Have you ever been told that you’re just not good at something? Maybe it was a particular subject in school, or a sport that you tried and didn’t do well in. If you’ve ever felt like you just don’t have what it takes to succeed, you might have a fixed mindset. But what exactly is a fixed mindset, and how does it differ from a growth mindset?
Fixed Mindset
A fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities and talents are set in stone. In other words, you believe that you were born with a certain level of intelligence, talent, or skill, and there’s not much you can do to change it. People with a fixed mindset often avoid challenges, because they’re afraid of looking stupid or failing. They also tend to give up easily when they encounter obstacles, because they don’t believe they have the ability to overcome them.
Growth Mindset
On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that you can improve your abilities and talents through hard work and dedication. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, because they see them as opportunities to learn and grow. They also persist in the face of obstacles, because they believe that with effort and persistence, they can overcome them.
Let’s take a look at these mindsets side by side in comparison.
The Benefits of a Growth Mindset
Research has shown that people with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed in school, work, and life in general. They’re also more resilient in the face of setbacks, and more likely to bounce back from failure. Here are some additional benefits of a growth mindset:
1. Increased creativity: People with a growth mindset are more likely to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
2. Improved relationships: People with a growth mindset are more open to feedback and criticism, which can help them improve their relationships with others.
3. Greater motivation: People with a growth mindset are more likely to set goals and work towards them, because they believe that hard work and effort will pay off.
How to Develop a Growth Mindset
If you think you have a fixed mindset, don’t worry – you can develop a growth mindset with practice. Here are some strategies to help you make the shift:
1. Embrace challenges: Instead of avoiding things that are difficult, seek out challenges that will help you learn and grow. It’s OK to start small and build. You don’t have to accomplish everything today.
2. Emphasize effort over talent: Instead of focusing on natural ability, focus on the effort you put in to achieve your goals.
3. Learn from mistakes: Instead of getting discouraged by failure, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Take notes on what worked and what didn’t. Ask yourself how you can do things differently next time. You will be surprised how quickly you begin to learn and grow!
4. Get feedback: Seek out feedback from others, and use it to improve your skills and abilities.
5. Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude, even when things get tough. Remember that with hard work and persistence, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Having a growth mindset can help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life. By embracing challenges, focusing on effort, and learning from mistakes, you can develop the mindset you need to succeed.
Next time you find yourself expressing a fixed mindset try the exercise below and replace some of the negative things you say with more positive phrases. Go one step further and add to this list if you have other phrases you say to yourself that aren’t serving you.
Interested in learning more about how to shift your mindset to a more positive, growth mindset? Click the button below to get your free mindset workbook. While you are clicking, follow me on social media by clicking the icons at the bottom of this page.
Until next time…..
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
