Is your New Year’s resolution to truly thrive in 2015? Then this is the post for you!

This scribble is taped to the wall right in front of my desk where I can see it at all times. It is there as a constant reminder of the one thing that matters more than anything else. It matters for me. It matters for the people I coach. It matters for the people I work with.

It’s called mindset.

Mindset shot

By definition, mindset is a mental model, a cluster of beliefs, or even a worldview that shapes the way we see and think. Mindset has an enormous influence on how we are seen and heard by others. It plays a major role on how we feel about ourselves and about the world around us.

On the one hand, a positive or inquiring mindset will lift your spirits, lighten your steps, and attract positive people to you.

On the other hand, a negative or judgmental mindset will make you feel downtrodden, heavy, and even defeated. This mindset will push people away while increasing their defensiveness.

Which do you think you want?

Here’s the most amazing part: you have the ability to choose your mindset! I’m not saying that it is always easy, but it is possible. With training and practice, you can build the skills to choose your mindset any time, any place. This simple factor is the secret behind every “natural” salesperson that I have ever met.

This year, resolve to increase your awareness and control over your mindset. If you do, 2015 will be everything you want it to be. To learn more, take a look at Marilee Adams’ work.

As I said, choosing your mindset is not always easy: my own mindset has been challenged this week, reminding me that choosing the inquiring mindset is critical to happiness, success, and the ability to thrive. My partner Wayne was caught in an avalanche in the backcountry near Pemberton on the Monday before New Year’s. He sustained some major injuries, and the rescue, surgery, and hospital stay have been scary and exhausting. He is now home and has begun his recovery, which will surely be long and arduous, but will eventually be complete.

It has been challenging for me to worry, care for, and attend to Wayne and his needs, as well as the needs of his kids, all while trying to keep up at work. Interestingly, when I find myself asking the wrong questions, my mindset turns negative: my ability to handle the situation deteriorates dramatically. On the other hand, if I ask myself more positive questions and I allow myself to be curious, my mindset shifts: the world seems brighter and I find myself being able to cope.

The right questions – that is, the positive questions – are all about looking forward, espousing gratitude and empathy, and opening the doors to new learning.

Wayne, me, and our family will thrive in 2015 and we wish you and your loved ones the very best for this coming year. Make it awesome by choosing your mindset!