Your mindset is often the thing that keeps you stuck or moves you forward.
There are many different kinds of mindsets:
- Scarcity Mindset
- Abundance Mindset
- Growth Mindset
- MacGyver Mindset
The one I’m writing about today is the MacGyver Mindset.
MacGyver had two strengths when he faced troubles and trials. Those two strengths will help you too.
Who is MacGyver?
The TV show MacGyver aired from 1985 to 1992. There were a couple of made-for-tv movies in 1994.
MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson, is a secret agent who was sent all over the world on missions. He didn’t like using guns, so he used ingenuity instead.
He found many innovative uses for duct tape and chewing gum (and anything else nearby).
MacGyver was clever
For example (spoilers ahead)
MacGyver is trapped inside a walk-in freezer.
The door is locked.
He can’t escape.
He’s cold, but he’s not worried.
Inside the freezer MacGyver finds a long tube. He places one end of the tube inside the locking mechanism. He holds the other end of the tube up to a light bulb.
Then he takes chunks of ice from the freezer and holds them next to the light bulb. The ice begins to melt, and the water trickles down the tube and into the lock.
As was often the case, MacGyver was adventure plus science lesson.
As the water collects inside the lock, the water refreezes—and expands!
The ice breaks the lock.
MacGyver escapes.
MacGyver is a fun show, even if it is a bit cheesy when you see it in reruns.
I see two key components to his mindset that are useful for podcasters and all creative communicators and educators.
MacGyver Mindset #1
The first key to the MacGyver Mindset is optimism.
When he faced frustrating situations, he remained optimistic. He knew there was a solution.
His mindset was the opposite of say, Charlie Brown or Eeyore. MacGyver was optimistic in the midst of bad situations.
As a podcaster, you have to stay optimistic.
So things might not be going well.
- You don’t have the best microphone.
- You don’t have the newest computer laptop.
- You don’t have Adobe Audition.
- Your recording studio is your closet (or your car, or the coffee shop).
- You’re not getting the kind of engagement from listeners you thought you’d get.
Be optimistic
After all, what good is it to be pessimistic about all those things?
Will discouragement help you create a show listeners want to listen to?
No.
Pessimism and discouragement might keep you from releasing your next episode on time.
And THAT might make you even more pessimistic.
Finally pessimism finishes its work.
Your show podfades.
Choose optimism
Intentionally decide to look at your bad situation from a positive perspective.
Many solutions are hidden from the pessimist.
Optimism shines the light on those solutions.
The first half of the MacGyver Mindset is optimism.
MacGyver Mindset #2
MacGyver was more than a “no worries” kind of guy.
He had something else equally important to optimism.
He had knowledge.
He had studied and learned science and chemistry. He understood physics. And he had experience actually using his scientific knowledge.
As a podcaster, it’s important to study and learn the craft of creating a podcast.
That includes technology, technique, content, and presentation.
For example (technology)
You need to know how your equipment works.
If you spend 20 minutes tweaking things every time you’re about to record, that’s 20 minutes of energy you’re losing that could go into actually recording your show.
Learn how your equipment works. Learn how to efficiently use your editing software. Learn how to create keyboard shortcuts.
Practice recording in different environments with different mics and recorders.
Discover what’s possible with your current setup before you spend a lot of money on something new.
Think about what knowledge you already have. Use that. Move forward.
And if there’s any knowledge you’re uncertain of, keep learning, practicing, and testing.
Don’t stay stuck
Even if you feel stuck, KNOW there is a solution.
Let the MacGyver Mindset keep you going.
Remember the 2 keys to the MacGyver Mindset
Optimism and Knowledge.
Choose optimism.
Get and apply knowledge.
