Mindset – Mental attitude with Dave Pygon

How would you define the concept of mindset?

Mindset – Mental attitude that we have at that moment in how we act, talk, listen, perform, and more. I articulate at that moment because mindsets can, and do change.

What role does mindset play in shaping our beliefs, behaviors, and overall success in life?

Mindset is monumental in our lives. Win the 16: Principles and Strategies to Optimize your day book declares mindset is imperative to our journey of being our “best self”. Positive, and growth mindsets are keys to continue to learn, and grow. A belief mindset vs. a doubtful mindset is night and day. If you want to earn a promotion at work, you have to believe you can do it. If you want to become a lawyer, you have to have that growth mindset that you can learn, it’s NOT fixed. You want to improve your health, you must be positive to support the expedition, and the tough times that will occur.

Can you explain the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

Fixed mindsets are ones that believe intelligence, talent, and skills can’t be improved.

Growth mindsets are the ones that believe they can be improved. Your journey on growth is never ending. It’s continuous. Everyone can learn, and grow.

How can a fixed mindset limit our potential and hinder personal growth?

Fixed mindset is detrimental to our potential and personal growth because we have to learn, and grow or we will NEVER reach or unknowing potential. We will not maximize our personal growth without learning more than we did yesterday. Fixed mindset people might be experts of yesterday, but unless they learn and grow mentally, and physically they won’t be the experts of tomorrow. The world is evolving and changing fast.

What are some common signs or indicators of a fixed mindset that individuals should be aware of?

These people object to change. Change agility is not a strength. They challenge new ideas. Phrases like this are common, “this is how I do things, or how we have done it in the past, and it works just fine. They are complacent. HABITS, and ROUTINES are critical, but if you are never adding or modifying them you are stunting your growth to be your best self. In my book, Win the 16, I have an entire chapter dedicated to change agility. An entire chapter is on the topic because to reach or go after our unknowing potential we need to adapt, and change. We all have agency.

How can individuals cultivate and develop a growth mindset?

Surround themselves with people whom have this mindset
Commit to becoming a learner, and focus on the learning NOT the change
Be open-minded to new concepts, ideas, and thoughts from others
READ/AUDIOBOOKS, and articles in your field or your focus areas for personal development
Share your learnings with an accountability “buddy”. Yes, find someone that will help you in this area and keep you on this journey of “growth” mindset. Paid or un-paid person is critical

Are there any specific strategies or techniques that you recommend for shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?

Schedule learning times in your day/week
Share your learnings with others, and accountability partner
Change a habit and routine based on a learning
Read
Try a new food or restaurant
Spend time with people that have a growth mindset

How can individuals strike a balance between work, personal life, and leisure activities through effective time management?

In Win the 16: Principles and Strategies to Optimize your day I discuss how critical and what we can do to be more effective with our time. It’s precious. We all want more of it.

Chart there days and see where, and how they are spending their time
Modify your schedule once you have the data to create more balance
Focus on your goals, and priorities at work, personal life, and leisure
Write down your goals, and habits that you will implement to ensure you have balance (make sure they are visible daily somewhere at home, and work)
Say, NO to things that aren’t a priority to you to increase your time
Say, NO to responsibilities that should be done by others at home and work to save you time

Are there any techniques or approaches for overcoming procrastination and staying motivated to complete tasks in a timely manner?

Write it down, and schedule it in your day
Complete priority tasks first thing in your day
Win your day, by 10am meaning do what you need to get done
Call an accountability partner, coach, or someone that can support you when you feel you are procrastinating
Take a 10-minute break, and go for a walk when you feel you are procrastinating
Ask yourself why you aren’t doing what you believe you should do

Can you discuss the concept of “time blocking” and its effectiveness in managing time? How can individuals implement this technique?

Win the 16 book believes in this because it forces you NOT to overbook your schedule. Warren Buffet leaves his schedule open a ton. It’s simple to just go in your calendar and start slow. Block off one or two hours this week for what you believe is critical to your development personally or professionally. Once blocked off nothing can over take it. Win the 16 highlights throughout the book, little steps and successes will lead to greater ones. It all starts with small “wins”.

How can individuals leverage technology and digital tools to assist with time management?

Chart your day on your electronic calendar
Block out time on your digital tools for your priorities
Eliminate items on the digital calendar that aren’t critical
Set alarms on your phone when you should take a 10-minute break or when you have time blocked-off for your personal growth

Are there any potential pitfalls or mistakes individuals should be aware of when it comes to time management? How can they avoid or overcome them?

Don’t overschedule your days
Learn to say, NO at home/work
Don’t micromanage at home or work
Be organized
Don’t check email first thing until you accomplished something for you
Schedule times to check email
Ensure others aren’t dictating your time
Stay on-time for your meetings
Respect your time, and others time

Can you share any success stories or case studies of individuals who have improved their time management skills and experienced positive outcomes as a result?

In the book, Win the 16: Principles and Strategies to Optimize your Day, I share one chapter on time management, and another called, “960”. The 960 is the minutes in sixteen waking hours.

I share this because I had a client track one-day during the week, and one day on the weekend. Every minute, and hour from the time they woke up until they went to bed.

The client uncovered meetings went over, checked email almost every hour on the hour, didn’t take any breaks (that affects our energy), took calls when she was in the middle of doing things that were important, and she realized she is busy at work and home. Also, realized if they she modified some habits she could be more efficient to do things she would like to do. She implemented a walk in the morning, time during the day spent more on her priorities, taking breaks, scheduling open time in her day at work, and this has led to more energy due to doing more things she desires and on her time.

“Having read many leadership books through the years, I found Win the 16 refreshing and different from many traditional leadership novels. Dave Pygon’s effective use of storytelling shares how different leaders inspire others to greatness and helps educate the reader on critical concepts such as inspirational leadership, motivational leadership and goal setting. Win the 16 is a mindset, philosophy and lifestyle that is well worth the read!”

David Mayer, M.D., author “How to Stay Safe When Entering the Healthcare System”, Founding Director Emeritus, MedStar Health Institute for Quality and Safety

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