How Mindset Traps Limit your Life Results

02 Apr How Mindset Traps Limit your Life Results

Our brain is our most powerful tool for success.  But it can also be our biggest detractor, keeping us from success.  Our brain’s main focus is to keep us safe.  That’s why we are so inclined to stay in our comfort zones.  Comforts zones are known, safe areas, so our brain tells us not to venture outside of that known, safe area.

Outside our comfort zone is unknown, so our brain then assumes unknown = unsafe.  In addition, throughout our life, we encounter impactful situations that can create additional unconscious fears within our brains.  These fears are called Mindset Traps.  These are not ‘top-of-mind’ thoughts that we have, but deep beliefs that live in our subconscious. And, most importantly, they are NOT accurate representations of our reality!

We are going to review 6 mindsets, and how they can trap you into unconscious negative thinking or negative actions.  Take your time going down the list and jot down anything that jumps out at you. Try to reflect back on the past couple of days. Can you think of situations when you slipped into one of these mindset traps?  Be kind though – identifying the traps is the first and most important step!

Remember, the following mindsets are common – and many people struggle with them daily (even extremely successful people).

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1. Fixed Mindset

The Fixed Mindset is all about the unwillingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. It’s kind of like living in a bubble. Anything you want to accomplish or create is framed by what you’re familiar with – what is in sight and what you already know.  Your life and wealth vision will be constrained with little room to expand.  This really was me until about 6 months ago!  I was all about staying in my comfort zone and getting me out took a stick of metaphorical dynamite!

Do you have a fixed mindset?  Think about this, when you come across a roadblock, or situation that you don’t understand, how do you usually respond? Are you hesitant, do you stop and back track?  Or do you try to learn more about the roadblock to search for a way through? Work to get comfortable with change.  Adopt a mindset motivation to train your brain that new does not equal unsafe!

2. Limiting Beliefs

Everybody has limiting Beliefs or at least moments of this mind trap. I’m talking about the times you say or think things like “I can’t…” or “I’ll never be…“. People with this mindset trap mistake things that require extra effort or risk as impossible.

It stems from a fear of failure and a lack of self-confidence. Instead of stepping up and facing a challenge, these people just shut down. Do you find yourself saying or thinking Limiting Thoughts? Sometimes it can be difficult to see it in yourself. But here are some very common examples:

-I can’t do X

-It can’t be easy because X

-I’m not worthy

-I could never make it work

If a situation makes you say any of those phrases, just pause and take a deep breath.  I’m sure you’ll find that most often those thoughts and labels don’t hold up.  Allow yourself time to look for proof as to why the phrase isn’t true. This will empower you to defeat this mindset trap and overcome future situations easily!

3. Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is an extremely common phenomenon that affects people in all sorts of positions, both men and women alike. In short, it’s that deep feeling you get when you’re insecure about your ability. You feel as if you’re not intelligent/experienced/able (etc.) enough to be doing what you’re doing.

As a result of Imposter Syndrome you may find yourself demotivated or reluctant to show yourself to the world. You’ll feel timid and you will lack the authority that we really need to have an impact.  Practice self-love and feel confident that what you do matters. Give yourself credit when it’s due. 

4. Perfectionism

Perfectionism is one of those things that, at a quick glance, sort of looks like a positive attribute. Only good things can come from obsessing over the tiny details and putting forth nothing short of your best work…right?  Wrong!!  Perfectionism is just a way of sugarcoating procrastination.

The answer is to adopt a healthy relationship with mistakes and errors. Accept that perfection is an unrealistic goal, and that you don’t know everything.  Get comfortable with feedback, positive and negative.  Of course we love the positive feedback, but you also have to get comfortable with negative feedback.  Feedback and team collaboration allows you to get ideas on how to learn and improve.  Progress beats perfectionism every time.

5. Employee Mindset

The name Employee Mindset needs to be understood in contrast to its opposite, which is the Entrepreneurial Mindset. It’s not meant to pick on all of the employees out there! This mindset can also be thought of as a follower/leader comparison.

There is a definite comfort in following the rules/ the norms/ the herd. Following the rules/norms/herd is safe so your brain will keep you in the employee mindset indefinitely!  You’ve been told all your life, get a job, work hard and you’ll succeed.  But nobody defines or quantifies the word succeed.  Most people “succeed” by living paycheck to paycheck and just surviving life, not truly living life.  So success by the Employee Mindset thinking, is just not being homeless. 

Remember, by doing and thinking as most people do, you need to expect the results that most people get. I don’t know about you, but words like ‘average’, or ‘normal’, or ‘the usual’, don’t get me excited when talking about my life and work!  Very few (if any) self-made successful people achieved their success without stepping taking the path less traveled.

6. Scarcity Mindset

Scarcity Mindset is all about the feeling of not having enough. So much of our life revolves around money.  As a result of money’s importance, we have developed a variety of good and bad relationships with it. We must cultivate a healthy and positive relationship with money. 

One thing we can do is practice an Abundant money mindset. Be deliberate, but generous on how and where you spend your money. And know that money is simply a tool and a neutral, unlimited resource – it doesn’t define who we are.

Don’t forget to invest in yourself! You are your biggest asset.  So, whether it’s education or anything that’s going to make you stronger in the long run, there is no greater use of your money! It’s an investment, not a cost.

Final Thoughts

Our subconscious mind is all about safety and survival. It prioritizes our safety, not our growth and prosperity. All of the Mindset Traps we just discussed live in your subconscious and not in the real world! Identifying your own Mindset Traps is the first step to getting beyond them.  Write down examples throughout the day. Reflect on them and dissect them.

These 6 mindsets only serve to hold you back from reaching your full life potential.  You have the power to change your life!  Identify your Mindset Traps and develop a mindset for success.  Be strong, be open to change, and take the path less traveled to achieve your true maximum life potential. 

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