737. Expert Interview: How to Change Our Mindset

Ana Melikian, PhD

“Another way we like to see mindsets is like the glasses we look at the world through. We are not aware that we are wearing the glasses. We are not aware of the frames because….they become like a part of us and we forget we are wearing them.”

Ana Melikian has a PhD in psychology and is CEO of AMAZE Coaching. She is host of the Mindset Zone podcast and has an active YouTube Channel. She specializes in helping business owners implement their big vision.

How to Change Our Mindset

“Our mindset is the collection of thoughts and beliefs that shape the way we see the world. It’s like a pair of glasses, if you will, that we see the world through. We are not aware that we are wearing the glasses because we are so used to them, because they have become an integral part of us and, importantly, how we interpret our day-to-day world.”

Why Is This Important?

“To continue the glasses metaphor, most of the time we are wearing either a growth mindset type of glasses or we are wearing a fixed mindset type of glasses. Some people have a very rigid way of seeing the world and sometimes that can serve them well. But when faced with change and obstacles they often find it quite difficult to adapt. People with the growth mindset believe that when things change and new obstacles come their way, they can change and adapt.”

What Are the Key Lessons Learned Here?

“It’s not easy, but it’s totally possible to change how we see the world and the way we act in the world. By doing that, we create more of a growth mindset that is more flexible and resilient to life’s many challenges. We know from neuropsychology that certain pathways in our brain fire a certain way, and that is our tendency. If we want to change, that requires a conscious effort of thinking, acting and implementing. When we get distracted and go back to our old ways, we have to learn to be forgiving, to be gentle with ourselves. This is just part of the process and by persisting, having support, we can actually create a new habit. It takes time, but the end result is worth it.”