Mindset formation as well as mindset shift are bound up with emotions, and have implications for learning and development. - Dawnson
Mindsets are formed through (life) experiences and emotional reinforcements. It is the way we understand, look and make sense (from sensuous) of our own life as well as life in general. Shifting mindsets requires a major re-wiring of ways of thinking and experiencing. It involves emotions, learning, and environmental context.
We know that emotions, knowledge, skills, reasoning, are not independent of one another. In healthy brains, the parts of the brain that support these functions are connected in complex ways.
Most of the time, this interconnectedness is beneficial. For example, we’re more likely to remember or be motivated to act on information that is connected to emotion. But sometimes this interconnectedness gets in our way, as when an attitude has been reinforced by emotion in a non-adaptive way. - T. Dawnson
States of mind (cognitive states, attitudes, beliefs, biases, etc.,) develop through our encounters with others and the environment. These encounters generate emotions. When the same emotions are repeatedly associated with a particular state (of mind), that state becomes intertwined with those emotions. In other words the experiences and the emotions associated to such experiences contribute to form our mind-set. The stronger the emotions the more difficult the shift in mindset especially when these emotions are shame or fear. These can be so strong that despite compelling evidences we may persist with a certain mindset — even when it is no longer serving our growth, development or learning. It is our mental states that drive or inhibit learning.
What do we do then to enable mindset shifts?
We may start with the acknowledgement that mindsets are formed through a lifetime and are changed through practice over time. They develop through the experiences of working with them in diverse contexts (that make up our lives) adding to their meaning and emotional power.
Let’s become aware of the mindset we want to shift and of the emotions (& memories) that have contributed to its formation. Is this awareness enough to be willing to shift the mindset and know why we want to do so? With awareness and practice overtime we can unlearn and learn a new mindset. As we do so we may need to pay attention to what hinders un-learnings and re-learnings:
A new mindset is beyond reach in the context we are, for example: we (or others) do not have the knowledge or the skills to understand such new mindsets or what is required to learn a new mindset.
A new mindset may be maladaptive, (by causing maybe shame or fear) for example: despite advocating or advertising for an open mindset we keep rewarding those behaviour that follow the rules and support a closed mindset instead.
A new mindset is not interesting for us (or others).
Such shifts can’t be accomplished through a single intervention or through a weekend workshop. We can’t shift a mindset simply by providing new information because we have formed them through years of reinforcement. They make sense in the contexts in which they develop. Mindsets are the outcome of our adaptation.
So, let’s start by noticing our mindset. Then, and only then we can let go to re-create a new mindset. A powerful way to explore and express our mindsets is through art practice. I invite you to practice Messy Art with me. Reach out if you are curious and want to learn more about it.
If you’re interested in learning more about RNEWB services and would like to discuss any consultancy, workshops, and talks, drop us a line at fateme@rnewb.com.
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