Attitude and mindset are essential components to a sales professional’s success. It can get you ahead or become a hindrance depending on how you view the world, but the good news is a mindset can change. Of course, it’s entirely up to you!
Carol S. Dweck, a top researcher on personality and psychology, has compiled insights and anecdotes on this subject in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Her findings distinguish two types of people in the field: those with “fixed” or “growth” mindsets. Both can result in success, but have vastly different experiences when it comes to obstacles and setbacks. Those who have “fixed” mindsets are self-reliant but tend to place all of the focus and pressure upon themselves to be perfect. In contrast those with “growth” mindsets tend to thrive in the long run, remaining open in spite of their mistakes and willing to learn.
Which mindset do you currently have concerning your life? If you’re looking into changing or reaffirming your views, this is one for the reading list.
Here is the summary from Amazon:
“The updated edition of the book that has changed millions of lives with its insights into the growth mindset.
“After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset—those who believe that abilities are fixed—are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset—those who believe that abilities can be developed. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment.
“In this edition, Dweck offers new insights into her now famous and broadly embraced concept. She introduces a phenomenon she calls false growth mindset and guides people toward adopting a deeper, truer growth mindset. She also expands the mindset concept beyond the individual, applying it to the cultures of groups and organizations. With the right mindset, you can motivate those you lead, teach, and love—to transform their lives and your own.”
