A notification popped up on my phone: "A new iOS update is available for your iPhone and is ready to install."
I sighed with some irritation, anticipating changes to my apps and display. But I knew the update was necessary, nay essential for my phone’s performance. I had no real choice – better to install it later in the night, I thought, vs letting it disrupt my day. After all, every smart device today does need regular updates.
That’s when a thought struck me: one of the smartest devices I know is the human mind - doesn't that need an update? What does an "iOS update" mean for the human mind?
The iOS of the Mind
I looked at my iPhone - its iOS governs everything – from apps to security. Even with top-tier hardware, if the iOS software is outdated, it becomes a bottleneck, causing apps to stall and speed and performance to drop.
I realised that our minds work in a similar way. Our “mind-frame” is our iOS - a mix of beliefs and assumptions. It governs how we think, feel and act, often without us even realising it. Even as we upgrade our "hardware" through education, training and new experiences, we rarely question whether our mental OS needs an update.
In fact, most of us assume our current mindset is just fine. But if we run new challenges on an outdated framework, like modern apps on an old phone, things slow down, ideas get stuck, and opportunities pass us by.
The tricky part? There’s no automatic notification about a due upgrade - it’s up to you to recognize when it’s time.
What Does a Mental iOS Update Look Like?
Just like a phone update fixes bugs, removes outdated programs and adds new ones, a mental upgrade involves evaluating old mindsets and beliefs that once served you well but are out of sync with your current reality. The process helps rewire these mindsets to adopt fresh new perspectives that empower you to thrive in today’s environment.
A fresh mental iOS makes you show up with more intention, alignment and readiness to take on today's challenges with clarity and focus.
It’s an Investment – and it’s worth it
A mental iOS update, unlike a phone update, cannot happen overnight. It takes time, reflection and effort. But it’s not a cost; it’s an investment in yourself, to gain better clarity, alignment and performance.
The support you might need
Much like a tech expert simplifies software updates, a coach can guide your mental upgrade. Coaches are trained to facilitate introspection to help you uncover blind spots and offer tools to make the process smoother, faster and more rewarding.
Ready to Hit 'Update'?
So, what do you think of your mental OS? Time for an upgrade? What bugs need fixing? What new capabilities can you unlock?
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to update - it’s here, now. The only question is: When are you getting it done?