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A Fixed Mindset vs. A Growth Mindset: Why Setting Goals Every Year Is Important

1/31/2016

9 Comments

 
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I just recently read an article in Forbes that was pure fascination for me. The article illustrated the difference between the two types of mindsets people have: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them.

In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.

Now, not to toot my own horn, but I definitely have a growth mindset. Besides the proof being that I embarked on this crazy journey in order to grow and experience beyond the scope of the norm, on top of that, every year I set goals for myself. Come January, I choose around 10 new goals and set out to accomplish them throughout the year. Those who know me, have actually seen the goals either hanging on my wall (when I was rooted) or drawn in chalk, or taped to my fridge—anywhere in plain sight so that I could be reminded--"hey, you have things to do, young lady."
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Why Setting Goals Is Important

Setting goals is something that excites and intrigues me. Every year, there's a new batch of things to accomplish, a new set of adventures to embark on. It gives me something to look forward to, something to work toward. I've set some very important goals in my time, as well as very simple ones. Some goals that I accomplished throughout the years include:

Run my first 10k ✔️
Pay someone a genuine compliment daily ✔️
Write my first screenplay ✔️
Eat at 3 new restaurants ✔️
Publish my first novel ✔️
Learn 10 new words and incorporate them into every day use✔️
Read 1 book each week ✔️
Try 3-5 new cheeses ✔️
Have multiple streams of income ✔️
Make three new recipes ✔️

These are just a few goals from the past few years that I put on my list and made sure I hit the mark. Holding myself accountable for both the big things and the small things, is important. Think about it, you have 12 months to accomplish 10 goals. That's quite a long time. Even if you work toward one goal a month, you'll still be swimming in downtime.

The issue with not setting any tangible objectives— it's like playing a game of soccer without any goals at either end of the field. You're going through your day-to-day life without much in the way of achievement. There are no goals to be scored, you're simply just playing the game.

So, I ask of you today.....can you set 3 goals for yourself this year? Start small. It could be visiting that local farmer's market you've been eyeing up. It could be practicing yoga once every week. It could be buying yourself a milkshake at a nearby diner. Whatever it is, consider it a goal, write it down, then accomplish it. The feeling of accomplishment alone is worth the time it takes getting there.

Here are a few of my 2016 Goals that I'm going to share with you, in hopes it will kick-start your goal setting for this upcoming year....Mine are mostly travel related, simply because I'm on the road full-time, but have as much fun with your goals as you want.
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Swim in Havasupai Falls
Havasupai Falls

​Have a Cookie Shot
Cookie Shot

Practice Yoga at The Wave, in Marble Canyon, Arizona
The Wave, Arizona

​Drink Pinot Noir in Napa Valley
Napa Valley

​Meditate in front of a Redwood
Redwoods Forest
Just a few of my goals this year. What are yours? Let us know in the comments below!
--Marisa
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9 Comments
Joe and Kait link
2/1/2016 15:42:52

Hi Marisa! Congrats on all the goals you've already accomplished. Love that you read a book a week - do you use an e-reader or do you prefer paperback?

Most of our goals are related to growing our website and YouTube channel and we hope to generate enough income to be able to support our life on the road.

Let us know when you try that cookie shot. It looks sinfully delicious!

Reply
The Roamans
2/2/2016 12:51:41

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! Normally I get my books from Goodwill or any local Thrift Store. Vanessa has a one-in-one-out rule, so whenever I pick up another book for $2-3, I drop off the ones I've read. Although I do have a Kindle, I find I don't feel as accomplished or inspired after finishing an ebook as I do a physical book.

Excited to see all your accomplishments this upcoming year! I'll have to check out your YouTube channel, how awesome.

I'll keep you posted on he cookie shot. Or cookie shot(s) depending how amazing they are :)

Reply
Joe and Kait link
2/4/2016 15:46:58

We also practice the one-in-one-out rule. Joe prefers physical books as well and is always looking for recommendations so let us know if you have any! We might be able to swap books when we meet down the road.

The Roamans
2/9/2016 12:47:55

Absolutely, I have a ton! I recently have read Girl on the Train, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Chasing the Sun, which I would recommend them all. Kindle is great for free books, so most classics by Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf, etc., are all free!

I would love to do a book swap if we ever are able to meet. In fact, I was even thinking of putting together a book club for full-time travelers. Maybe just correspond through email. Still trying to work out the kinks :)

Reply
Joe and Kait link
2/13/2016 15:41:50

We love your book club idea. Let us know when you get it going!

Reply
George
2/15/2016 20:41:50

Hi I really enjoyed this article and the growth mindset idea. I have shared this with others over coffee. Many agree that we need to stay progressive.
BTW I first saw Maude in our local Walmart parking lot in Austin and have seek her again there.
I recommend you to go see Enchanted Rock state natural area just north of Fredericksburg while in central Texan. It's amazing, one mountain size piece of pink granite that is one of a kind. Campsites are usually booked up months in advance, but Fredericksburg has campsites and a Walmart;)

Reply
The Roamans
2/17/2016 10:00:46

Hi George,

Thank you so much for the comment and for the suggestion! We had never heard about Enchanted Rock until you. We officially added it to our list though, before we take off from Austin. We've been to Fredericksburg only passing through to Big Bend, and stopped quickly for a beer and pretzel :)

Reply
Dave
2/18/2016 10:08:16

We spent three days near Dixon, NM (3 years ago) and really enjoyed it. The USFS campground we stayed at had electric and a shower but there were multiple boondocking sites. There are multiple forest service campgrounds on route 570 that are right on the Rio Grande. On the weekends Dixon has a local produce outdoor market. Really nice people.

Also there is a small local winery Vivac that we enjoyed.

Visit the earthships near Taos, El Santuario de Chimayo Church. That was a beautiful place and is the Church of the holy dirt.

Can't wait to get back to explore the area.

Reply
The Roamans
2/23/2016 10:28:55

Hi Dave!

Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestions. We're absolutely going to check out a few that you recommended. The winery sounds great, and you just might be convincing is to brave the cold weather and head up to Taos :) The church sounds pretty phenomenal as well!

Reply



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