Unclose Your Mind

By Miranda Harris

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your mind and embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation? In "Unclose Your Mind," the renowned author Miranda Harris invites you to break free from the limitations that have been holding you back and explore the boundless possibilities within your own consciousness.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Clydesdale Books
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781779480361

Book preview

A MIND SET IN ITS WAYS IS WASTED. DON’T DO IT. - ERIC SCHMIDT

The Power of Adaptability

In the grand tapestry of life, there exists a fundamental truth that underpins our existence: change is inevitable. From the moment we take our first breath to the last one we draw, the world around us is in a constant state of transformation. Seasons change, technology evolves, and societies progress. Yet, there’s one element that remains the linchpin to our success and happiness in this ever-shifting landscape—our mindset.

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, once said, A mind set in its ways is wasted. Don’t do it. These words echo the essence of adaptability, which is crucial for thriving in a world defined by change. In this chapter, we explore the significance of this mindset and how it can shape our lives for the better.

The Fixed Mindset Trap

Imagine a person with a fixed mindset. This individual is firmly rooted in their ways, unwilling to consider new ideas or alternative approaches. They resist change at every turn, convinced that their way of thinking and acting is the only path to success. They have grown comfortable in their well-worn routines and resist stretching their boundaries. This individual’s world is stagnant, a pond without inflow or outflow, slowly accumulating debris and stagnating.

A fixed mindset can lead to a life characterized by missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and a sense of stagnation. It’s the embodiment of Eric Schmidt’s warning: A mind set in its ways is wasted.

The Growth Mindset: An Unfolding Journey

On the other hand, we have the growth mindset, a concept championed by psychologist Carol Dweck. Those with a growth mindset understand that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning from failures. They embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset, Eric Schmidt’s call to action, sets the stage for a life of continuous improvement and fulfillment.

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, industries shift, and our personal circumstances change, a growth mindset is not just a luxury but a necessity. It’s the key to navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of the 21st century.

Embracing Change

Adapting to change begins with the willingness to embrace it. It’s about acknowledging that change is not the enemy but a constant companion on our journey. Eric Schmidt’s message is clear: resist the urge to cling to outdated beliefs and behaviors. Instead, open yourself up to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Here’s how:

1. Cultivate Curiosity

Curiosity is the spark that ignites the flames of change. The most innovative minds in history have been driven by a burning desire to explore the unknown. Encourage your inner curiosity, and you’ll find that your mind will naturally become more adaptable. Seek knowledge, ask questions, and remain open to the unexpected.

2. Embrace Failure

Failure is a powerful teacher. In the pursuit of change and growth, you will encounter setbacks and disappointments. Instead of seeing these as dead ends, perceive them as opportunities to learn and evolve. Failure is not the end of the road; it’s a detour on your journey to success.

3. Seek Feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for personal growth. Be open to receiving constructive criticism from others, as it can help you identify areas for improvement and stimulate your adaptability. Embrace the notion that you don’t have all the answers and that there’s always room for improvement.

4. Challenge Your Comfort Zone

Comfort zones are where growth stagnates. Pushing beyond your comfort zone is like exercising a muscle; it becomes stronger with use. Challenge yourself to do things that scare you, explore new environments, and interact with diverse groups of people. This will expand your capacity for adaptation.

5. Be Resilient

Resilience is the backbone of adaptability. Life will present you with challenges, and when it does, you must find the strength to bounce back. The ability to weather storms and keep moving forward is a testament to your adaptability.

The Benefits of an Adaptable Mindset

An adaptable mindset offers a wealth of benefits, from personal growth to professional success. Let’s delve into some of the key advantages:

1. Lifelong Learning

Adaptability is a catalyst for continuous learning. When you embrace change, you willingly engage in the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and experiences throughout your life. This hunger for learning keeps your mind sharp and engaged.

2. Innovation

Innovation thrives in an environment where change is welcomed. With an adaptable mindset, you become a natural innovator, always on the lookout for new solutions and opportunities to improve existing processes.

3. Resilience

Adaptability equips you to face adversity with strength and resilience. You are better prepared to handle unexpected challenges and can bounce back from setbacks more quickly.

4. Improved Relationships

People with adaptable mindsets tend to build better relationships. They are more open to differing perspectives, which fosters stronger connections with others. Being adaptable enables you to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate more successfully.

5. Career Advancement

In the professional realm, adaptability is often the dividing line between those who stagnate in their careers and those who excel. Employees who can readily adapt to changing job requirements and industry trends are highly sought after by employers.

Eric Schmidt’s Wisdom in Action

Eric Schmidt’s profound insight, A mind set in its ways is wasted. Don’t do it, serves as a guide for anyone seeking to embrace the power of adaptability. His journey from Google’s executive chair to Alphabet’s board of directors, and his subsequent ventures, are living proof of the value of an adaptable mindset.

Schmidt’s journey embodies adaptability at its finest. His tenure at Google witnessed exponential growth and transformation, and he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. Yet, instead of clinging to his CEO role, he adapted by transitioning to Alphabet’s board of directors, ensuring that he remained at the forefront of innovation.

Case Studies in Adaptability

The Resilience of Angela

Angela’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability. She worked as a marketing executive for a successful tech company. With years of experience and a comfortable lifestyle, she could have easily settled into a fixed mindset. However, she chose to embrace change when her company’s focus shifted from traditional marketing to digital advertising.

Angela saw this shift as an opportunity to expand her skill set and decided to retrain herself in digital marketing. She sought out online courses and mentors, learning the ins and outs of the digital landscape. Her adaptability paid off, and she soon became a sought-after expert in digital marketing. Her career skyrocketed, and she attributes her success to her ability to adapt to the changing industry landscape.

The Transformation of Mark

Mark, a schoolteacher for over a decade, found himself at a crossroads when budget cuts forced the closure of his school. Rather than despair, he saw an opportunity to pivot and embrace change. Inspired by his lifelong passion for photography, Mark decided to become a professional photographer.

With no prior experience in the field, he dove into intensive photography courses and sought guidance from established photographers. He also took a leap of faith and invested in high-quality equipment. It was not a peaceful journey, but Mark’s adaptability and willingness to learn from failures eventually led to a successful photography career. He now travels the world, capturing breathtaking landscapes and meaningful moments.

Closing Thoughts

Eric Schmidt’s wisdom, A mind set in its ways is wasted. Don’t do it, encapsulates the essence of adaptability—a quality that enables us to thrive in a world defined by change. The ability to embrace change, cultivate a growth mindset, and adapt to evolving circumstances is a superpower that can transform our lives for the better.

As we navigate the ever-shifting currents of life, let Schmidt’s words serve as a reminder that rigidity can lead to stagnation, while adaptability paves the way for boundless growth and opportunities. Make a conscious choice to be the architect of your mindset, one that welcomes change and turns it into a catalyst for personal and professional advancement.

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS BELONGS TO THE NARROW-MINDED – TOBA BETA

The Humility of Self-Discovery

In the grand tapestry of human existence, we often find ourselves grappling with the complexities of our own minds and hearts. It’s in these moments of self-reflection that we encounter a powerful truth encapsulated by Toba Beta’s words: Self-righteousness belongs to the narrow-minded. This simple yet profound statement highlights the essential virtue of humility, a virtue that opens the doors to self-discovery and a richer, more harmonious life.

The Nature of Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness is an unyielding belief in one’s own moral superiority. It’s the conviction that our beliefs, values, and actions are unquestionably right, often leading to a judgmental and condescending attitude toward those who differ from us. This rigid mindset can be likened to a fortress, protecting us from the discomfort of doubt and self-examination. But, it’s a fortress that ultimately keeps us isolated and prevents personal growth.

Toba Beta’s message serves as a warning against this inclination. It’s an invitation to replace the stronghold of self-righteousness with the open fields of humility and self-discovery. Let’s explore how to dismantle the walls of self-righteousness and embark on a journey of profound inner transformation.

The Anatomy of Humility

Humility is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness. In reality, it is a sign of inner strength and wisdom. It’s the quality of recognizing the vastness of human knowledge and experience and the acceptance that we are all constantly learning and growing. Here are some fundamental aspects of humility:

1. Self-Awareness

Humility begins with self-awareness. It’s the ability to recognize our own biases, shortcomings, and areas where we might be in error. This self-awareness is not an exercise in self-deprecation, but a pathway to self-improvement.

2. Open-Mindedness

An open mind is the gateway to humility.