Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Okay, we’ve all heard about fixed mindsets and growth mindsets, but what does this actually mean, and why does it matter?

A fixed mindset is a view by which we see intelligence and talent etc., as just that, fixed. Meaning that there is no opportunity for change. We are who we are, with no opportunity for improvement.

In contrast, a growth mindset sees our intelligence, talents, skills, etc. as ever-changing, and in our control to improve should we choose.

With just those definitions, it is clear how limiting it is to have a fixed mindset. Someone with a fixed mindset simply sees where they are as where they’ll stay, no matter what.

Whether or not you’re working toward a goal or some kind of growth, a growth mindset is key. Whether you’re looking to find a new career, improve your health, or simply find more joy, a growth mindset will help.

So, how do you know what kind of mindset you have? Let’s look at some examples:

> What do you do when faced with a challenge? Do you hear yourself say, “Hmmm, I wonder how I can best tackle that?” (growth) or, “Well that’s just impossible” (fixed)

> What about when you see someone else’s success? Do you feel envious or threatened (this is fixed), or do you want to cheer for them (this is growth)? Why? Success isn’t pizza….it isn’t limited to 8 slices. There is enough success to go around if you believe you can learn and work toward your own success. Other people's success has nothing to do with your own.

> How about when the level of work needed to obtain a goal increases? Do you feel that more effort is worthless (fixed) or that an increased amount of effort will see an increased amount of result (growth)?

Now, if cultivating a growth mindset is something you’re interested in, here are a few suggestions:

1) Watch your language. When faced with a challenge, if things like “I’ll never be able to do that” arise, shift to “I don’t know how to do this yet”, or, “I wonder what new skills I can learn to accomplish this”.

2) Cheer other people on, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

3) Reframe how you think about failure. There is nothing wrong with failing. Getting things wrong is how we learn to get things right.

So, what will you start with to help cultivate your growth mindset?

Cheering you on!

Deanna