All three of these words have the same root…mind.  Yet they are different.  At different times each of them could probably accurately describe where we are at.  How do they differ and why is that significant?

When we are mindful, we are consciously focused on something.  We are fully and completely present.

Mindset refers to a fixed attitude and an unwillingness to change.  

Mindless is another way of describing what I frequently call living on “automatic pilot.” It is making choices without thinking about them and their potential consequences.

Being Mindless

Like so many other things in life, this is not all good or all bad.  For the vast majority of us, we do not need to think about breathing, our heart beating, or simple movements.  These things happen mindlessly.  They do not require conscious thought.  That is great.  That allows us to focus on things beyond the basic mechanics of staying alive. 

Generally, when we speak of being mindless, however, it is about making choices or taking actions without conscious thought or paying attention to potential consequences.  An example of this is the person who is so engrossed in their phone that they step off the curb oblivious to oncoming traffic.  They place themselves at risk.  They also place others at risk, as some drivers slam on their breaks to avoid hitting the pedestrian and others may not be as quick, so a different accident materializes.

Having a Fixed Mindset – Common

Think of “always” and “never”.  This is a perspective that is unwilling to change regardless of circumstances.  We frequently see this in the political arena.  “I always vote for the Democrat”.  “I could never vote for a Democrat”.  This reflexive attitude disregards everything a candidate stands for, everything they believe, everything they advocate, and their history.  It does not allow for a reasoned choice about people or circumstances. 

Many in our society believe a doctor has greater status than a plumber.  They have a mindset that a doctor is smarter and makes more money and consequently has a greater value to society.  They disregard the fact that a plumber also has important skills.  Furthermore, they also disregard the fact that a good plumber is highly compensated.  More importantly, they disregard the fact that an individual doctor may be cruel and condescending with no redeeming personal qualities.  An individual plumber may be witty and philosophical, as well as kind and thoughtful.  Mindset robs us of the ability to see and judge individuals and circumstances based on their merit.

Having a Fixed Mindset – Unique

There are times when a fixed mindset can be a huge positive but it is a concept that is rarely embraced.  Examples of your mindset with this perspective might include

• I am a leader

• I do not recognize problems – I see opportunities

• Giving up is never an option – I will always persevere

In these instances, you are so committed to a path that nothing will allow you to deviate from that path.   See the difference?   In the common examples, your inflexible mindset is focused outwardly toward other people and circumstances and is undeviating in its judgments.  In the unique example, your mindset is inwardly focused and supports keeping commitments to yourself.

What About Mindful

Mindfulness is all about conscious and thoughtful choices.  It looks at options and the consequences of various choices.  It considers the resources of time, energy, and money.  If they are invested in one thing, then they are not available for something else.  By aligning choices with values and priorities mindful decisions serve our higher good.

What about your choices?  Are they mindless or mindful?  Is your mindset common or unique?  It’s your choice.  Make it mindfully.