I served as a university business development consultant in education a few years ago. Specifically, I worked in the College of Nursing and supported nurses seeking online bachelor’s degrees. To be eligible for enrollment, nurses must possess an active and unencumbered nursing license. This meant they faced no limitations, restrictions, or other barriers to practicing their profession.

Fast forward to the present. During my first session with my coach (yes, coaches have coaches), she asked me about my aspirations for my life in two years. My first thought was that I wanted to be “unencumbered,” symbolizing my desire for freedom from restrictions and limitations to create my desired life.

When I say unencumbered, what do I mean?

To be unencumbered means that you must have a growth mindset that permeates every aspect of your life. I believe that you can achieve your full potential when you overcome your limitations, doubts, and self-imposed restrictions.

Growth Mindset: What is it?

A growth mindset involves changing how we view our talents and abilities. As Carol Dweck, Ph.D., explains in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, “our beliefs about ourselves and our personality grow according to what we think we can improve (growth) vs. what we believe we cannot change (fixed).” We define a growth mindset as the connection between what is and what is possible. If you want to develop a growth mindset, I recommend five practical steps you can use today to help you get there.

Unencumbered: Five Steps To Develop A Growth Mindset

Think clearly

Challenge false perceptions

Explore your curiosity

Choose wisely

Step out of your comfort zone

1. Think clearly

Humans always look for ways to grow and find life satisfaction. The key to achieving this is by living through our life’s purpose. We must develop habits and behaviors that support this alignment by reflecting on our desired life, locking in on our values, and stepping over obstacles to progress. This means evaluating our strengths and weaknesses, creating plans to overcome challenges, and acknowledging that every challenge brings growth opportunities. We should embrace difficult moments as they offer constructive feedback and help us focus on our goals.

2. Challenge false perceptions

Perception can be both beneficial and detrimental. On the one hand, it allows us to comprehend things through our senses. On the other hand, it is not always reliable. Reality is removed from perception and can accurately be judged when our experiences are cohesive. Perception can enhance or limit our understanding of reality. Therefore, making accurate judgments based on what is present is essential rather than relying on assumptions. To avoid being held hostage by fake things appearing real, adopt a reasoned approach to judging them. As a result, you are less likely to get caught up in a negative feedback loop.

3. Explore your curiosity

Teachers can be found everywhere. This isn’t about returning to school or taking a class, although it could be. Instead, this is about gaining inherent insight from the universe by looking around you. Experience can be a valuable source of knowledge and principles. By adopting a growth mindset, you can harness curiosity as a tool to expand your perspective beyond the obvious.

4. Choose wisely

Do you believe in the importance of making your own decisions? I certainly do. Our choices are the only thing we have control over in life. While we can’t control the outcomes, our choices can shape them. We can control our actions, opinions, desires, and logical reasoning. It’s crucial to identify what truly matters to us and confidently make decisions.

5. Step out of your comfort zone

According to Neale Donald Walsh, “Life truly begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Fear of the unknown may hinder progress, but allowing your motivations and intentions to drive you forward is vital. Overcoming discomfort may take time, but eventually, it will happen. Remember that the world is vast, and there is a place for everyone in it. Take hold of the opportunities that come your way.