“It is what it is” how many times have you heard this phrase or maybe even found yourself saying it? According to a recent article from Psychology Today, this is a sign of a set mind. “This expression does not foresee an alternative to the current situation,” writes Bruce Wilson, Ph.D. But I suppose the alarming detail is that “this reinforces procrastination and settling for less than what may be possible.”
In this recent article titled “Do You Have a “Set Mind” or a “Mindset”?” Bruce Wilson, Ph.D., indicates, “the set mind evolves into an increasingly unadaptable and intolerant attitude, which reinforces the status quo and resists change.” Therefore, if you have a set mind, you will not be able to see the possibilities when faced with giants and dragons. Furthermore, any little grey cloud can seem like a storm because of the inability to see beyond the current moment or consider that a bright, beautiful sun exists behind the grey clouds.
But if a set mind can be limiting and cause stagnation, what differs between a set mind and a mindset? Dr. Wilson indicates that “similar to a set mind, a mindset is fixed but with the potential to change into a growth experience based on one’s experiences. Without the limiting factors of a set mind, a mindset can be adaptable and labile, which permits new perspectives and the ability to change.” So often, we wish to grow but are unwilling to embrace change; instead, we want to not to “rock the boat” and embrace the status quo, yet a mindset is willing to embrace the possibilities of something beyond the current state of affairs; in other words, this too shall pass.
Complacency suffocates growth 100% of the time and is a byproduct of a set mind. Inconsistency stifles growth 100% of the time. It is also linked to having a set mind, which leads to procrastination. And if we fail to rethink, honestly examine ourselves, and reflect, we will not be able to shift direction and witness genuine progress in our lives or those we lead. “The fear of change is conquered by facing one’s fear, which expands rather than limits one’s experiences.”
“It is what it is” is a statement we ought not to embrace; after all, doing so is believing there is no possible solution for the current circumstances. “Neuroplasticity has revealed that brain messages can be reprogrammed. Most of our old messages are brain tapes or outdated memories that no longer apply to the present.” What if you decided this is my year? Then the messages you are replaying would have to stop, and a new message would cause a new way of thinking. You can always move from a set mind to a mindset that allows you to grow in a never before experience way. Mae C. Jemison famously said, “greatness can be captured in one word: lifestyle. Life is God’s gift to you, style is what you make of it.”
Let’s be honest; saying goodbye is challenging for various reasons. One reason is that we’ve gotten attached. You’ve gotten attached to the limiting mindset, to believing “it is what it is,” and to be afraid to “rock the boat.” But if you allow fear to lead your life, you will never live life. Fear is a liar and will rob you of any possibility of living a fulfilled life. Furthermore, saying goodbye means acknowledging that something greater is ahead.
References:
Wilson, B. (2023, February 22). Do You Have a "Set Mind" or a "Mindset"?
Retrieved from https://www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/explorations-in-positive-psychology/202302/do-you-have-a-set-mind-or-a-mindset?amp=&_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIKAGwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16772356
Lebron, M. (2021, February 23). Becoming Limitless
Retrieved from https://www.miguellebron.com/becoming-limitless
Lebron, M. (2021, July 6). Change Vs. Transformation
Retrieved from https://www.miguellebron.com/change-vs-transformation
Lebron, M. (2022, February 10). Why Is Saying Goodbye Difficult?
Retrieved from https://www.miguellebron.com/why-is-saying-goodbye-difficult