To give some background, I first heard of the term “growth mindset” in a training at work. I take lots of different leadership trainings, and growth mindset is a concept that continuously comes up in trainings. It changed the way that I like think about my learning and development, and I think others of you may be interested as well!
So, What Is Growth Mindset?
Dr. Carol Dweck (a professor in psychology at Stanford) studied the behavior of thousands of children before coming up with the terms fixed mindset and growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, you believe you were born with certain talents and intelligence, and that those traits are set and are the reason for your success. You believe that those traits cannot be improved upon. If you have a growth mindset, you believe that talents and abilities can be developed through effort, teaching, and persistence. Basically, you believe that you can get smarter if you work hard and that with extra time and effort, you will have higher achievement.
Is it Possible To Have Both?
It’s important to note that we don’t just have one mindset or the other. We are all a mix of the two, and the amount of growth or fixed mindset we have changes depending on the situation. Let’s say you get promoted into a new job (I’ll use my own life as an example!) When in a new situation, you feel like you’re not good enough, you want to quit, etc. You are in a fixed mindset. But after you’ve been in the job for six months (again, talking about myself!) you start to realize you have learned and improved and can grow. You are now in a growth mindset. If you can recognize when you are in a fixed mindset, it can be easier to switch to a growth mindset.
Why Does This Even Matter?
Those with a fixed mindset rationalize their failure. They justify their failure because they feel like they weren’t smart enough, or athletic enough, or whatever trait was needed to accomplish that goal. Those with a growth mindset are more likely to have grit and resilience. They will try and try again to accomplish their goals. They tend to love learning, are more empowered, and more committed.
The Concept of “Yet”
There is an awesome Ted Talk by Dr. Dweck that explains the concept of “Yet.” Let’s say you’re struggling with the fact that you haven’t accomplished one of your goals. Instead of saying, “I’m never going to accomplish this goal,” try instead, “I haven’t accomplished that goal yet.” Replacing “never” with “not yet” will have a huge impact on your growth mindset.
Other Ways to Develop Growth Mindset
Practice Gratitude – I feel like I talk about this all the time (lol) but practicing gratitude really is life-changing. Not only will it will help you to be more optimistic, but it will help you to focus on what you do have.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind – When you face small hurdles (miss a deadline, don’t get the promotion, etc.) it can be easy to get discouraged. If you keep the bigger picture in mind you will have a sense of purpose and small hurdles won’t feel like failures.
Reward Yourself – When you work really hard and accomplish a goal, celebrate and reward yourself! But it’s important to reward yourself for actions and not for traits (i.e. reward yourself for a smart decision not for being smart!)
Keep Making Goals – Those with a growth mindset are continuously making goals, accomplishing goals, and then making new goals. I love goals, even just daily goals that I can accomplish in a few minutes. Goals are great!
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