A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 3

A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 2 focused on a simple message. 

Transformation and Introspection.

To recap, we discussed developing gratitude, improving ourselves through self-assessment tools, learning and understanding healthy relationships, and practicing mindfulness. 

Let’s continue with Transformation.

This morning, a good friend of mine posted this to her Facebook page:

“If you fail, never give up because fail means ‘First Attempt In Learning.’ The end is not the end. In fact, the end means ‘Effort Never Dies.’ If you get no as an answer, no means ‘Next Opportunity.’ Change your mindset!”

Author Unknown

Growth Mindset

For transformation to occur, we have to change our mindset. A growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities for learning and development, much like the cycles of planting, nurturing, and harvesting in nature. It stems from the belief that we can do better. We can improve. We can become better people. Why? Because there is no limit on learning. We can improve ourselves by shifting our thinking and reactions and being proactive. 

Proactive to more intentional awareness.
Thinking before we speak. 
Choosing our words more carefully. 
Learning the art of “pause.” 
Listening more and speaking less.
Observing nonverbal communication in dialogue. 

If we actively practice healthy communication, we will eventually, transform into something different than we were or even currently are. 

Fixed Mindset

Shifting from a growth mindset to a fixed mindset, the fixed mindset perceives the world as black and white. It is, or it isn’t. Growth is stifled, like a dormant seed unwilling to sprout. Those who seem stuck might be fixated on something they can’t get past. It is overwhelming. Whatever the “it” is. One way of becoming “unstuck” is by talking. Talking it out with a trustworthy friend. Or by seeking professional help. We can’t fix a problem that isn’t ours. What we can do is to do something ourselves. Accept the situation and learn from it. What can we do differently next time? What can we learn from it?

 “With a fixed mindset, it can be hard to find motivation to work through perceived weaknesses because the ability to change may seem as hopeless as changing your eye color. In contrast, with a growth mindset, you’ll see your perceived weakness as a challenge that can be motivating — and even fun — to overcome.”

Mia Primeu, Stanford Today, November 10, 2023.

Thanksgiving to Transformation

Thanksgiving is the perfect canvas for cultivating a transformation mindset. Instead of focusing solely on what’s on the table, we can shift our attention to what we are grateful for—the love of family, the support of friends, and the opportunities surrounding us. A transformational mindset encourages us to foster a sense of appreciation for the present moment and provide grace (tons of it, perhaps) to those who surround us. As we sit down to a Thanksgiving feast, we can view the past year’s challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones for personal and collective growth.

Let’s not think only of ourselves but others.

Pondering the transformation process begins with recognizing past experiences of ourselves and others, understanding reactions to life’s circumstances, and what we can do to make a positive mark on the people who mean the most to us and the world at large.

Sacrifice
Rebirth
Emergence 
Growth
Adaptation
Flight
Legacy

Transforming into people God wants us to be can only be done when we adopt a growth mindset. 

We don’t have to be fixed; we can choose to change

– a canvas yet to be painted.