One of my passions is reading. Reading settles my mind to sleep at night and wakes it up every morning. I can fly through most books in a week and sometimes it’s hard to keep enough books available in the queue. So, when this happens, I’ll visit my library and re-read some classics.
This weekend, I cracked open the book “Mindset” by Dr. Carol Dweck. I remember reading this book about five years ago, and it fundamentally changed my way of thinking. That book proved to me that I was no longer a victim to life and that it was my mindset that was victimizing me, not anybody or anything else.
As I settled in for the night to dig into this classic book, I wasn’t even two chapters into it when I realized the source of many of my recent troubles. I’ve somehow slipped back into a fixed mindset.
For a high level, but very good description of Dr Carol Dweck’s theory on fixed versus growth mindset, please watch the video below:
The Reason for This Blog
The most magnificent reflections in my life come to me when I work out. There are all kinds of science behind why your mind opens up when you’re in beast mode. It’s the reason why many people become addicted to body movement in the first place -myself included.
Before each workout, I set an intention to learn something about my life and world. And then, I record it on this blog to encapsulate my thoughts and then share them with you.
What Was My Intention?
The intention of this workout is to begin the climb back onto a growth mindset. It amazes me how we can slip back into bad habits and not even realize it.
How Did I Feel Before?
I’m feeling a little tired, but that is due to some questionable food choices and having a little too much to drink on Saturday night. Mentally, I feel open. I’ll be honest though, I’m not in the mood to exercise.
What Did I Do?
- Treadmill: Ran a 5k at a 4:34 min/k pace.
- StairMaster: Walked up 100 floors (1,600 steps).
- Ab set on the mat.
How Do I Feel After?
I feel awesome. Sometimes I am in awe at how exercising can sometimes give you energy rather than take it from you.
What Did I Learn?
I’m relieved to have figured out why I wasn’t feeling myself the past few weeks and possibly months. I am enlightened to have the self-awareness to catch it. This enlightenment tells me that I haven’t strayed completely away from my growth mindset. I just have to make an adjustment.