Performance

Performance and the way we approach tasks can be largely attributed to having a Fixed or Growth mindset, which are terms made popular by Dr Carol Dweck. Her categories largely correspond to Western or Eastern philosophy respectively.

The Fixed mindset is characterised by a focus on who we are or how we are seen by others. A Western perspective (Extrenisic rewards) is characterised by a focus on outcomes. We set a goal and use that goal as our motivation for progress. The process requires discipline to avoid distraction to achieve a long term goal/reward. Here, the end justifies the means.

The Growth mindset is characterised by or focus on developing without an end point. An Eastern perspective (Intrinsic rewards) is characterised by a focus on the present, the experience/process of doing. We can have a direction for our effort but we don’t worry how far we go. The experience of the task in the present is our only concern and we allow the long term to determine itself. Here, the means is an end in itself.

A Growth mindset and adopting Eastern philosophy is synonomous with being in the “here and now“, being “in the zone” and more recently “in flow“. Being present allows us to be better guided by moment to moment feedback from our performance, thus allowing us to improve more efficiently. The irony is that the more we focus on the present experience, the more masterful we become and the further we progress in the long term.

Having studied and developed a practice in self awareness and Eastern philosophy at the Chung Tian Temple in Brisbane, I take great interest in and look forward to assisting you to develop your approach to performance to suit your needs.