HAVING A GROWTH MINDSET
The way we think about our intellect and talents is correlated to our feelings, our thoughts & our potential; therefore level of success. It informs how we form new habits, learn new skills & develop our talents.
Having a growth mindset is essentially the belief in neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability to change the neural networks in your brain; this happens as a result of learning, experience or trauma. Growth-minded people believe that their abilities can be developed at any time, they see challenges as opportunities to increase effort.
Having a fixed mindset is the belief that your neural state is fixed, therefore there is no way to develop or improve abilities & are usually discouraged by obstacles.
WHAT IS A FIXED MIDSET?
“In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.” (Dweck, 2015)
Fixed mindsets are limiting due to negative thinking- for example: following a failure, someone with a fixed mindset would be overcome with feelings of helplessness, which then lead to giving up.
This cycle limits your potential for development.
SIGNS OF A FIXED MINDSET
Avoid challenges due to fear of failure
Unable to handle criticism or feedback
Only carries out actions to seek approval
Threatened by the success of others
Always in competition with peers
Interprets failure as a limit of own ability
Gives up easily; believes that ability is innate
Does not make an effort to evolve abilities or knowledge
WHAT IS A GROWTH MINDSET?
“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” (Dweck, 2015)
Growth mindsets are freeing due to keeping an open mind, which leads to positive thinking- for example: following a failure someone with a growth mindset would believe that they can find a way to improve over time.
This cycle maximises your potential by opening up various pathways for development.
SIGNS OF A GROWTH MINDSET
Views challenges as opportunities
Focuses on the process instead of the end result
Openly seeks feedback for continual growth
Gives constructive criticism to others
Acknowledges & embraces weaknesses
Intelligence & talent is dynamic & ever improving
Confident in own accomplishments
Inspired by the success of others
Understanding failure is an opportunity to grow
Persistent in the face of setbacks
Seeks out learning opportunities to develop abilities & knowledge
BENEFITS OF A GROWTH MINDSET
Having a growth mindset will help to realise your potential, by enabling you to breaking out of your comfort zone.
There are benefits for the individual & for teams:
Increased motivation, as every moment is used as an opportunity for growth.
Increased performance levels due to increased ability to overcome obstacles.
Reduced burnout as you are not in constant competition with your peers or yourself.
Fewer psychological problems, such as depression & anxiety, due to not comparing yourself to others.
Fewer behavioural problems between colleagues, as individuals are able to effectively manage feedback.
HOW TO DEVELOP A GROWTH MINDSET
In order to develop a growth mindset you should:
Be committed to continually improving, the more you get used to your growth mindset, the more confidence you will have.
Approach things with an open mind; do not let preconceived ideas stop you.
Be conscious of any negative thoughts or feelings of insecurity; when these feelings come up, take a step back & identify the root cause for these thoughts, make a plan to tackle these.
Continually seek feedback from your peers; turn all forms of feedback (positive & negative) into something constructive.
Accept your failures, there is no way to avoid this from happening, but the best solution is to embrace them & learn from them.
Break out of your comfort zone & regularly put yourself in uncomfortable situations; these are the opportunities where you can grow.
Remember that you are always evolving & dedicate time to self development, learning & challenging yourself to develop your growth mindset.
Practice makes perfect; once you understand the importance of having a growth mindset, apply it regularly so that it becomes a habit.
*RESOURCES
Carol Dweck: The power of believing that you can improve TED TALKS
Carol Dweck (2007) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success