In the world of personal development, one word has gained almost mythical status: 'mindset'.
The idea that we can change how we think - and therefore our life - is deeply seductive. It's everywhere, from classrooms and boardrooms to the darkest corners of social media.
But are we examining it critically enough?
Here are some popular usages:
Positive Mindset
Growth Mindset
Abundance Mindset
Empowerment Mindset
Mindfulness or Zen Mindset
Warrior Mindset
Stoic Mindset
The Self-Care Mindset
Disruptive Mindset
The Adversity or Hardship Growth Mindset
Now let's ask some critical questions:
1. How do we know these mindsets actually work? What's the evidence?
2. Is there a risk of victim blaming if success is attributed solely to mindset?
3. Do these mindsets oversimplify complex human psychology and behaviour?
4. Are there cultural biases inherent in any of these mindset theories?
5. Do these mindsets promote authentic self-development, or do they risk promoting a form of self-alienation? Could they actually be harmful?
I know most professional coaches ask these questions because accredited training providers instil these values and critical thinking (I trained with UKCPD, and in philosophy).
The 'growth mindset' framework has been personally effective for me - and anyone who knows me will attest that I have special place in my heart for Stoicism.
But is there a one-size-fits-all?
No.
Client first. Always the client.
Where did the concept, ‘mindset, come from? In the early 1900s, psychologists like William James discussed the importance of habits of mind. The term 'mindset' gained popularity in the 1970s with work on cognitive psychology.
But the roots go way back, to the Socratic maxim to “Know thyself” and the Stoic and Buddhist teachings which emphasized the importance of mental attitudes.
However, it was Carol Dweck's research in the 1980s and her 2006 book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" that catapulted the word ‘mindset’ into mainstream consciousness.
I don’t doubt that millions of people have benefited from greater mindset awareness. I’m one of them!
But are we asking enough questions about potential harm due to misappropriation?
Let’s look specifically at social media influencers.
There are a number of individuals on platforms like Tik Tok or YouTube Shorts who loudly promote extreme versions of "mindset coaching".
These aren't qualified coaches but influencers who've latched onto the concept.
They shout their messages so loudly and repeatedly that eventually huge numbers of people believe them. This can be particularly harmful, as these influencers often lack the training, ethics, and accountability of professional coaches.
I argue that their tactics and the devotion they inspire in followers can sometimes resemble cult-like behaviour, hidden in plain sight under the guise of self-improvement.
They are always accompanied with powerful, emotive stories of how I went from x to y, and therefore so can you if you do exactly what I say (classic cult-speak).
Please, let's pause and think critically.
Just because it worked for him or her, will it work for me?
Will it work for them – the people we're hitting the ‘share’ button with? For our friends and family?
Who is shouting directly into the ears of your family member behind their closed bedroom door right now, telling them they have a ‘loser mindset' and need to 'suffer' to experience ‘success’?
The impact can be severe, potentially leading to mental health crises, especially among young people who may be more vulnerable to these extreme messages.
The one ‘mindset’ I would encourage most is the ‘Stay Curious and Ask Questions’ mindset.
Or, if you prefer, a ‘Smell the Bullshit’.
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