Mindset Monday: Go from Frustrated to Fascinated

I'm about to use an f-word. Well, actually, at least two.

On this Mindset Monday, I want to set you up to practice an elite, growth mindset for lawyers. Mindset is all about perspective, and how you see yourself, your situation, and the world. And perspective is fully within your control.

A fixed mindset views the world from a deterministic perspective--intelligence is static and potential is limited. A growth mindset, however, believes in a more dynamic life path, one where you can grow and change over time. When you hold this elite mindset, you embrace the fact that intelligence and potential can be expanded. You believe that challenges become stepping stones, not roadblocks.

This is what every elite, champion athlete knows to be true. No one, even the extraordinarily physically gifted, emerges from the womb a champion. The magic is in the learning from imperfection, and the relentless practice to improve.

So, when you encounter challenges this week (or any week), practice like an elite athlete. And here come the f-words, straight from the incomparable Jim Rohn.

Be fascinated instead of frustrated.

Flip your perspective when opposing counsel refuses to agree to your eminently fair offer, or that motion gets denied, or that business leader fails to loop you in to deal negotiations until key legal terms have already been mishandled. It's easy to be frustrated and see the end of the road.

Don't be satisfied with a breakdown. You have the opportunity to give yourself a breakthrough moment instead.

Practice mental discipline and make the productive choice to become fascinated by the opportunity you've just been handed to learn and improve.

Get super curious about what unknown facts, beliefs, or constraints out of your control may have impacted the outcome. And perhaps most critically for your own growth, be fascinated by how or which ones of your own beliefs, actions, or execution may have stymied your immediately desired result this time.

Then figure out how to practice better, with diligent determination, to improve the chance you get the result you intended the next time--to win the next stage of your legal or business battle. That's right--I'm telling you to go f-ascinate yourself this week.

Flip that red or yellow light to Green and get after it! You've got this.