Do Not Blame Others for Your Own Shortcomings

Current research suggests those individuals with a results-focused mindset are happier than those who choose to blame others for their shortcomings. If you have a fixed mindset about making changes in your life, you probably have a fixed notion about how success comes from talent or luck, rather than perseverance. People who adopt a growth mindset behave less aggressively and more pro-socially due to the impact that change has on a broad range of personal behaviors. Educator and therapist Brandon Trean commented, "It would seem quite difficult to achieve a level of physical health when our mental landscape is so full of weeds."

No matter where you are in life or where you came from, you have the ability to set goals and achieve them. Review the tips listed below for concepts that make a difference:

• Mindset Matters - Stop trying to connect your self-worth to concepts of a fixed mindset. Eliminate self-doubt and focus your time and energy on positive concepts for individual growth.
• Believe Change is Possible - It is not enough simply to create an action plan, because you only grow when you take an action. Remember, it is just a thought until you decide to do something about it.
• Now is the Time to Change - Change is inevitable, but simply talking about it will not help you manage your mental hurdles. Use your time to work on your own development and learn to embrace change in a positive way.
• Start with Very Attainable Goals - Always focus on the present and don't get overwhelmed with negative thoughts. Challenge yourself to see the positive side of things that you want to accomplish.
• It's Time to Flip the Switch - Don't allow the up-coming events in your day hold you back. Instead, think positively and control what you choose to think and feel. Success depends on your disposition.
• Invest in the New You - To invest in yourself, replace your overly negative thoughts with more realistic statements that will inspire you to take positive actions and create the life you want.

If you decide to change your way of thinking, it is time to make your self-talk work for you instead of against you. Negative self-talk will not work. Over justification occurs when you view your behavior as caused by the situation and discount the extent to which your own interest influenced your decisions. Racing through your life will invariably cause you to miss many incredible moments along the way. So, reject goals that involve chasing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. When you are working hard to develop a growth mindset, be honest with yourself. Whitewashing your doubts with positive affirmations is a temporary fix, at best.