How do you know it’s time to change your mindset? Pay attention when you are so focused on one thing that you completely miss another.
In 1999 Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris created an experiment by asking attendees to count how many times “people in white shirts passed a basketball to each other”. While viewing the video they were asked to watch, a gorilla randomly walked into the middle of the video of the basketball passing and walked out again. Most viewers missed the gorilla completely because they were so intent on seeing only what they wanted to see … the players in white shirts passing the ball. Watch below:
https://youtu.be/vJG698U2Mvo?si=i4mpR1WLjxn2INGm
Said differently, we go where we gaze. The basketball pass counters were gazing at the white shirted players and that is where their mind went, completely missing the playful gorilla. Now, how does this apply to shifting our mindset?
Let’s start broadly. Two common mindset contrasts are “growth vs fixed mindset” or “scarcity vs. abundance” mindset. If you have a growth or abundant mindset, you are willing to look for and find more ways to learn, grow, receive and provide even in the midst (and more importantly – especially in the midst) of challenging situations and seasons. Conversely, if you have a fixed or scarcity mindset, you have already made up your mind you don’t have enough, you’ll never be enough, nothing more is possible. Thus we create our own limiting beliefs.
The Bible talks a lot about our mindset:
…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8: 5
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
After you read the passages above, write down one problem, relationship or life situation that you are limiting your ability for hope, perseverance and provision. Now, the problem you wrote down is an example of you looking at the white shirts in your life. Next, ask God to reveal gratitude, perspective and opportunities in the midst of this hard situation you. may be missing (your gorilla). You might want to pull in a trusted friend to help hold you accountable to your desire to shift your mindset and “see the gorilla”.
You cannot change what you aren’t aware of. I hope this has been a visual reminder of how you can expand your mindset in all seasons and circumstances. Drop a note below how it feels to change your mindset and perspective. Don’t miss your gorilla.
