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

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

​Have a Cookie Shot

Practice Yoga at The Wave, in Marble Canyon, Arizona

​Drink Pinot Noir in Napa Valley

​Meditate in front of a Redwood

Just a few of my goals this year. What are yours? Let us know in the comments below!
--Marisa
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