FEBRUARY 21, 2024
What salad and affirmations have in common
I see so much bad advice about mindset.
(Granted, that may be because – thanks to @themindfriend – I spend quite a bit of time on Instagram, and specifically in the mindset / psychology / business corner of the algorithm. But that’s beside the point.)
I've noticed a tendency to oversimplify mindset work to repeating affirmations, good vibes, and telling yourself “you got this”.
To be clear, I’m not here to bring down affirmations.
They can be valuable tools to help you shift how you think about and speak to yourself.
BUT they keep you operating at the surface level without understanding the underlying thought patterns & beliefs that feed your mindset in the first place.
That’s like trying to clean up your diet by adding in a few salad leaves while you’re still eating burgers and fries for every meal.
Will it make you a little bit healthier? Sure, there are some nutrients in there.
But it won’t transform you, because you’re still regularly feeding the beast.
And that’s exactly how you remain in the same cycle of self-doubt and self-sabotage.
Upgrade your mindset with deeper exploration
If you want sustained growth and genuine mental transformation, you actually have to focus on these:
1. Unravel deep-seated cognitive biases
We all like to think we're unbiased. Yet, we're all inherently biased.
Accepting and understanding your hidden biases helps you see the world more objectively.
For example, the Dunning-Kruger effect might lead you to underestimate your abilities in areas where you're actually competent.
Recognizing this – and any other – bias can help you embrace your strengths and approach challenges with more confidence.
2. Understand your thinking traps
Identifying mental traps is crucial for breaking free from negative thought patterns.
Without this awareness, it's easy to fall into cycles of self-doubt and rumination that stifle progress.
For example, you might think that one failed product launch means your entire business is doomed (a thinking trap called Catastrophizing). By challenging this thought and focusing on what you learned from the experience, you can develop resilience and a more balanced perspective on setbacks.
3. Break free from limiting beliefs
My friend, if there's one thing to understand, it's this: you will find evidence for what you believe.
If you believe that humans are terrible, you can find plenty of evidence for that. If you believe humans are good, you can equally find evidence for that.
That's why challenging and replacing limiting beliefs is essential for unlocking your potential. For example, you might believe you're not a "natural" at sales, and find plenty of evidence for that. But by examining and shifting this belief, you can free yourself up to develop the skills and confidence needed for effective selling.
4. Leverage your inherent values and strengths
This one might surprise you because the connection to mindset doesn't seem so straightforward.
But aligning your actions with your core values is crucial for a strong mindset – because a discrepancy leads to so much internal conflict. For instance, if one of your core values is integrity, but you find yourself tempted to use misleading marketing tactics, this will erode your self-confidence.
By staying true to your values, you maintain a sense of integrity and self-respect, which reinforces a positive mindset spiral.
Relying on affirmations leaves you vulnerable to the deeper patterns that hold you back.
And this cycle continues because these patterns are often unconscious and tend to self-perpetuate, solidifying over time, and anchoring you deeper into a mindset rut.
Yes, unraveling those thought patterns and cycles is more difficult than blindly repeating positive affirmations.
But it is also far more effective.
I believe in this foundation so much that I put together a free worksheet for you. It contains 12 of the most common thinking traps along with guidance to begin tackling them. You can grab it here.
A warning: addressing these thinking traps isn’t as cute as repeating beautiful affirmations.
Sometimes the work just isn’t cute.
But I want to encourage you to ask yourself: what’s on the other side of your resistance?
Your mindset, what you believe, the stories you tell yourself, your thoughts – they all influence your perception, your behaviors and ultimately, your outcomes.
Your mindset may not be changed by a few affirmations, but it is the foundation for everything.
Rooting for you,
Charlotte
P.S. If you're looking to start your own business, but are stuck in your own head, I have a new free workbook to help you through the 3 biggest mental barriers holding you back. Grab it here.
And whenever you’re ready, here's how I can support you:
1. Book a VIP Week. In record time, we’ll uncover your unique barriers and get you light-years ahead. No fluff, just real, personalized guidance tailored for you. Click here to learn more.
2. If you’re a busy founder looking for more success and sanity in 2024, join me for 1:1 business coaching. Working with me isn't just about scaling your business or brand, it's about scaling you. I’ve helped countless clients navigate their entrepreneurial path with clarity, ease and confidence. Don't settle for the hustle-norm, and redefine success with balance at its heart. Apply here.
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Hi, I'm Charlotte. I help ambitious women start and grow online businesses that aren't just successful, but also provide joy and freedom.
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