Attitude & Mindset

I was trying to follow new developments about the forthcoming change to medical school entrance tests.

My browser had 44 tabs open when my daughter walked into the room.

“Whatever on earth are you doing?!” she exclaimed.

I tried to explain.

“But if you just wait for a day longer, you’ll know.”

She didn’t get it. Because she’s different from me. You see, I prefer to go out and get things, than wait for them to come to me.

It’s an attitude.

- — -

During the last election cycle, I remember a conversation with our housemaid.

“Whom are you voting for?” I asked.

“Well, anna, party A is offering us 3,000 rupees. But party B will pay me 5,000 for a vote.”

“Hmm… So whom will you vote for?”

“Party B, of course. They’re paying more.”

“And you’ll turn down the 3,000 rupees offer?”

“No. I’ll take the cash. After all, it’s money these crooked politicians stole from us anyway!”

It’s a mindset.

- — -

In school, I had a friend who would become very active a few days before any class test.

He’d browse question papers from previous years, to see which topics or chapters were NOT covered… so that he might avoid studying them!

His strategy worked.

Until once, in an important exam, we were asked two questions from a section he had omitted.

He was furious. Felt cheated. Thought it was extremely unfair.

He had the attitude of a gambler.

But his mindset was to expect bets to pay off… every time!

- — -

In recent years, the school education system in our state was revamped. The syllabus was dumbed down. A lot.

To make it easier for those without access to resources and facilities, they said.

Also, no student was held back in any class up to ninth grade. They were automatically promoted, even if they failed in examinations. A version of the “no child left behind” thinking.

It was guided by an attitude of fairness towards all students.

It led to a mindset of entitlement.

Students felt they deserved to pass, no matter what.

- — -

So, coming back to the medical school entrance test. The Supreme Court ruled on a petition, mandating a common national test (NEET) to select candidates.

One young aspirant tweeted:

“I have prepared mostly for the state premedical test. Now how can I prepare for NEET in just 2 days?”

He had chosen a strategy. Placed his bet. Picked an option.

And then acted on it.

Now, the court ruling meant he had chosen wrong.

That’s unfortunate.

But it’s also how life works. Things don’t always go the way you’d like them to.

His response is a reflection of his attitude and mindset.

- — -

Attitude and mindset impact every action.

And outcome.

It’s what makes someone a winner. And another one, a loser.

With a positive attitude and flexible mindset, you’ll greatly increase your chances of being a winner.

Every time.