3 Steps to Change Your Mindset and Way of Thinking

When was the last time you were bored? I bet it wasn't long ago, and I'll explain in a moment why that's a sign that you have a bad mindset.

In the past, I always looked to others for answers. Teachers used to instruct us on what to do every day when we were young, and the same system—where one person always tells a group of people what to do—is still in place in elementary school, high school, college, and university now.

The educational system teaches us to be passive and submissive, and once we leave school and enter the workforce, nothing really changes. For example, when I started my first job, I followed my boss's instructions, and when I co-founded my first business with my father, I constantly sought his advice.

Perhaps you now believe that it is a matter of experience, as this is the notion that is most likely to make us believe that we only receive orders when we are young and begin issuing them when we are old. Due to its negativity and inefficiency, this mindset is almost the worst one a person can have. To advance the profession in which we work, it is much more advantageous to adopt and put into practice an active and efficient mindset.

I'll share with you a three-step process that I used to completely change my mindset with the hope that you will use it as well to learn the difference between an active mindset and a passive mindset and how to develop an active mindset for ourselves.

3 Steps to Change Your Mindset and Way of Thinking

1. Admit That A Negative Mindset Is Bad

When I talk about boredom, I don't mean it in a good way, because good boredom is when the best and most important ideas come to us while we are completely relaxed and not distracted by anything at all. For our article, I am talking about how we feel bored in such a negative and detrimental way that we have no idea what to do with our lives. If you know that feeling, you will understand that it is a feeling of being lost and aimless in life.

We all lack some degree of knowledge about what we are doing, but the difference is that when you are constantly bored with your life, you are not even attempting to figure it out. Those who don't try are losers because life is interesting and amazing, but you must attempt to experience it and uncover its magnificence.

It's unfortunate that you can't gather your courage; you can't live your life as a bystander who doesn't care about anything. Eventually, you'll have to take charge of your life and decide where you're going. This is the difference between people with an active, positive mindset who take charge of their destiny and those with a passive mindset who let others lead and decide for them.

2. Commit to Learning

In his book On The Shortness Of Life, the Stoic philosopher Lucius Seneca described this step in the best possible terms, writing: "If you make an effort and devote yourself to study, you will avoid all the boredom that exists in life; you will not long to see the night because you will be tired of the daylight; you will not be a burden to others, and others will not see you as a useless person; most people will be drawn to become your friends; and you will also find the best people crowding around to accompany you."

This is why I think that the active mentality has nothing to do with experience at all, as I know that most new trainees are more inquisitive and curious than the majority of managers. However, a person's age or life experiences have no bearing on having an active mentality. For instance, the insurance consultant with whom I work, who has reached the age of sixty, still possesses the curiosity of the newest trainees and is enthusiastic about any topic that he discusses.

A few days ago, I visited a printing company with my brother, whose owner is one of the third generation of his family to run the business after his father retired years ago. We took a full tour of his company to see the old printer machines they were using and others. My brother and I were really interested in the printer machine developed by the German inventor "Johannes Guteenberg," as it's the greatest invention in the history of human development because we would not have reached the level of development and progress that we have today without the books that these machines printed, which I find amazing.

The company's owner stated, "I have never met anyone who actually asked me about how to print our books, magazines, publications, etc." Most people do not commit to learning, so we find most of them always feel bored, and this should not be surprising to you at this time.

3. Increase the Value

Applying the second step we discussed will make it simple for you to add value because when you are curious and ask lots of questions, you will learn, which will lead to an increase in your knowledge and ideas. This approach asserts that you can use your ideas to improve your life, your career, your business, and other fields, but this does not entail that you should crudely impart your opinions and advice to everyone.

Having a good idea or a piece of wise advice does not imply that you should share it with others, because people feel insulted quickly, their feelings may be hurt, and they may become angry because they see your advice as a directed criticism.

In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, author Dale Carnegie writes in depth and adequately about this subject. When attempting to improve or increase the value of something, you must be wise and accurate, and Carnegie highlights the following points in his book:

• Do not criticize or judge others, and avoid complaining and grumbling.
• Express sincere and genuine gratitude and appreciation for others.
• It is better to let someone come to their own realization than to attempt to persuade or awaken their yearnings and strong impulses, or to force them to comprehend or act.

Active or Positive Mindsets Relate to Attitudes and Actions

I occasionally receive emails from people telling me that I need to make changes to my blog.  For instance, someone once criticized the length of the articles I wrote, and apparently they had never read any of Carnegie's books or writings.

More science and knowledge won't help you if you want to adopt or maintain a positive, active mindset; only your attitudes and actions will. These thoughts are common sense to people with a passive mindset, and they have a tendency to assume they really know things, but as we are all aware, a positive mindset is more closely related to your actions than to your knowledge.

In Conclusion

The most crucial factor is our commitment to learning. If you are steadfast and work hard to help the people you truly want to assist throughout your life and business, you will never get bored. Additionally, you will keep growing and progressing.

It should be noted that the progress you make in your life is a sure sign that you have a positive mindset, no matter how simple it is.