A Leader's Corner

Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny. – Mahatma Gandhi

When I was in my undergrad, people around me praised me for my wonderful communication skills- I was a national-level debater and had recently founded the “Communication and Development” club in my college, to facilitate interpersonal skills and development among young college students. My passion and enthusiasm for success, along with a drive that motivated me to create impact convinced everyone that an MBA was the natural career path for me. And so I strived hard to get into a reputed institute in India through CAT (Common Admissions Test). However, things didn’t happen as planned. I failed to get a good percentile in the exam, because of which I could only convert a tier-2 business school.

Not wanting to give up, I decided to forego my admission, and give a second-best shot at CAT, while taking up the infamous “Software Engineering” career path in Infosys. Money and other factors that made me comfortable got in the way of my dream, and I almost wandered off in the circadian rhythm of life, getting more and more comfortable in my comfort zone. I switched companies, only to be stuck in another dead-end job that paid me enough to fulfill my necessities. I was content with my life, never realizing that I was leading myself into stagnation.

Comfort can often lull us into a false sense of security, but it’s those sparks of inspiration, those whispers of longing, that reignite the fire within us and remind us to chase our dreams.

It was a bright day in October 2019. I was supposed to meet one of my friends from college, Ankit, who I hadn’t met for a long time. As we were having lunch, he asked that one question that would then change my life forever – “What happened to your plans for an MBA?”. That meal with my friend was one of the biggest reflections of my life. I questioned myself about my purpose in life…I had so many dreams and aspirations as I grew up…Had I just erased everything in my life, to get acclimatized into a fixed mindset? What happened to that dream that was strong enough to help me give my best efforts to my endeavors?

The rest of the events that followed this lunch was history. I started my journey of self-discovery, by delving into books and attending conferences on leadership and development. I reached out to my mentors, who had always seen the potential in me and helped me reignite the fire within me. The thirst for knowledge and the drive to succeed had once again taken hold of me. The passion to create an impact in people’s lives that I had once forgotten, was back in full force. I took the GMAT, applied to the top B-schools, and got accepted into one of the best in the world. This journey of mine is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to change the course of your life and embrace the power of a growth mindset.

A study by the American Psychological Association showed that people with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and enjoy greater well-being than those with a fixed mindset. This can be well-linked as a testament to the ancient Buddhist belief – Your thoughts are powerful. They manifest into actions more easily than you realize.

A growth mindset is all about embracing challenges, embracing learning and growth, and seeing failures as opportunities for growth. It’s about having a belief that one’s abilities can be developed through hard work, effort and perseverance. By shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, I was able to break out of my comfort zone and reignite my passion for success.

So, if you’re someone who’s looking to shift your mindset, here are the top three methods you can follow:

1. Embrace challenges: Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, see them as opportunities for growth. Embrace challenges with an open mind and be curious about the learning opportunities they present.
2. Reframe failures: Instead of viewing failures as insurmountable roadblocks, see them as learning opportunities. Reframe failures as chances to learn, grow, and get better.
3. Surround yourself with positivity: Seek out positive influences in your life. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your abilities, and who are supportive of your growth journey.

In conclusion, I hope that my story inspires you to adopt a growth mindset and to never give up on your dreams and aspirations, no matter how challenging the journey may be. Remember that your abilities can be developed through hard work, effort and perseverance.

The only thing holding you back is your own mindset.