Mindset is particularly important when job hunting or seeking a promotion. It determines whether you show up self-confidently or wracked with self-doubt.

The dictionary defines mindset as “a person’s usual attitude or mental state”. It’s your thoughts and beliefs that shape your thought habits and is unique to each of us. 

Why is mindset important?

Mindset affects how we think, what we feel, and what we do. It impacts how we see the world and how we make sense of things. 

You may have heard of Carol Dweck’s work on growth and fixed mindsets. It’s the difference between those who believe they have the power to grow, change and evolve and those who don’t.

Which camp are you in? Those with a fixed mindset are potentially in distress right now, because what you thought to be true about you and the world may have changed a great deal in the last few months. 

To secure that new role or promotion you’ll need to be adaptable, and flexible, all at a fast pace. 

Here are my tips for developing a winning mindset:

1.      Believe in your potential

You are not fixed, you have immense potential to grow, develop and emerge even better than you once were. Self-belief is at the heart of having a winning mindset. You need to believe in your own ability to bounce back, to persevere and emerge victorious.

How: Recall your past successes and obstacles that you overcame, recognize your achievements so far.

In addition, you can ‘hunt the good stuff’ daily, look for evidence that there are positive experiences ahead for you, such as an opportunity that pings into your email box, or positive feedback from a colleague, or the fact that positive experiences are happening for others. 

If you are finding it difficult to find a new role, scan LinkedIn for those that are being successful to keep you hopeful.

2.  Find psychological safety

There should be spaces in your life where you can truly be you. Your ‘shoes off’ self and be fully accepted as that person. If you currently don’t have a space like that, find one. If our mind is constantly on guard, how can it be at its best?

How: Cultivate relationships with friends or family that have deep trust, where you can show up with all of your imperfections and you are still treated with compassion, rather than judged.

This starts with openness and vulnerability. Let them know what you need, so if you are job hunting and you want a break from asking whether you have had any interviews recently, ask them for a day off from their interest so you can be free from the pressure and rejuvenate.

3. Approach mistakes with curiosity

Instead of worrying about failure or making a mistake, look with curiosity at things that don’t go your way, and aim to learn from every encounter. Remember you are not your mistakes. 

How: Ask yourself ‘what is the learning here?’ or ‘what has this taught me for the future?’

If you are unsuccessful in an interview, ask yourself what you can do better next time. Each time work on improving your approach, the key is not to be the person who keeps making the same mistake and expects different results.

4. Recognise when it’s worth working together

People with a winning mindset don’t do it alone, they know there are times when they need to lean on others, join forces, or get support. Know that you are stronger together rather than suffering alone. 

How: Create a support group, find like-minded groups online, let others know what you need and what you have to offer. There’s nothing better than being surrounded by people, who just ‘get’ the struggle that you are going through and can commiserate, lift you up or even come up with creative solutions

If you can follow these tips and encourage a winning mindset then you’ll be in a much better place to secure that new role or promotion and bounce forward out of this crisis more quickly.