Habit 4: Think Win/Win Part 1

     I started off this week by reading about habit 4, "Think Win/Win". The first section of Habit 4 covers 5 subtopics, Win/Win, Win/Lose, Lose/Win, Lose/Lose, and Win. All 5 subtopics analyze the different mentalities people have and how it affects their decision-making process. Win/Win is a mindset of equal benefit. Win/Lose is described to be the authoritative approach. Typically found in people with a leader-like mentality, always reaching for the best. In comparison, a lose/win mentality is quite the opposite. Those with the lose/win mindset are likely to be insecure, wanting to please others first. Lose/Lose occurs when two win/lose people get together.  They will fight a battle and neither will win, causing a need to "get even". The Win mentality is described to be looking out for yourself, there is no need for others to lose as long as you get what you want. 

    Surprisingly enough, I have experienced all of these mentalities in the past, some more often than others. Throughout my life, I have seen Win/Lose and Lose/Win much more than the 3. The Win/Lose mentality is most likely found in very competitive natures like school and jobs. I have encountered my fair share of Win/Lose people, and I can say it's not the best situation to be in. However, while reading about Win/Lose, I noticed I display many of the characteristics that make a Win/Lose mindset. One, for example, is my need for validation. Like the examples Covey uses in the reading, I often find myself comparing myself to others, always seeking to be better for validation, especially in my academic career. 

(Not my image)

    One activity I did for this reading was Abundance Mentality. I finished my reading of Habit 4 yesterday, but I held off on writing this blog so I can share with you my results. The Abundance Mentality Activity practices the Win/Win mentality through the use of daily affirmations. As I have stated before, I really struggle with the Win/Lose mindset, especially concerning my education. So, yesterday, as I found myself comparing my accomplishments to other people's accomplishments, I practiced a lot of word affirmations. It required me to take a break from my computer and affirm myself. I reminded myself that it is my life that I am living, everyone's journeys will look different and this is just how mine is starting out. From this activity, I realized that there is no need to seek what I don't have, and probably never will. It is more important to appreciate what I have now and work from there.

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