ATWP EP 5
Mindset Matters: Cultivating Success as an Army Warrant Officer
Show Intro:
Hi, I’m Chief D, and you’re listening to a Totally Warranted Podcast. A Podcast where we discuss all things Chief. From how to become one, to when to retire and everything in between. In this podcast we’ll discuss topics surrounding your board packet, attending school, life as a warrant officer and beyond. So grab your favorite beverage, and sit back as I take you on the journey of life as a Chief.
Hello, Hello, Hello, and Welcome to "A Totally Warranted Podcast," your go-to resource for valuable insights and advice on navigating the world of Army warrant officers. I'm your host, Chief D.
If you aren't following on Facebook and Instagram, you've missed the affirmation of the week, but no worries, I wanted to share it with you today. This week's affirmation is: This week, I will manifest my success. I love visualization, and this week, since I am on leave, I will be focusing very heavily on the plan for the future. They always say if you can believe it, you can achieve it. But what if you could feel it, see it, taste it. It would happen that much smoother because you'd already live in a world where it exists. If you haven't seen my other page, Tiffanie Daniel Coaching, feel free to drop it. On that page, I help people with this very thing. I specialize in goal setting and time management to help people get to the life of their dreams.
But that’s enough about me, let's get back to the show. Last week, we discussed tips for the Candidate School and Basic Course graduates. Make sure you go back and listen to that if you are in that area of the journey. But today's topic is going to be for everyone. The new Warrant Officer right down to the pre-retirement warrant officer. What could all of us possibly need to talk about? Well, the answer is simple. Mindset. Today, we delve into a crucial topic for personal and professional growth: mindset. In particular, we will explore how mindset plays a significant role in the success of a Warrant Officer. So, let's dive in and discover the power of your mind.
Before I begin I want you to know I will be staying in the shallow end of the pool on this topic. As a life coach and self awareness enthusiast I can get a little wrapped into this kind of talk so I’m going to do my best to stay on task.
To begin, let's define what mindset is and why it is vital in achieving our goals. Mindset refers to our attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives that shape how we approach challenges and opportunities. There are two primary mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset believes that abilities are innate and unchangeable, while a growth mindset understands that talents can be developed through effort and learning. It is the growth mindset that propels us towards continuous improvement and success. Mindset is essential to all aspects of the Warrant Officer Journey. I haven't been telling you to remain flexible this whole time for no reason. A growth mindset helps you to stay flexible as this mindset allows for the concept that everything is "figure-out-able."
As Warrant Officers, we face unique challenges and responsibilities. As hard as it can be, Maintaining a positive and adaptive mindset is crucial in the face of adversity. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can develop resilience and overcome obstacles. In this way we draw from the experiences of seasoned Warrant Officers, by tapping into our networks to turn our setbacks into success stories. Just last week I was able to call on a local PBO Warrant Officer who was able to assist me in providing the appropriate guidance to my XO and Supply NCO about an issue the unit was facing with property. Now remember, I am a 420A, this is not the lane I would normally see in front of me but by leveraging the power of my local network I am able to step in and ensure critical tasks (like working computers) are taken care of. A fixed mindset would ensure that I didn't act in these kinds of situations. It would keep me from maximizing my reach and the effectiveness of my network.
Now, let's explore practical tips and strategies for cultivating a growth mindset. Self-reflection and self-awareness are fundamental in mindset development. By understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, we can chart a clear path towards success. Setting clear goals and maintaining a resilient mindset allows us to stay focused and motivated, even in the most challenging times.
At several points in my current organization I've found myself stepping into lanes a 420A wouldn't typically be in. I've attended multiple maintenance meetings where I had to report the status of equipment (some of which I've never even seen) and request assistance with getting it fixed. To say I stepped out of my comfort zone for this would be a complete understatement. Luckily, I am keen on expressing my weaknesses in these situations.
So as I walked into what I assume is a very tense meeting, I casually announced. "Good Morning team, as you may have noticed, I'm not the XO, so there are two things you should know, 1. I don't speak maintenance (at this point, not only have i broken the very tense silence but I’ve gotten some chuckles out of other meeting attendees) I go on to say “so I may ask some silly questions, and 2. I will write down everything that happens in this meeting, so don't promise me anything you can't deliver." At this point people are making verbal notes of what not to say and we prepare for the start of the meeting. To say this was one of the funniest meetings I've sat in, in quite some time would be selling it short. I learned a lot, people were open to teaching and I can say, I speak a little maintenance now. But, None of this is possible, without the willingness to ask for help. (For the record, I don't’ recommend that approach for every situation. You definitely have to know your audience a little) but getting back on track.
Throughout our journey, we may encounter mindset barriers that hinder our progress. Common barriers such as limiting beliefs and self-doubt can hold us back. However, we have the power to overcome them. The Army teaches methods of this in the MRT area of real-time resilience. It's a process of taking the limiting belief you are currently holding and casting doubt on its legitimacy. Once you've proved the thought inaccurate it's easier to get past it. Thoughts like "I don't know why I'm here" or "I'm not going to be able to do this' are common limiting beliefs in our field. I’m including a link to my limiting beliefs printable pdf for you in the show notes. It will give you 10 common limiting beliefs and counter thoughts you can use to start to defeat them.
Leadership and mindset go hand in hand. A positive mindset can inspire and motivate others, fostering a culture of growth and excellence within a team. There is a connection between mindset and effective leadership, leading by example and creating an environment that encourages a growth mindset in our organizations and fellow Warrant Officers is crucial in growing resilient and ready units and a strong Cohort ready to overcome any obstacle put before it.
My commander is an excellent example of this ideal. He arrived at the unit motivated and pumped for the journey of his command. Regardless of the challenges we face he comes in everyday with a smile and an attitude that is soaking into the very core of the organization. It is this attitude that builds teams, focuses chaos, and stands the tallest for the organization. The Soldier’s know that he will take the hill with them, and thus their minds are more open to change and possibility. Later days don’t cause commotion as the team understands where it is poised to go and why everyone is important in it. It is this kind of leadership through mindfulness that we should all strive to emulate.
At some point this week take a minute and talk to the people around you, enlisted, Officer or warrant, it doesn't matter. Think about the mindset that they have when they are talking. Do they hold on to optimistic ideas and see the possibility in situations or are they holding on to what they believe isn't possible? Notice that when they are holding on to what they believe isn't possible and you speak life into the possibility how their mood changes. They almost light up with the thought that someone may know how to get them past their current road block. Use this energy to invigorate those around you, and most of all use it when your WOMIES to your right and left aren't at 100%. Everyone can use someone to speak life into them; make sure this week you are that person for someone else.
By cultivating a growth mindset, we unlock our potential for continuous improvement, resilience, and achievement. Take a moment to reflect on your own mindset and consider how it influences your journey as a Warrant Officer. Remember, the power to shape your mindset lies within you. Want to know if you have a growth mindset? DM me at Totally Warranted on FB or IG and I will send you a Mindset quiz you can take. It’s a short quiz, less than 10 questions and you will have your answer immediately when you’re done.
There we have it, today's episode is all wrapped up in a 15 minute bow. I hope you found valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your journey as a Warrant Officer. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with others who can benefit from it.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "A Totally Warranted Podcast." Next week on the podcast, we will be discussing where Chief goes for help. Let me know what you thought of this episode. I’ve posted links in the show notes of any resources I mentioned. I look forward to chatting with you again next week and I’ll talk to you later. Stay motivated, keep pushing forward, and remember that your dedication as a warrant officer is totally warranted!
Outro:
You’re listening to a totally warranted podcast. A podcast by chief for chief. If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve heard, would you mind leaving a review. A review lets others know that this podcast is worth their time and will help them on their journey to embodying Chief. We’ll see you next time.
Links:
Emails: ChiefD@totallywarranted.com
Limiting Beliefs PDF
https://tiffaniedanielcoaching.com/limiting-beliefs/
