Your mindset shapes how you interpret the world. It determines what you believe about your potential and how you experience motivation. If you’ve feeling stuck, in a cycle of self-doubt, and depression, your mindset might be playing a bigger role than you realize.
There are two main types of mindsets that shape how you tackle challenges: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Understanding the difference between the two can help you shift gears and move past limiting beliefs.
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A fixed mindset believes that your abilities and talents are fixed. In this mindset, failure isn’t seen as an opportunity to grow, but instead as proof that you’ve reached your limit. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just not good at this” or “I’ll never be able to do that,” you’re experiencing a fixed mindset.
This perspective can make you feel like challenges are overwhelming, leaving you feeling suck or helpless. It also creates feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and even depression. When you don’t believe that success is possible, your brain’s reward system does not activate the dopamine production, making it even harder to find the motivation to try again.
The Growth Mindset
On the other hand, with a growth mindset, one believes that talents and abilities can be developed, within reason. In this mindset, one understands that with the right techniques and learning, you can push past your current limits. People with a growth mindset often think “I haven’t learned this yet,” or “This is just part of the process of getting better,” which helps them stay motivated.
The brain is wired to produce a bigger amount of dopamine from anticipating a reward than from actually receiving it. That is why people with a growth mindset enjoy taking on new challenges since they are receiving a dopamine hit which results in fueling their motivation.
However, even if you don’t naturally have this mindset, your brain can adapt. Your brain has neuroplasticity, meaning it can change with consistent effort. When you start believing that growth is possible, your brain starts releasing more dopamine, which makes you want to keep going.
How to Shift Gears
Luckliy, a fixed mindset isn’t permanent. Taking small, intentional shifts can help rewire your thinking to develop a growth mindset:
- Identify fixed mindset areas: Notice the instances when you say, “I can’t.” Make these moment opportunities to shift your thinking.
- Embrace failure: Setbacks are stepping stones and lessons. Learn to analyze failure and learn from it.
- Use the power of the word “yet.” Instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” say, “I can’t do this yet.” The way you talk to yourself matters.
- Focus on the journey: Remember that small progress is still progress. Learn to enjoy the journey instead of focusing on the end result.
Your mindset isn’t set in stone. If you’re feeling stuck, with some mindset practice, you can shift your perspective.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
Our team is here to provide the care, attention, and compassion you need on your healing journey. We ensure you’re in the best hands, so you can experience the full benefits of ketamine for depression. Reach out today to learn more about how ketamine could help you.
