Busting Through Our Limitations with a Growth Mindset

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My latest guest on the Spiritual Warriors Unite podcast was Jeremy Couch.  Jeremy is the Executive Director and Assistant Professor of Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a premier Christian university in Central Florida.  He is also a speaker, podcaster, leadership blogger and coach.  We discussed what it means to have a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.  Jeremy also shares some of his favorite books on spiritual and personal development and how we can always be learning and growing.  If you missed the podcast you can listen here.  Here are some of the highlights. 

Jeremy’s Scripture of Choice

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

FIXED MINDSET VS. GROWTH MINDSET

A fixed mindset is a limited mindset.  It’s when you don’t think you can improve your intelligence and your skills.   You think this is how I am born and this is who I am.  When you have a fixed mind set you don’t want to be challenged.  This type of person usually doesn’t like feedback.   A person with a fixed mind set ultimately has a very self-limiting belief about themselves. 

On the other hand a person with a growth mind set is defined by opportunity.   They feel like they can absolutely improve their intelligence and skills.   They embrace challenges and are always willing to put in an extra effort.  They welcome feedback because they know they can improve.   They are lifelong learners and get very comfortable being uncomfortable.    At their core they are humble.  It means they don’t have all of the answers and they are OK with that. 

TOP FOUR RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Circle Maker by Mark Batterson:  This book is about the power of intentional prayer and developing the perspective that God can do the impossible. 

Dare to Serve by Cheryl Bachelder:  This book is about servant leadership. 

Leadership and Self-Deception:  Getting out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute:  This book’s central insight states that the key to leadership lies not in what we do but in who we are.  It has powerful implications in organizational leadership and also in our personal lives as well. 

Soul Keeping by John Ortberg:  This book is all about taking care of our soul.  It’s the difference between deep, satisfied spirituality and a restless, dispassionate faith. 

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

A statistic Jeremy cited was that approximately 30 million people have gone to college and never finished their degree.   There are three key things to keep in mind when considering going back to complete your college degree.

  1. It’s very doable, but it’s not easy.

  2. First you have to know your why.  Know your purpose behind getting your degree.  Ask yourself this question, “What is God calling you to do and how will this degree move you towards your purpose?” 

  3. It’s all about the experience and personal growth that comes along with it.  

Having a growth mindset can lead to unlimited opportunities.  Learning and growing is the best way to always stay passionate about life.  When we challenge ourselves in new ways it keeps our fire burning inside. 

In today’s world of technology there is no shortage of ways to learn from podcasts, online courses, audiobooks and just good old fashioned reading.  The key is to be intentional about our learning and to be consistent.  Fifteen to twenty minutes a day of personal growth and development goes a long ways. 

ON A MISSION

I am on a mission to build a movement of men who are willing to go on this journey with me of becoming a Spiritual Warrior.  My vision is to impact one million men’s lives through this tribe of Spiritual Warriors.  The journey to one million men starts with one.  Will you be that one who is willing to take a chance on yourself so you can live the life of your dreams?  So you can live a life of purpose feeling fully alive. 

The first step to being part of this community is to sign up for my Spiritual Warriors Unite Newsletter and becoming a part of our Spiritual Warriors Unite Facebook group.

One thing we must never forget that what is done for ourselves will quickly be forgotten, but what we do for others will be remembered for eternity.  The choice is yours.

Troy Ismir, MS

Speaker, Author, Podcaster and Spiritual Warrior Coach

facebook.com/groups/spiritualwarriorsunite/

 


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