The word “mindset” is not new to most people but for some reason, they tend to relegate the real meaning of the word.
In this post, we will discuss this topic and also share some scholarly views which will enable the concept to sink deep.
What is Mindset?
“Mindset is a particular way of thinking: a person’s attitude or set of opinions about something.
Merriam-Webster
It is a mental attitude or inclination. It is a fixed state of mind“
Another English dictionary added: “especially a habitual one”. That is having a habitual way of thinking or opinion.
In the same vein, other English dictionaries, give a similar view of mindset.
From all these views, one can settle that mindset is a way of thinking. Since it is a way, it is a habit. You tend to behave the way you behave because of the collection of your thoughts and beliefs.
With this, one can strike that behavior/attitude and mindset are interwoven. Let us examine the three.
Attitude, Belief, and Mindset
According to Oxford Dictionary,
“An attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.”
Merriam-Webster also defines it as “a feeling or way of thinking that affects a person’s behavior”.
Attitude is our way of expression to show our approval or disapproval of things. It’s also how we think and it affects the way we act. According to researches, there are three components of an attitude.
- The cognitive component deals with a person’s thought and belief about a thing.
- The affective component deals with how a person feels about something.
- The behavioral component deals with how a person’s attitude affects behavior.
Attitude is a feeling regarding a subject or thing. A person’s mindset creates his/her attitude while his/her attitude supports his/her mindset.
Belief
“Belief is a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.”
Merriam-Webster
Once you show a feeling of certainty about something, then you are exhibiting a belief (Tony Robbins).
We can conclude that your beliefs form your mindset, your beliefs also form your attitude and your attitude forms your beliefs.
In conclusion, I will say that this is a snippet of the full course at BizSkills Academy. You can preview the courses here while I prepare to bring you another snippet on “Fixed and Growth Mindset”.