“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment,” writes Carol Dweck.
Earlier this week I presented Vital Signs of Well-Being and Oasis in the Overwhelm at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting. This year they had an Experiential Learning program in a Health and Wellness area. My first presentation went well, though there were few participants. This was my first time presenting in an international setting and I was a bit nervous and distracted. There was realistic room for making some changes to enhance the impact. While I know that improvements are realistic, especially after a debut type experience, I would prefer to have been ‘great’ even at this presentation.
After my presentation, I stayed for the next one. This one included statistical graphs and functional MRI images of the brain with the discussion of mindfulness meditation. When I left, I found myself engaging in “social comparison.” This proved to be what it almost always is, a way to rob me of any sense of joy or success. While there are things I can learn based on the way the presentation was done, instead I got caught up in thinking ‘I did not present enough scientific evidence and I didn’t …. I should have done it …’ I got a sinking and shrinking feeling of wanting to hide.
I do believe in the power of progress through practice and am willing to work at things, and yet there is still a part of me that can fall prey to the nagging thoughts like “It comes hard for me; is it worth it?” The kinds of thoughts that make me want to play small and not take risks.
So how did I recover? What did I do so that I was able to go back the next day and present with a clear head and positive attitude?
- What Went Well? (3 Ws)– I engaged with participants, I conveyed worthwhile ideas and practices, I was courageous.
- What is a change I can make to improve my next talk in this setting? Include references more
- Look back through old emails or other resources and recall positive comments that other people have said. Then I took these on as a focus for how I wanted to be and what I wanted to integrate into my talk.
The Oasis talk went more smoothly, and perhaps I also had more realistic expectations.
Change is challenging and going from the safety of the way things are, even if they aren’t comfortable takes courage. With a growth mindset, knowing that with dedicated practice “great accomplishments” are possible, can help you too.
To grow into your life of well-being, contact me.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683), Well-Being Coach
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“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” Frank Herbert
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