3C Mindset
When things get complicated, the 3Cs (Complexity, Courage, and Consideration) give us somewhere to pause before certainty, silence, or reactivity takes over.
What is the 3C Mindset?
The 3C Mindset is a relational practice for Mindful Authenticity that comprises Complexity (There is more to us than we immediately see), Courage (We risk facing hard “what if” questions and staying present), and Consideration (We choose timing and purpose wisely).
Applications in therapy
- Complexity: When certainty takes over, gently widen the picture: What else could be true? What might we be missing??
- Courage: Try saying something important without guarantees that we will be understood, agreed with, or proven right.
- Consideration: Think relationally. Ask what the relationship can hold right now, and whether slowing down, waiting, or changing the approach might support fuller participation.
Applications in community
- Complexity: Resist the single story. No person is reducible to one identity, belief, mistake, role, or interaction.
- Courage: Risk curiosity alongside conviction. We can care deeply about what we believe while still asking, What if I’m missing something?
- Consideration: Not every conversation needs to happen immediately. Consider purpose, timing, place, people, and what might support engagement
Evolution of the 3C Mindset
Maureen Walker introduced the Three C Mindset as part of her development of Mindful Authenticity in When Getting Along Is Not Enough. She describes Complexity, Courage, and Consideration as principles that distinguish mindful truth-telling from reflexive, protective, reactivity.
The 3Cs also gather together longstanding RCT practices in a particularly usable form: holding complexity rather than rigid certainty, finding courage through vulnerability and connection, and considering our impact on others rather than simply expressing whatever arises. Jordan's earlier writing on authenticity similarly emphasizes responsiveness, impact, and relational intention.
The 3Cs present a way to pause and practice authenticity.
Questions
- What parts of the story am I missing?
- Am I willing to risk being misunderstood?
- What would be most helpful in this moment and situation?
Relational Challenge
Before one difficult conversation this week, pause for the 3Cs:
Complexity: What identities of my own am I bringing into this conversation?
Courage: What are my biggest "what-if" fears related to this talk?
Consideration: Why this conversation, with this person, at this time?
In relationship our stories help us to become more fully aware of who we are and what choices we have about who we are becoming