MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!!
I can't tell you how often I've heard those words. But I never understood how important it was to do just that...in a manner of speaking.
Most people have one of two mindsets about their core attributes; an open mindset or a closed mindset. An individual with a closed mindset might look at themselves, their talents and their attributes--like intelligence, and assume that these trates are immutable. They see themselves as having been born with a certain qualities that will never change, carved in stone. Problems in their world mean that they somehow dont merit anything better.
Those who have an open mindset are much more likely to see themselves as a work-in-progress; someone whose talents and knowlege can be cultivated and grow over time. Set-backs do not destroy them.
Which are you?
The most likely answer is; both. Depending on the situation or the time, we all exhibit traits of either, and that's just fine.
But at the same time, it is important to keep in mind that when you have a fixed mindset, everything reflects on you. You feel that everything in your life makes you seem worthy or unworthy. You look for mates who are perfect and make you look perfect. Most importantly, however, you limit yourself and your growth.
When confronted with a problem, those of us with closed mindsets will think "Well, I dont have the skills to cope with this, so I wont bother." Those with open--or "growth" mindsets might say "I havent seen this before, but I've prevailed in challenges before so maybe I will solve the problem this time too; or perhaps I can learn something here even if I dont succeed."
In simple terms, this mindset is beneficial for the Huna practitioner because
1) A Huna practitioner looks at everything and judges it by one thing only--Is it effective?
2) She is willing to try something new if the old methods do not work
3) She understands that Life is a process of growing and stretching.
4) She knows that the world is a reflection of one's self so perfection is entirely in her own hands.
Think awhile on your approaches to challenges and try to figure out how you most often approach them.
Think about your partners. Do you expect them to be perfect or do you consider them "works in progress"?
Do you feel that the works of the people around you somehow reflect on your worth as a person (especially when they're doing something stupid)?
Life really *is* a process of growing and stretching. If you feel as though you've stagnated, or that you have not had the opportunities you wanted; instead of looking for outside sources that you think are in your way, or blame other people who can't seem to get their act together, look inward and make a note of *your* mindset.
There is no success without risk, therefore, an individual who can cope with risk, assumes responsibility for her own thoughts and is willing to try a different approach until success is reached.
Take a good look inside...and "make up your mind."
