality.
Your definition of what you believe and perceive is based on your mindset, but simply believing doesn’t move your world. A growth mindset (the belief that abilities are not innate and can be cultivated) demonstrates grit, makes possible success, and enables learning. But what research and experience have actually established is that this assertion only applies if effort and approach are present. Regardless of strong beliefs, the world will always remain theoretical until something is actually done. You might know that failure is a teacher, that perseverance makes a difference, but until you actually take action on the hard thing and keep going through tough times…those “knowings” are nothing. What mindset provides is a destination. Action provides the outcome.
This is psychology at work. You take action, then the motivation follows. A few small wins boost confidence and validate incremental progress far more effectively than mere rumination. Research by Carol Dweck into growth mindsets versus fixed mindsets shows that those who believe we can stretch ourselves by effort are more willing to take risks, and stay the course longer, but only if they do something that demands effort. Action reliably generates motivation better than it being generated by inaction-just as research and expert advice suggest. Don’t rely on being completely prepared or being fully motivated and you’ll stay where you are for a long while.
The price of mindset without action is obvious. New business owners, who are innovators in their field, have zero execution skills. A professional who has a mastery over the productivity mindsets, but fails to action systems will not observe career growth. This shears along the health- and wellness-concerned and consistently fails to change their traditional goes. This bracket of inconsistency eats into the trust to self in several weeks and several years. Inspired greater often leads to ineffective greater. The difference between the person you wish to become and the person you are getting farther apart. Success stories of people who balance a positive mindset with persistent disciplined action inspite of fear or uncertainty are near ubiquitous.
The way tosolve thisis to viewmindsetandactionas one single hermetically sealed unit. Establish your dream then choose the one tiniest action you could take to improve today (before you’ve even had a cup of coffee). Discipline is how to beable to show upregardless of whether the mood hits you. Build systems and systems that do the hard work of action for you, instead of waiting for inspiration. Show concrete evidence of how much youareprogressing to believe in yourgrowth mindset. If you experience a setback, consider it valuableFeedbackon your approach rather than throw in the towel.
Ask yourself: What will I DO today that is aligned with my mindset? Break large intentions into small, NON-NEGOTIABLE steps. Accountability bridges the space between intentions and actions, whether that be an accountabilty partner, a journal, or weekly reviews. Celebrate the small wins to create a sense of momentum and reaffirmation that you are capable of growth. Above all else, be mindful that any action, even if imperfect, is always better than no action or perfect planning. The steps add up over time making mindset a fantastic idea and one worth carrying through.
A mindset is completely useless without action, for ideas only possess a meaningful power when they manifest in our behavior. Ideas and the growth mindset form the framework of real, lasting change, and it is disciplined actions which solidify it. To not allow your ideas to become theoretical, and to ACT on them daily, that creates the opportunity for real change. What distinguishes truly successful individuals from others is not merely the power of their mindset, but the commitment and continuous choice they make to ACT on their beliefs. Today is your day! Make it count. Your future self will thank you.
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