What does a growth mindset look like and how do we develop it?
In her book “Mindset: The New Psychology to Success”, psychologist Carol Dweck defines a ‘growth mindset’ as the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn. On the other hand, a fixed mindset is the belief that qualities are fixed traits and cannot be significantly changed or developed.
Without a doubt, having a growth mindset is highly desirable. It opens the door to new opportunities, fuels motivation in times of setbacks and uncertainties and allows for continuous development. Yet, despite the benefits, many of us understandably find ourselves entrenched in a fixed mindset. It is human nature to seek stability and avoid the discomfort that comes with unfamiliarity and uncertainty. So, we cling to our current qualities and abilities, falling back on what feels familiar and comfortable to us.
However, it is important for us to realise that growth rarely occurs within the confinement of our comfort zone. Take, for instance, my recent experience where I took up the challenge of writing an article for a firm’s website, despite having no prior experience in writing. By embracing the challenge, I not only had an opportunity to develop new skills and venture into previously unexplored areas of interest but also received positive feedback that elevated my sense of self-value and overall well-being.
Taking on challenges outside of our comfort zone will probably always feel intimidating and uncomfortable at first. It’s natural to hesitate and feel anxious about stepping into unfamiliarity. However, it helps to remind ourselves that the first step is often the hardest and these initial discomforts are what will pave the way for growth and development.
Now, below are some tips and strategies that can help cultivate a growth mindset!
Tips on developing a Growth Mindset
Seek a variety of challenges
View challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. Take up opportunities that will push you outside of your comfort zone and expand your boundaries, even if it is totally unfamiliar to you. For instance, some challenges can include taking up a project at work, networking, taking up a leadership role, and learning a new language or musical instrument. This will allow you to explore different fields/areas that might even turn out to be an undiscovered interest!
Furthermore, each new challenge will help you be more comfortable with unfamiliarity. You can look back on related experiences and remind yourself that your resilience allowed you to persevere through any initial discomfort.
Persevere during setbacks
When things don’t go as well as you had hoped, ask yourself: What inspired you to take up the challenge? What goals were you hoping to accomplish through this challenge? What benefits will you achieve?
This will help motivate you during setbacks and difficult times, serving as a reminder of the purpose behind embarking on the challenge in the first place.
Practice self-compassion
Be as kind, understanding and compassionate as you would be to a loved one. You could start doing this by replacing detrimental self-talk with positive and affirming statements to foster a growth mindset.
Some examples:Fixed mindset: “I’m not talented enough to do this.”
Growth mindset: “I may not have a natural talent for this, but I can develop my skills with effort and dedication.”
Fixed Mindset: “I always fail at this, it’s too difficult…”
Growth Mindset: “Failure is a chance to learn and grow. I just have not succeeded yet!”
Set ambitious and realistic goals
Set goals that challenge you in your journey of self-growth, but make sure they are also realistic. As much as it is important to stretch your limits, your goals should stay grounded in practicality. This will ensure that your goals are actually attainable and prevent feelings of overwhelm or discouragement. Remember to break these goals down into smaller manageable steps and remind yourself that even the most ambitious goals can be achieved with effort and dedication.
Cultivate a positive and supportive environment
Surround yourself with individuals who have a growth mindset and are supportive of your journey. Seek feedback from others and use it constructively to improve your skills.
Celebrate milestones
Recognise your hard work and celebrate every success regardless of how small it might seem: each milestone is evidence of your progress. Remind yourself of the effort you put in and embrace the sense of accomplishment!
Practice self-reflection
Reflect on your strengths, weakness, and ultimately areas for improvement – especially when things don’t work out. Identify any fixed mindset thoughts that are restraining you and reframe them to be more growth-oriented.
All in all, it is important to remind ourselves that growth rarely happens within our comfort zone. Cultivating a growth mindset is a tough journey and hence, while it may be natural to cling to our comfort zone and shy away from challenges, it is through stepping outside of these boundaries that we truly thrive. So, let’s try to persevere through any initial discomfort, push our boundaries, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth!
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References:
Benson, S. (2019, December 19). Review of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Shawn Benson - Medium. Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@shawnbenson_98287/review-of-mindset-the-new-psychology-of-success-e3a2a60868c6
Street, F. (2015, March 2). Carol Dweck: A Summary of The Two Mindsets. Farnam Street. https://fs.blog/carol-dweck-mindset/