The mindset analogy that makes it all make sense
I want to share an analogy with you about mindset, because what even is “mindset”? How do you know if you have the right one? When is the mindset you have “good enough”? Mindset is defined as the perspective in which you experience the world and make decisions. But what does that mean? It can be easy to pretend we are in a positive mindset (toxic positivity); how do we know what’s actually going on?
I like to think of mindset as an operating system, like on a computer. I’m no computer scientist, but an operating system is what runs all the programs on computers, tablets, smart phones - it’s what you have to “update” from time to time (i.e. Windows, Mac OSX, and iOS). If your mindset is the operating system, then Apps (or programs) are the tools and strategies you use. Ultimately the operating system and apps combine to provide a good user experience (your life!) and enable you to get your tasks done.
I want to warn you about a few things:
New shiny apps! The apps that everyone is raving about and are brand new with so many helpful features - until your free trial ends. I like to think of this as the trendy mindset “hacks” and advice - they look like they would be really useful, but those sneaky in-app purchases leave you needing to invest more, and waste time learning a complex system.
Apps that are out of date - and no longer supported. You know the ones that went out of business or were bought up by a competitor and shut down? Those are tools and strategies that used to be compatible with your mindset (operating system) but are no longer supported. In order to use these you have to keep using your old operating system (stay in your old mindset).
Operating system that is out of date - OR Apps that are too powerful for your operating system. You’ll need to update your operating system to be able to use those - the best example I can think of is trying to access Instagram from a flip phone. The iPhone and flip phone can both call and text, but the older version has limitations around what it can contribute to your life. This is when you need an upgrade (mindset shift). These are advanced tools and strategies that don’t work with a perfectionist mindset, so you will be set up for failure.
What to keep in mind:
You can’t go from version 1 to version 5 of your operating system instantly, without your apps crashing and your computer being useless. So if you try to go from perfectionist mindset straight to a growth mindset (without learning version 2, 3, + 4) your apps won’t work - sure you can turn your computer on and start the operating system, but you’ll be stuck without any options to complete tasks. You’ll probably revert back to your old, familiar computer just to be able to get stuff done (perfectionism operating system that uses the shame/guilt app for maximum productivity).
If you upgrade one version at a time, you can learn the tools that the operating system supports, get some stuff done (save some files) and then continue upgrading over time.
The tech world has endless upgrades - why do we need a new iPhone every year? We don’t. And same with mindset: if the operating system you are running is working for you, you don’t need to be pressured into upgrading. Don’t let peer pressure, or “shiny object” marketing convince you that your operating system isn’t good enough. If it works for you, then that’s the whole point!!
Without constant upgrades, won’t you stop growing? Not necessarily.. Shifting your mindset is a great example of personal growth, but you can grow by being savvy with the tech you have and apps (tools) that are compatible. Sometimes the new version isn’t better so you don’t have to jump ahead just for the sake of it if yours is working just fine.
Sometimes a virus (i.e. toxic positivity) can infect your system - it may make it look better at first, but in the long run that infection will impact your user experience and output. Viruses trick us by having a really tempting reason to download them - and toxic positivity does give you momentary relief from negative feelings - but doesn’t serve you long-term.
Other people’s operating systems (mindsets) don’t actually impact your experience on your own device. They can impact compatibility (i.e. a former friend who benefitted from your people pleasing might not be happy about your upgrade).. But this is a great reminder that it’s your own operating system that impacts your life - the people around you don’t need to change theirs for you to have a better user experience.
And finally - other people might have other apps downloaded (i.e. tools/strategies) that they prefer. You can give them a try if you want, but it’s okay if our home screens don’t have the same apps - your device is a reflection of your life. You also don’t have the space to have every app (tool), or the time to dedicate to using them.
Here are some examples of apps and operating systems that you might not want anymore:
New shiny apps (that sounds really amazing, but probably aren’t as helpful as you think):
Productivity planner to buy ~ or maybe a literal app that can be customized and overcomplicated easily
Complex (or super long) course to buy that you then have to invest in the next release to keep learning / actually apply
Apps that are out of date (tools and strategies that don’t serve you anymore):
Your old planning system (i.e. bullet journaling)
People pleasing
Shame/guilt to access willpower
Operating systems that are out of date (won’t work with the new strategies you want to use, or life you want to live):
Perfectionist mindset
Lack mindset
Fixed mindset
This analogy has a lot of background, but here are the key points:
Your operating system = your mindset. It determines compatible apps, your overall user experience, and what is possible for you.
Your downloaded apps = tools and strategies. They need to be at the right level for your operating system to work smoothly. There are many different options, you choose the apps that work for you. They are tools to make your user experience easier/better.
Upgrades in operating systems and downloading new apps are only helpful if your life experience needs changing. If it’s working for you, don’t be pressured to upgrade.
Not all of your apps (tools/strategies) can come with you to your new operating system, and you might need to learn some new ones.
Don’t expect yourself to upgrade overnight and be proficient in the new system. You will revert back to your old, familiar ways if you take on too much at once.
And remember, you get to choose your operating system, the apps you have downloaded, and the tasks/activities that you engage in. You get to decide your life.
This is what I really want you to hear - the operating system determines what’s compatible and your apps can be changed if need be. Your mindset determines what’s possible for you (and how it limits you). You get to choose the apps that support your life. Sometimes it’s good to test out a new app, but sometimes it’s the ones that have been around forever that are the most useful (i.e. phone calls / texts).
