Mindset: 3 Basic Ways Make The Difference

As far as possible everyone should try to achieve a flexible way of thinking in order to be able to develop personally.

Within psychology and personality development, one speaks of three types of mindset.  These are very specific mental attitudes.

Each and every one of these attitudes includes characteristic dynamics and different thought patterns that may be more or less effective or useful.

Of course, these ways of thinking are not mutually exclusive, and in some situations you may even use all three types at the same time. But most of us have a tendency to use one of these settings more often than the others.

This also determines whether we are particularly good at solving problems effectively. Or whether our strengths are more in building relationships with others and enjoying them.

We recommend that you delve a little deeper into this interesting topic. This allows you to reflect on some aspects of your own personality. 

1. The fleeting mindset

You may have heard of the concept of ephemeral state of mind or society. Do you know the theories of the recently deceased sociologist Zygmunt Bauman?

Sociologists and philosophers like Bauman hypothesize that a large part of the behaviors, reactions, and attitudes of today’s society is a clear reflection of  a fleeting state of mind.

The main characteristics of this setting are:

• A fleeting state of mind is impermanent and devoid of any personal touch.
• Ephemeral people do not practice self-reflection. They let themselves be guided by foreign fads, the expectations of others or the needs of the moment, but they do not adhere to principles or their own values.

• You cannot use it to represent your own cause or to stand up for something.
• The control is taken over externally.
• Such people have very little creativity. Because they lack enthusiasm and, above all, commitment. 
• The relationships they form are part of the throwaway mentality. That means that today they show great interest in a person whom they leave behind shortly afterwards in order to look around for “something new”.

2. The rigid mindset

We’re sure you know someone with this kind of mindset too. These are people who are characterized by the following ways of thinking:

• They show great resistance when it comes to changing behaviors, beliefs or opinions.
• They don’t care if certain facts show them that they are wrong: people like that stick firmly to their point of view. 
• They follow ready-made and very limited behavioral patterns.
• Their ability to adapt to the environment is extremely limited. They don’t appreciate new or unexpected things.
• Everything that is strange or new appears “dangerous”.

At the same time, someone with a rigid mindset who cannot adapt to the environment and is unable to accept other opinions or perspectives suffers from the following psychological disorders:

• High levels of stress and depression
• Low tolerance for frustrations

• Unhappy interpersonal relationships
• Problems in working life

These people live in the past and believe that everything was better in the past.

3. The flexible mindset

The flexible mindset includes all the processes, attitudes and strategies that each and every one of us should integrate into everyday life.

Having a flexible mindset allows you to  adapt better to a complex environment.

As a result, you are not only more productive, but also enjoy a better quality of life. Because with a flexible attitude you can appreciate the things that everyday life has in store for you.

The following characteristics demonstrate a flexible way of thinking:

• Flexible attitudes are curious, have a great sense of humor, are creative, and enjoy trying new things.
• In addition, they have clear values ​​and their own opinions. You also open up new possibilities and accept other perspectives. You try to understand other opinions and learn from them yourself in order to develop personally.
• The interpersonal relationships of flexible people are more satisfactory. Because they know how to set limits and how to cultivate friendships, a love or important bonds.
• A flexible person rests in himself.  He feels compassion and has great empathy, he can forgive and respect everything that surrounds him.

• People with a flexible mindset know how to bring stress and nervousness under control.
• You invest in developing your personality.

How to learn to adopt a more flexible posture

• Be curious like a child. Take an interest in everything and everyone around you.
• Always maintain a critical attitude. Don’t be satisfied with one answer or one option.
• Listen, feel, touch … Use your senses to capture any kind of information.
• Act with assertiveness. Defend your interests. But respect and value the opinions of those around you.

• Don’t be afraid of change. They will give you things you need and be a lesson to you.
• Learn from your mistakes and especially practice humility.
• Always remember that your truth is not the only truth. There are an infinite number of truths that you cannot all know.
• Break away from authoritarian mindsets.
• Increase your sense of humor.
• Dare and be spontaneous.

You can learn to assess and understand yourself better in order to develop personally. Take the risk and develop more flexible mindsets. 

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