Mindset: Unleashing Your Potential with Ten Tenets
We are thrilled to introduce you to a framework that has been in the works for the past six months: The FIERCE Mindset. This powerful mindset was unveiled at a recent TDSynnex event, where it received phenomenal engagement. We're excited to roll out the first five tenets this month, with the remaining five to follow in July.
Understanding the FIERCE Mindset
The FIERCE mindset is grounded in three things we love: the book Mindset by Carol Dweck, FIERCE, and a list. As a quick primer, Mindset is all about the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset. A growth mindset is defined as the belief that characteristics and abilities can be changed with effort over time. People with this mindset are more likely to adopt learning goals, choose challenging tasks, and employ adaptive strategies to improve their abilities. It's an optimistic and empowering approach to life. We love it!
For those of you new here, FIERCE stands for Females In Every Role Change Everything. Our mission is to drive women's empowerment and equality, underpinned by four foundational principles: hustle, courage, resilience, and empathy. These principles guide our efforts to foster networking success among women and allies, and to produce relevant content for personal and professional growth. Lastly a top ten list – or really any list – if our love language due to the time saving nature they afford us and if you haven’t shopped a Popsugar.com top ten list – do it today!
The FIERCE Mindset Top Ten Tenets
Always Authentic
Be a Tiger
Have Courage
Day One Can Be Today
Execution Makes You Elite and is Sexy
Empathy is a Super Power
Hustle Like You Mean It
Move Your Body Every Day
Predictability Builds Reputation
Resilience Is Mandatory
Let's delve into the first five tenets of the FIERCE Mindset.
1. Always Authentic
Quote: “You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” - Glinda, The Good Witch
Meaning: Authenticity means speaking your mind and expressing your true feelings, even if it’s not what others want to hear. It's about being genuine and living a free life.
Principles:
Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Learn to say no and set boundaries.
Example: A FIERCE member once worked at a company where the product clearly didn’t work. Despite presenting the facts to the CEO, the Board, and others, nothing changed. Eventually, she left, and six months later, the company lost 90% of its value. Staying true to herself allowed her to sleep at night, knowing she lived authentically.
2. Be a Tiger
Quote: “Abigail, you are a tiger.” – Helen Roberts
Meaning: Stand up to bullies with eye contact, direct words, and conviction. Tigers make the world better for those who can’t defend themselves.
Principles:
Address bullying directly and publicly.
Combat the Queen Bee Syndrome in the workplace.
Example: In an academic setting, a FIERCE member confronted parents who were trying to manipulate the curriculum to their advantage. By standing up to them publicly, their influence crumbled. If you don’t know what the Queen Bee syndrome is – please check out our work on it here: https://www.fiercenow.org/blog/queen-bee
3. Have Courage
Quote: “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” – Jane Austen
Meaning: Courage is staring fear in the face and moving forward. It involves risk, intention, and a goal to benefit others.
Principles:
Acknowledge your courageous actions.
Get comfortable with mistakes.
Persevere despite failures.
Example: Courage is when your company runs out of money, and you figure out how to apply for unemployment. It’s hearing a terminal cancer diagnosis and finding a specialist for additional treatment. Public school teachers inspire us daily with their bravery.
4. Today Can Be Day One
Quote: "I'm just telling you to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment." – Joan Didion
Meaning: Embrace the power of making today Day One. Take immediate action toward your goals instead of delaying.
Principles:
Replace “One Day” with “Day One” energy.
Spend one focused hour daily on your goal.
Example: Bringing FIERCE public in March 2022 was a transformative decision. It’s something we wish we had done sooner. The impact has been immense and immediate.
5. Execution Makes You Elite and is Sexy
Quote: "The most effective way to do it, is to do it." - Amelia Earhart
Meaning: Execution involves carrying out plans and actions effectively. It makes you elite and desirable to work with.
Principles:
Do what you say you’re going to do.
Emphasize action over talk.
Example: Celebrating school graduations at Kalahari created unforgettable memories. Execution is embodied by individuals like Calhoun McKinney, who exemplify strategic planning and follow-through, achieving remarkable results.
Stay tuned for the next five tenets coming in July. Embrace the FIERCE Mindset and unleash your full potential!