Adopting a growth mindset means believing you can improve your skills and intelligence over time with effort and determination. Instead of thinking your abilities are fixed, you see them as qualities you can shape and grow to achieve success. In this guide, we’ll explore what sets a growth mindset apart from a fixed mindset, why it’s so important for professionals, and practical tips to help you develop a growth mindset in both your personal and work life.
Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset
The idea of a growth mindset was first introduced by psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Dr. Dweck suggested that people with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed because they don’t let self-doubt or limiting beliefs hold them back. In contrast, people with a fixed mindset think learning new things is pointless because they believe their talents and intelligence are fixed and can’t be changed.
Dr. Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset this way: “Believing that your qualities are carved in stone—the fixed mindset—creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over. Every situation calls for a confirmation of their intelligence, personality, or character. Every situation is evaluated: Will I succeed or fail, look smart or dumb, be accepted or rejected, feel like a winner or a loser?”
She then introduces the growth mindset as a better way to think: “There’s another mindset in which these traits are not simply a hand you’re dealt and have to live with, always trying to convince yourself and others that you have a royal flush when you’re secretly worried it’s a pair of tens. In this mindset, the hand you’re dealt is just the starting point for development. This—growth mindset—is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every way—in their initial talents, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through effort and experience.”
Difference Between Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset
Let’s take a closer look at how a growth mindset and a fixed mindset differ:
- Challenges: People with a growth mindset see challenges as chances to learn and improve. On the other hand, those with a fixed mindset try to avoid challenges because they’re afraid of failing.
- Obstacles: When faced with setbacks, people with a growth mindset are more likely to push through because they believe they can improve with effort. But people with a fixed mindset often give up quickly when things get tough.
- Criticism: Those with a growth mindset welcome feedback and criticism as valuable lessons. In contrast, people with a fixed mindset tend to ignore negative feedback and see it as a judgment of their abilities.
- Effort: For those with a growth mindset, putting in effort is a key part of mastering something. But people with a fixed mindset think effort is pointless and are more likely to quit when things get hard.
- Others’ Success: People with a growth mindset see others’ success as a chance to learn and be inspired. Meanwhile, those with a fixed mindset often feel threatened by others’ achievements.
Growth Mindset: Why Working Professionals Need It
Having a growth mindset helps professionals stay flexible and view challenges as chances to grow and improve. It gives them the ability to bounce back from setbacks by seeing them as opportunities to learn instead of reasons to quit. This mindset encourages them to tackle problems with an open mind, leading to more creativity and innovation at work. It also motivates professionals to look for new ways to learn and build their skills. Plus, it helps them see negative feedback as helpful advice, which they can use to improve and grow both personally and professionally.
Also Read: What Mindset Habits Lead to Better Manifestation?
6 Tips to Develop a Growth Mindset
- Reflect on Yourself
Take some time to think about your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your abilities. Understanding where you’re starting from is key. Pay attention to your inner voice. If you’re always thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’ll fail,” you might have a fixed mindset. - Give Yourself a Pep Talk
Even if your fixed mindset is trying to protect you from failure by convincing you not to try, remember that you always have a choice. Counter those negative thoughts with positive ones, like, “I can give this a try” or “I’m not failing, I’m learning.” - Face Challenges Head-On
Try to embrace challenges instead of avoiding them. See them as chances to learn and grow. Keep in mind that growth takes time, so be patient with yourself. - Learn from Failure
Instead of thinking of failure as a reflection of your abilities, treat it as a learning experience. Look at what went wrong, figure out how to do better next time, and try again. - Watch Your Words
The words you use are powerful. When you face a challenge, try adding “yet” or “learning” to the end of your sentence. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I can’t do this yet,” or instead of “I’m going to fail,” try “I’m going to learn.” Changing your language can help shift your mindset. - Be Curious and Keep Learning
Stay curious and open to learning new things. Read, take courses, or explore new experiences. Keep an open mind and embrace every chance to learn and gain new perspectives.