Harness energised and watchful mindsets to unlock smarter choices
Psychologists call our two contrasting drives a promotion focus—seeking gains and embracing opportunities—and a prevention focus—guarding against loss and ensuring safety. When you’re in one mindset, you naturally overlook the other. In a study of Silicon Valley teams, researchers found that companies which merged both mindsets—cutting costs strategically while continuing to invest in R&D—outperformed those that focused on just one. This so-called “ambidextrous” approach yielded 42% more strong financial recoveries after a recession compared to teams that pursued only opportunities, and 76% more than those that pursued only defense.
Imagine Maya, torn between a risky pivot or safeguarding her core clients. In promotion mode she envisioned new markets; in prevention mode she worried about losing existing revenue. When she listed both visions side by side in a meeting and treated each with equal care—crafting pilot tests for the new idea while securing renewals with key customers—her firm weathered uncertainty and grew market share by 8% that quarter. Studies show that toggling between eager expansion and vigilant caution helps teams identify hidden threats while still daring to grow. This balanced mindset keeps us from the extremes of reckless risk or paralyzing conservatism.
Begin by noticing if you’re leaning too hard toward excitement or guarding against loss. Then brainstorm a quick list of two exciting possibilities and two risks you must guard against. Finally, craft one combined action that addresses the risk while still chasing the opportunity. For example, you might allocate 10% of your time to test the big idea and the rest to shore up your core business. Give it a spin at your next planning session.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll develop the ability to see both upside potential and downside protections, leading to balanced strategies that promote growth without reckless exposure. Internally, you’ll feel more grounded and less torn by conflicting emotions; externally, you’ll produce plans that adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Toggle between eager and vigilant modes
Identify your current mindset
Ask yourself, “Am I feeling eager for positive change or anxious about potential loss?” Reflect on your mood and the language you’re using—“gain,” “opportunity,” vs. “risk,” “avoid.”
Play both sides
Jot two columns on a sheet. Column A lists what could go amazingly right if you pursue an opportunity; Column B lists what might go wrong if you don’t protect against downside. Fill each with two bullet points.
Blend your insights
Look at both lists and highlight items that carry the most weight for you. Then draft a short action plan that addresses the biggest anxiety while also pursuing your top hope.
Test the blend in a mini-experiment
Choose one small step that honours both your gains and your protection—like setting a conservative budget for taking a new course while also carving out research time to submit an application.
Reflection Questions
- Which projects have you abandoned out of fear?
- Where have you overextended chasing growth?
- How could you allocate resources to serve both needs equally?
Personalization Tips
- A marketer balances binge-testing a new campaign (promotion mindset) with running ROI stop-loss metrics (prevention mindset).
- A fitness fan combines a cautious injury-prevention warm-up with excitedly setting a personal best goal.
- A parent negotiates extra screen time for kids balanced by earlier bedtimes to safeguard sleep.
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work
Ready to Take Action?
Get the Mentorist app and turn insights like these into daily habits.