Why Mindset Matters (from a laid-back nomad + musician)
I’m a digital nomad, musician and content creator. And I stay completely carefree and relaxed, pretty much no matter what happens.
I credit most of this “laid-backness” to my environment growing up (since my parents are pretty similar), but I still need to stay intentional with stuff. So how do I do it?
Mindset.
This post shares why mindset matters so much and my top moves for maintaining a solid perspective on things.
Alright, let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
What Is Mindset?
Mindset is a set of beliefs and attitudes that determine and shape how you perceive and experience life and yourself.
It’s one of those things that’s a part of everything — from parenting, fashion and self development to fitness, entrepreneurship and creativity.
So versatile!
Plus, it’s pretty on trend. Plug it into Google Trends and you’ll see a clear upward trend over the past couple of decades (with a serious spike in 2020, which sort of makes sense).
So, it’s a big topic with a lot of interest — and for good reason.
But before we get into those benefits, let’s look at the different types of mindsets.
Recommended: Mindset Is Everything (10 crazy facts)
Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets
If you research mindset, you’ll find two main types: fixed and growth.
I like this simple binary approach, but you can pretty easily branch off from here — for example, both a musician mindset or a traveler’s mindset have their own nuances.
Still, these two basic ones pour the foundation. So let’s explore them some more.
What’s A Fixed Mindset?
A fixed mindset is the view that one’s natural abilities, talents and intelligence are unchangeable (or, fixed). People with a fixed mindset tend to believe they’re either “born with it” or they’re not.
The Pros
Tend to become specialists in one area
Will be less disrupting and accepting or adhering to existing structures and frameworks
The Cons
Can miss out on learning and capturing new opportunities
Can struggle with feedback and criticism
Some Examples
“Getting this feedback sucks, I can’t handle this negative criticism.”
“You’re an amazing singer. I wish I could sing, but I can’t.”
What’s A Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the view that talents and abilities are more dynamic and evolving. People with a growth mindset believe that they can learn or improve upon any skill or talent through practice and focus.
The Pros
More willing to take on new challenges
More accepting of setbacks and willing to learn from others
The Cons
A persistent feeling that you always need to be learning more to grow
Can be alienating in some environments or groups that value structure
Some Examples
“Getting this feedback is super helpful. I see some sweet improvements on the horizon.”
“You’re an amazing singer. I feel inspired, I’m going to take some singing lessons!”
Why Mindset Matters (8 effects mindset has on my life)
Mindset is my secret tool for better travel, more creativity and sustained carefreeness.
These are the effects it has on my life.
1. Dealing With Challenges
I spend a lot of time traveling overseas. Naturally, challenges pop up.
From language issues to culture shock, discomfort is common. But having the right mindset makes all the difference.
Everyone deals with challenges. And while it’s not a competition of who has the biggest struggles, mindset helps in all cases — from solo traveling the world to making yourself wake up earlier.
Learning to embrace challenges is a serious soft skill. Your perception to obstacles in life is an asset that will push you forward.
Challenges are the price we pay for growth — I guess that’s why they call it growing pains.
2. Integrating Feedback
As that one quote goes: “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
How I process and integrate feedback comes down to my perception of it — my mindset.
Sometimes, feedback is rogue and unjustified. Other times, there’s some truth to it. As a musician and digital creator, I’m used to it (I even expect it), but I always keep an even-keeled mindset.
Healthy criticism gives me hints for improvement, but unjustified feedback is an opportunity to practice compassion (for the haters) or to sharpen my ability to laugh things off.
Integrating feedback means I know which things I can ignore and which things can be helpful. My mindset dictates how I process this feedback, good or bad.
3. More Carefreeness + Wellbeing
Mindset plays a big role in my carefreeness and wellbeing.
Since life is always there to throw some questionable BS my way, I need to always be ready. This means consciously choosing to just not care.
A growth mindset makes me less likely to feel bad about my missteps and my chill attitude helps me not care so much in the first place. It’s a perfect balance for me.
Even research from Frontiers In Psychology shows that people with growth mindsets are less prone to mental health challenges. Good stuff, indeed!
So don’t overlook the potential impact mindset can play in your wellbeing and laid-backness.
Now, stop stressing so much… :]
Recommended: How to Be More Chill
4. My Confidence
I’ve always struggled with imposter syndrome and a lack of (creative) confidence.
And the thing that made the biggest splash for me was changing my mindset. From how I make and share my music to all my rogue opinions here on this blog, having confidence is sort of important for me to fully express myself.
A confident mindset means I’m not stressing if I look like a fool or when I inevitably make mistakes. Because that’s the journey. And I’d rather look like a temporary idiot than have the regret of never trying at all.
So remember, confidence isn’t about accuracy or “rightness”. It’s about being okay with looking silly or making mistakes (which is totally cathartic BTW).
It’s a state of mind and a muscle you can strengthen.
Recommended: My Favorite Confidence Hacks
5. Creativity and Risk-Taking
I’m a musician and digital creator. So creativity and risk-taking is sort of part of the deal.
And again, my mindset has got my back.
The ability to express yourself, be vulnerable, look awkward and create something (anything) is a human superpower. It makes the world more beautiful and sparks change.
It’s important. The world needs you and your ideas.
Being creative and taking risks is the ultimate education in yourself. And the ability to consistently take that leap is a mindset.
I know from experience that the wrong mindset can seriously hold you back creatively. For example, my limiting mindset prevented me from ever sharing my music before and left me waiting for the “perfect moment” or to just play it safe by only using proven templates and following the “rules”.
So if you’re an artist or creative at all, practice cultivating a more creative mindset. It’s an asset.
Recommended: How to Have A Creative Mindset
6. Embracing Change
I like change, which is good since it’s so constant.
My mindset for embracing change is a mixture of present moment awareness, detachment and excitement for newness or the unknown. I accept that life would be pretty boring if everything was still.
Movement creates energy and life. Change is life in motion. Embracing change unlocks new ideas, new ways of thinking, fresh cultural cycles, innovation, societal growth, technological resources and so much more.
As a traveler, I’m constantly in a state of flux. From new countries and currencies to my continuously shifting accommodations, change is the name of the game.
And as a musician, creator and digital nomad? Well, let’s just say that technology is the fastest form of change. So embracing that is key.
7. Handling Discomfort
From singing in public to traveling solo in a new country, getting good at handling discomfort is essential.
I used to fear discomfort. But now I lean into it. My greatest lessons and growth come after challenges. And the greatest comforts in life come after the greatest periods of discomfort.
Because without the downs, there are no ups.
And while discomfort has gotten quieter for me, it’s something that’ll never go away completely. Discomfort means you’re trying new things and pushing your boundaries for growth and new experiences.
It’s a good thing.
Experience and building new skills helps lessen the blow of uncomfortable situations, but mindset is the main key.
So lean into discomfort by expecting it, accepting it and loving (or laughing at) it. Because that’s a mindset that’ll make you unstoppable.
Recommended: How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
8. Embracing My Uniqueness
What’s worse than being weird? Being normal.
Embracing my quirks makes me more creative, more authentic and happier. While knowing what makes you unique takes self awareness, embracing that uniqueness takes confidence and the right mindset.
You can also have a more entrepreneurial mindset with your quirks by using them to build your personal brand.
Because no one can be you quite like you. So own that.
Believing in the value of your uniqueness is a winning mindset. Plus, it makes life more fun.
Recommended: How to Embrace Your Weirdness
11 Quick Hacks for A Kick-Ass Mindset
From creatives and creators to travelers or anyone looking to live a more carefree life, here are some helpful tips for cultivating a kick-ass mindset.
Hang around more people with the mindset you’d like to cultivate
Stay aware and conscious of your mindset (especially negative thought cycles)
Write down your dream mindset traits and practice them
Create an alter ego to embody a totally different mindset
Learn about brain plasticity to challenge fixed mindset beliefs
Avoid comparing yourself to others and take a break from social media
Change the words you use and how you speak
Practice meditation and self awareness
Everyday can’t be a W (accept this)
Take small steps over time for more sustainable mindset development
Focus on the journey and have fun
Later ✌️
Mindset matters.
As a musician, creator and digital nomad, my perspectives and way of thinking play a big role in how I create, feel and grow.
My mindset affects my carefreeness, confidence, creativity, authenticity and willingness to embrace new experiences. It’s a tool I simply can’t go without.
So if you’re keen to have a little more fun (and a little less stress), then practice cultivating your mindset. It’s a skill, but one that can be learned.
Want More? Okay. Here’s More.
