The Mind You Live In: Unpacking Mindsets and Thinking Styles

That viral image contrasting a "closed mind" with a "curious mind" in Justin Wright's blog struck a major chord recently. Thanks to our collaboration with Stephen Beller, A Clinical Psychologist and Social Entrepreneur, I am learning a lot about the theory of mind that we are not fully aware of. I would like to share what I have learnt so far.

It vividly illustrated how our self-talk and inner narratives can either trap us in rigid, limiting mindsets or open doors to growth and possibility.

The resonance it generated speaks volumes about our deep, collective desire to overcome mental blind spots and cultivate psychologically liberating perspectives in our lives and careers.

But what exactly are mindsets? And how do they inter-relate with our thinking styles? Unpacking these concepts can empower us to take charge of the invisible forces shaping our realities.

Mindsets are the lens through which we interpret the world around us. They represent the core beliefs, attitudes and assumptions that frame how we perceive challenges, setbacks and opportunities. 

Mindsets broadly fall into two categories - adaptive and maladaptive. Adaptive mindsets like a growth mindset, abundance mindset and optimistic mindset orient us towards learning, resilience and possibility. Conversely, maladaptive mindsets such as a fixed mindset, scarcity mindset and pessimistic mindset can limit our perspective and potential.

While mindsets govern our overarching worldview, thinking styles refer to the habitual cognitive strategies we rely on to process information and solve problems. Do we tend towards analytical thinking, divergent thinking, systematic approaches or going with our gut instincts?

The two are intricately linked - our mindsets act as filters that reinforce particular thinking patterns over others. For instance, a closed, binary mindset is more likely to funnel us into rigid, analytical thinking loops. Whereas a curious, open mindset cultivates cognitive flexibility to integrate diverse thinking styles as needed.

This interplay underscores why simultaneously developing self-aware mindsets and diverse thinking skills is so vital, especially for navigating an increasingly complex, ambiguous world.

The good news? Mindsets and thinking styles can be shifted with committed efforts. Engaging with contrasting perspectives, practicing self-reflection, and stepping outside our mental comfort zones can re-wire ingrained habits over time.

So the next time you find yourself falling into a closed mindset spiral of self-limiting thoughts like "I'm never going to be good at this" or "What's done is done", recognize that as just one possible vantage point. You have the power to consciously reframe towards a more curious, possibility-driven inner narrative.

After all, the mind we live in today, need not confine the perspectives we can embody tomorrow. That incredible capacity for change and growth, is perhaps the most liberating mindset of all.