Do We Need A 'MENTAL SHIFT'?

 

Do we need a MENTAL SHIFT? OR put it this way, WHEN do we need a MENTAL SHIFT?  BUT before we delve into it, let's have a quick alignment.  MENTAL SHIFT is typically understood as that significant change in HOW we, as an individual, perceives the world, approaches challenges and embraces opportunities.  It involves NOT just adopting new ideas BUT also even rewiring our own perspectives [WHICH sometimes can swing like a pendulum from one end to the other extreme end].  And it involves NOT just adopting new ideas, BUT also even 'unlearning' beliefs that seem to be outdated and instead, embracing the future with unqualified curiosity and openess📗📙📘

Our common problem is that we as humans are so heavily conditioned to favor outcomes over process.  WHEN we prepare for a competition, it's all about the ultimate plum, the prize, the reward at the end of it.  And WHEN we get involved in a pursuit OR project, it's all about its successful implementation.  Whew, been there gazillion times, CAN'T deny it.  WHEN we work hard, it's all about getting that promotion.  BUT here's the thing.  The outcome is just a small fraction of the time we spend on completing the task!!!

NOT surprisingly, researches show that about 95% OR more of the time, we seem to be engaged in the process of getting OR achieving that outcome we are so focused and obsessed.  True, in the business world, this is all that matters.  BUT these same researches tell us that having an OUTCOME-focused mindset in our personal lives can have a NEGATIVE effect on our well-being.  And WHEN we subconsciously focus on the end result, we might likely sacrifice the pleasure we could have enjoyed along the way because we tend to focus only on those fleeting moments of achievement right at the end📌📌📌

NOW, the challenge is for us to shift our focus.  IF we shift our mindset to focus on the process, rather than just the achievement itself, we can find enjoyment in almost many of our everyday activities.  Experts tell us that a process-focus is more applicable than WHAT we might expect for our daily routine.  LIKE driving in traffic.  The outcome is for us to get to our destination.  And it's easy to see HOW an outcome focus here can eventually lead to frustrations due to delays [and God knows, road rages happen in traffic gridlock WHEN almost everyone's patience gets pushed to the limits💚💛💜

Our takeaway:  The key here is for us to be able to recognize WHEN a process of an outcome focus is more appropriate.  LIKE if we have deadlines to meet, let's keep an open mind.  LIKE if you're planning to have lunch with a friend, let us focus on the process because by switching between focuses depending on the situation, experts are telling us that by doing so, we can make the most of every moment.  So, let's not shy off if that 'MENTAL SHIFT' will be worth it after all😄😄😄