Growth Mindset

How to get out of your own way and expand your opportunities for growth and success...

Today’s blog is about one of the most important things I’ve learned in life: growth mindset. This topic is extremely pertinent, especially in today's world where we are subconsciously put into boxes and assigned roles to fit in to. It's almost like we aren't allowed to change our minds or grow from who we are already known as. By the way, anyone who judges you for changing (growing) is likely someone of a fixed mindset. Meaning they either don't think they need to grow or they don't think they can.

In my undergrad as a Child Development major, we learned a lot about the growth and fixed mindset in children, a theory pioneered by Carol Dweck. For example, in a study, a researcher gives children an easy puzzle. When they are offered the option to do the puzzle again or move on to a harder one, the children with a fixed mindset choose to repeat the puzzle and the children with a growth mindset choose to take on the challenge of a new, more difficult puzzle. Why? Well the research tells us that those with a fixed mindset define themselves by their success in the present moment. The children with a fixed mindset choose the puzzle that will guarantee success, therefore confirming their intelligence and satisfying the ego. The children with a growth mindset choose the puzzle that will challenge them. Even though they know the risk of failure, they choose the more difficult task, subconsciously knowing that while success may not be guaranteed right away, the long-term rewards are likely worth it.

When I worked as a preschool teacher, supporting the growth mindset was a major part of the school’s philosophy. One of the first things they taught us was to avoid using terms that encourage a fixed mindset, such as, “You are so smart!” Instead, we were taught to use terms like, “Wow, look how far you have come!” “Way to really focus on that puzzle!” “Look at how many different colors you used on that painting!” and so on. Instead of validating the child of their "fixed" ability, we encouraged them to recognize their own growth. We emphasized the importance of progress, that success is not always defined by the end results, but rather by the effort and persistence.

If a growth mindset is not developed early on, we might see an adult with limiting and self-doubting beliefs. Think about a time when you were in an interview or anytime you faced the question asking to admit your weaknesses. Could you answer the question? Did you even know the answer? Did you have a solution? Someone in a fixed mindset will have a hard time answering these questions. Acknowledging their weaknesses may severely hinder their self-confidence, because they see success, intelligence, and skills more as traits than as earned or learned. Whereas, someone in a growth mindset may understand their weaknesses more as learning opportunities, rather than definable traits.

Since a fixed mindset focuses on ability or intelligence as unchangeable, those with a fixed mindset will let a mistake or failure define them. Those in the growth mindset view failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement, rather than identifying themselves as a "loser" or "failure" due to one mistake.

So, what do we do knowing what we know about growth vs. fixed mindset? Take a moment to reflect on the following prompt:

Do your thoughts tend to fall more towards a fixed mindset or growth mindset?

• Think about a time when you held yourself back by defining your success in the present or past.

• Think about a time when you were able to move forward because you knew there was opportunity ahead.

• Think about what it felt like to accomplish a goal you worked hard towards.

• Think of a time when you didn't end up with a desired result, but you can recognize what was learned and/or gained along the way.

If you note that many of your past or current thoughts fall towards the fixed mindset, that’s okay! From a growth mindset perspective, know that this only means there is an opportunity to grow. You can change your mindset! It starts with the internal dialogue.

Try this exercise:

Write down any fixed mindset (or self-limiting) thoughts that you remember having or that come to mind. For example, “I’m a failure.” “I’ll never be successful.” “I'm not smart enough.” Next to or below those thoughts write down some thoughts using the growth mindset perspective. For example, “I failed, but now I have an opportunity to do better next time.” “I have accomplished so much already.” “I have so much to learn.” These are called affirmations. Use these to catch yourself when you start spiraling into fixed mindset thinking, and change the internal dialogue.

Your subconscious mind believes all your thoughts as true, so tell it what you want (TIP: read my blog on the subconscious mind to deeper on this topic!). “My failures do not define me.” “I am growing and improving everyday.” “I am successful.” “I am in control of my life.” “Everything is working out as I want it.” Imagine the life you want, and believe it as true. The more you practice, the easier it will be to catch yourself in these moments and make a positive change.

Allow yourself to see failure as opportunity, to see effort as a gateway to success, and to seek out challenges and lessons that will deepen your skills and knowledge. This is what will lead you to success. Try not to let the ego to trap you in the present moment. Remember that your brain is capable of change. You can rewire the neurons to read new messages, such as those that exist in a growth mindset ~ you can actually change your brain and promote a growth mindset within yourself and future generations. Remember to praise yourself and others for effort, focus, and perseverance over fixed traits. Live in and appreciate the process and your progress. Remind yourself of times when this style of thinking paid off and keep going! You got this!