What Is Mindset? Simple Definition & Meaning Of Mindset [Explained]

It seems like some kind of buzzword: mindset. You hear the word used by all kinds of people without it being really clear what is meant by it. So what is mindset really? Read further…

The meaning of mindset according to the dictionary

This is what the Oxford Dictionary has to say about mindset:

A mindset is a way of thinking or feeling about someone or something. This is usually an attitude that is reflected in a person’s behavior.

According to the dictionary definition, mindset is a mental attitude. You could also call it mentality according to Wikipedia  . Someone can have a ‘good or bad mentality’. That is, among other things, the way people think about certain things.

According to psychologist Kendra Cherry, you can describe mindset as follows:

Psychologists define mindset as a learned tendency to evaluate things in a certain way. These can be evaluations of people, problems, objects or events. Such evaluations are often positive or negative, but can also be mixed or uncertain at times. For example, you may have mixed feelings about a particular person or issue ”.

Mindset according to Wikipedia & Mindset.com

Mindset.com defines mindset as a collection of beliefs and thoughts. Wikipedia also describes mindset in a similar way:

Mindset is the collection of beliefs and thoughts that form the (mental) attitude, habits or attitude that predetermines one’s interpretations and reactions to events, circumstances and situations.

Your mindset therefore also has to do with the beliefs you have. According to Tony Robbins, a belief is simply a sense of certainty about something. For example, if you believe you are intelligent, you say, “I am sure I am intelligent.”

When your idea about something is certain, it becomes a belief. Your beliefs then determine your attitude and your actions.

Additional definitions of mindset

Here are some additional definitions to help you answer the question, “What is mindset?”.

• A fixed mental attitude or attitude that predetermines a person’s reactions and interpretations to situations. (Free Dictionary)
• A mental tendency or habit. (Merriam-Webster.com – Medical Dictionary)
• A person’s usual attitude or mental state. (Vocabulary.com)
• A person’s way of thinking and opinion. (Cambridge Dictionary)
• An attitude, attitude or mood. (Dictionary.com)
  The ideas and attitudes with which a person approaches a situation, especially when they are considered difficult to change. (World English Dictionary.)

Related Definitions

According to WordHippo.com, there are a few more related words for mindset: attitude, vision, mind, state of mind, mindset, way of thinking, approach, belief and belief.

Why is mindset important?

Your thinking habits affect how you think, what you feel, and what you do. Your mind-set influences how you see the world. That is why it makes sense to take the time to work on your mentality, or beliefs, or attitude.

What about ‘growth mindset’ and ‘fixed mindset’?

Growth mindset & fixed mindset is a separate theory. Obviously, it has a lot to do with mindset, but it is only one specific aspect of your mindset.

Growth mindset means that you continue to grow and develop, while fixed mindset means that you settle for less.

So what is a general way to work on your mindset?

One of the biggest steps you can take to work on your mentality – that is, your mindset – is to take a closer look at your beliefs, and perhaps adjust them.

To your success!