Think Thursday: Reframing the Past with a Gain Mindset

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Today for Think Thursday we're talking about mindset. We're focusing specifically on reframing our past with a gain mindset.

Molly Watts discusses the importance of mindset in driving behavior and outcomes, emphasizing the shift from a "gap" to a "gain" perspective. She references Dr. Benjamin Hardy's book "Personality Isn't Permanent" and Dr. Dan Sullivan's concept of "The Gap and The Gain." The gap focuses on what's missing, leading to dissatisfaction, while the gain celebrates progress, fostering momentum and resilience. Watts also introduces Dr. Dan McAdams' narrative identity, which suggests our past, present, and future are interconnected and evolving. She shares her personal story of reframing her mother's alcohol dependence to empower her own journey, encouraging listeners to reframe their past experiences to foster growth and positive change.

Action Items

• [ ] Choose one story or experience from your past that you would like to view differently.
• [ ] Ask yourself what you gained from that experience and how your future self would view it.
• [ ] Start a "gain journal" to track your progress and small wins.
• [ ] Periodically revisit and rewrite the story you've reframed to reinforce your growth.

Mindset and Its Impact on Life

• Molly Watts introduces the concept of Think Thursday, focusing on neuroscience, brain health, and mindset.
• She emphasizes the importance of mindset in determining how we feel, act, and the results we achieve in life.
• Molly mentions the positive feedback she has received from listeners and expresses her excitement about the topic.
• The episode will cover powerful mindset shifts, primarily from the book "Personality Isn't Permanent" by Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

Introduction to "The Gap and The Gain"

• Molly introduces Dr. Dan Sullivan's concept of "The Gap and The Gain" to describe different ways of measuring progress.
• The "Gap" focuses on what is missing and how far one is from an ideal, leading to dissatisfaction.
• The "Gain" perspective involves measuring progress from where one started, appreciating the journey and recognizing growth.
• Molly explains how shifting from the "Gap" to the "Gain" can lead to a sense of accomplishment and momentum.

The Importance of Acknowledging Small Wins

• Molly discusses the significance of acknowledging small wins and how they contribute to big changes.
• She explains that focusing on progress, even incremental, can empower and motivate one to take the next step.
• Molly emphasizes that the sense of happiness comes from how we view our progress and experiences, not from achieving perfection.
• Living in the "Gain" helps build psychological momentum and motivation to keep moving forward.

Narrative Identity and Reframing Past Experiences

• Molly introduces Dr. Dan McAdams' concept of narrative identity, which involves the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives.
• She explains that our narrative identity integrates our past, present, and future into a coherent story that shapes our sense of self.
• Molly highlights that our narrative identity is not fixed and can be reinterpreted to empower ourselves.
• Reframing past experiences in a positive light can help us grow and empower ourselves.

Personal Story of Reframing Past Experiences

• Molly shares her personal story of reframing her relationship with alcohol, particularly her mother's alcohol dependence.
• She initially felt jealous and envious of other women with close relationships with their mothers.
• By understanding her mother's struggles and reinterpreting her past, Molly gained resilience and determination.
• This mindset shift allowed her to take control of her life and help others change their relationships with alcohol.

Practical Steps to Apply the Gain Mindset

• Molly provides practical steps to apply the gain mindset in everyday life.
• Step 1: Choose one story and identify a specific past experience viewed as a setback or limitation.
• Step 2: Ask what was gained from this experience, focusing on any positives or lessons learned.
• Step 3: Imagine future self and how they would view past experiences as steps to growth.
• Step 4: Keep a gain journal to track daily moments of growth, positive choices, or small wins.
• Step 5: Revisit and rewrite the narrative periodically to reinforce growth and empowerment.

Conclusion and Challenge

• Molly concludes by emphasizing that the gain mindset is about creating a sustainable shift in how we view our lives.
• She encourages listeners to take one story and apply the gain mindset, asking themselves what they learned and how it shaped them.
• Molly invites listeners to email her with ideas for future Think Thursday episodes.
• She reminds listeners that they are the ones writing their story and encourages them to focus on the gain, celebrate progress, and embrace the person they are becoming.

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