The Chemistry of Goal-Setting
I have a confession: sometimes the whole “positive thinking” movement makes me cringe.
I know that’s a bit of a taboo in the coaching world, but this movement is often presented as a one-trick pony—offered to every person as the solution to every situation. While I appreciate (and practice) positivity as much as the next person, the truth of the matter is that positive thinking alone will not achieve your goals.
Think back to high school chemistry class. (Don’t worry, there’s no tests this time around.) Do you remember learning about enzymes? (Don’t worry, I didn’t either)!! So here we go, Chemistry 101:
Enzymes are catalysts for chemical reactions, meaning they help accelerate progress. Lately, I’ve been wondering if positive thinking should be considered a little bit more like an enzyme. On its own, "positive thinking doesn’t really do much of anything. It’s just kind of…there. But combined with a growth mindset and decisive action, positive thinking can act as a powerful catalyst to accelerate change and make progress toward goals. Let’s take a closer look at this dynamic “chemical reaction.”
Growth Mindset + Actions + Positive Thinking —> Accelerated Goal Achievement
1. The first necessary “ingredient” is a growth mindset. Pioneered by psychologist Carol Dweck, having a growth mindset means we view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Often, people are so afraid to fail that they become afraid to try. If you’re afraid to try, you will never achieve your goals. Someone with a growth mindset embraces failure and understands that it is within our failures that we grow and learn. This concept turns failure on its head. Since learning and growth are necessary in order to succeed, failure becomes a means to success rather than a detractor from success. Maintaining this mindset is crucial when pursuing a goal.
2. Without action steps, the best plans in the world are merely dead words on paper. It can be tempting to get stuck in the planning phase and wait until your plan is so perfect that nothing could possibly go wrong. But the problem is…such a plan does not exist. You will be stuck in a cycle of perpetual planning. If we maintain a growth mindset, we can remember that failure can push us forward. With this assurance, we can be bold and take tangible actions steps—even if they aren’t perfect. It is only because of these action steps that true progress is made. Goal achievement is a result of deliberate actions repeated over and over. It is not a magic, overnight leap to success.
Without action, you will be stuck in a cycle of perpetual planning.
3. Finally, our “enzyme”: positive thinking. A growth mindset tempers the fear of failure. This empowers us to take decisive action. Positive thinking is a not-so-secret superpower that further accelerates that goal progression. When we envision our end goals and believe that we have the ability to actually achieve those end goals…then what are we waiting for?! This kind of positive outlook fosters an uncrushable spirit that encourages us to just. keep. going. No longer dependent on outside motivation, positive thinking becomes a driver, pushing us closer to our goals. A true catalyst.
Positive thinking is not the magic key to success. But. (And this is a BIG but.) When coupled with decisive action, a growth mindset, and lots of diligent work, positive thinking transforms from a nice philosophy to a powerful accelerant. Chemistry was never my favorite class (in fact, it was my least favorite!), but this is one chemical equation that I love to see in action.
Comment below on how you have seen positive thinking act as a catalyst in your own life and then get out there and keep pushing forward toward those goal!
