Breaking Out of Ruts & Finally Believing In Yourself with Dr. Karin Nordin
Apr 11, 2022
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Dr. Karin Nordin, a behavior and mindset researcher, shares her insights on breaking out of ruts and embracing personal growth. She delves into the true nature of discipline and the idea that it can be reshaped rather than inherited. Karin highlights the concept of 'procrasta planning' and offers strategies to manage procrastination. She emphasizes the importance of creating a new identity, reframing failure as a growth opportunity, and prioritizing flexible, meaningful goals over rigid plans.
Discipline is not an inherent trait but a skill shaped by factors like self-regulation, mindset, and strategic planning.
Viewing failure positively fosters growth, as individuals can learn from mistakes rather than allowing them to define their self-worth.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Discipline
Discipline is often misinterpreted as a simple, inherent quality, but it encompasses a range of skills and behaviors that contribute to consistent action. Many individuals mistakenly view it as a magical trait that differentiates successful people from others; however, it is a product of various psychological factors such as self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and mind management. For instance, a fit influencer who consistently hits the gym may not realize that their so-called discipline is supported by their ability to manage negative thoughts and plan for workouts, even on busy days. Understanding discipline as a result of multiple components allows individuals to adopt practical strategies for enhancing their own discipline through targeted activities and skill development.
Nature vs. Nurture in Self-Regulation
The conversation surrounding self-regulation reveals a distinction between inherent traits and skills that can be developed over time. While some individuals may possess a natural aptitude for self-regulation, environmental factors, such as diet, mental health, and daily routines also play a significant role in shaping this ability. Research indicates that adopting a growth mindset, the belief that one can improve their self-regulation, leads to better outcomes in behavior change and goal achievement. In practice, this means individuals should recognize their potential for personal growth and focus on strategies that enhance their self-regulation capabilities rather than feeling limited by their perceived traits.
Reframing Failure and Self-Compassion
Failure is often perceived negatively, but adopting a neutral perspective on failure can foster personal growth and understanding. Instead of viewing failure as a reflection of one’s character, individuals can analyze their decisions and actions to learn valuable lessons. For example, someone who aimed to work out 16 days in a month but only completed 14 can reflect on the circumstances that led to this outcome without assigning blame or feeling defeated. By cultivating self-compassion and curiosity rather than self-criticism, individuals can better navigate future challenges and develop effective strategies for overcoming obstacles.
The Power of Focused Goals
Having too many goals can lead to overwhelming feelings and diminished progress in achieving any of them. By streamlining their focus to a smaller set of objectives, individuals can allocate their time and energy more effectively and make meaningful progress. This approach also encourages reflection on what truly matters, as letting go of peripheral goals can improve overall well-being and reduce stress. For instance, by prioritizing content creation and personal relationships while temporarily setting aside less critical aspirations, individuals can find greater happiness and fulfillment in their pursuits.
On today’s episode of Transformation Talks, we’re joined by Dr. Karin Nordin, who’s a PhD, behavior and mindset researcher, a curriculum strategist for coaches, and a helper of people who are perpetually stuck.
Here’s what we got into during today’s talk:
The truth about discipline (01:46)
Whether discipline is genetic (05:24)
Creating a “new identity” (07:50)
Why failure isn’t inherently bad (14:05)
What giving yourself grace looks like (19:02)
Overcoming procrastination (21:55)
Approach-based versus avoidance-based goals (26:13)
“Do not do” lists (30:13)
Why you might need to let go of your plan or goal (34:25)
Karin’s Fast 5 answers (45:33)
Process versus outcome-based goals (48:15)
Here’s where you can connect more deeply with Karin:
