Do You Have a Fixed or a Growth Mindset?
Have you ever given much thought to your mindset? Does it just sound like another buzzword you have no time for? Or maybe you’re not sure what “mindset” even means!
Your mindset is the fundamental beliefs you hold about yourself and the world.
If you think that actually sounds pretty important, you’d be right! Your mindset is powerful--it determines how you feel, what actions you take, and the habits you develop. This, in turn, creates who you are and what happens in your life! Your life right now is a direct reflection of your mindset, your habits, and your daily choices. (Read that again!)
Your mindset can either keep you stagnant (fixed) or propel you forward (growth).
How do you know which mindset you have?
Do you:
Dislike challenges?
Compare yourself to others?
Hate asking for help?
Give up easily?
Think trying hard at something means you’re not smart or talented?
Feel that your abilities are what they are, that you’re either good at something, or you’re not?
You might have a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset will keep you “stuck” right where you are.
OR
Do you:
Like to try new things?
Focus on improving yourself?
Believe in hard work and practice?
Enjoy constantly learning?
Ask for help?
Do your best right now, and know that can improve with time?
This is what a growth mindset looks like. A growth mindset will move you forward, both as a person, and in life.
What can you do if you’ve been stuck in a fixed mindset?
Here are some tips to convert to a growth mindset, and start moving forward:
Work on fully understanding and embracing both your strengths and your weaknesses. This needs to be proactive--no denial, and not beating yourself up. You are human, and you are good at some things, and not so good at others. Utilize your gifts, talents, skills, natural rhythms and characteristics, and work on improving areas of your life that could serve you better
Recognize that challenges and “failures” do not have to be negative. These are opportunities for learning and growth! Rather than being cripppled by fear of failing or falling short, realize that you can use the experience to learn, change, and try again.
Seek to learn--Not to gain approval. No matter what you do, someone will have an opinion about it. But opinions are not facts, and you will never please everyone. Instead of sharing a decision or plan and seeking a “stamp of approval”, seek wise counsel from a few trusted sources, or “mentors”. These people should ask questions, make you think, and may encourage or challenge you, but in the end HELP you.
Learn to accept constructive criticism, and identify criticism that is not constructive. If someone gives you a suggestion or “calls you out”, and you immediately get defensive, check yourself: are you upset because you’re being convicted? Is their statement purely opinion, or backed by facts? What is their motivation? Try not to get too hung up on “tone”. Many times you could be missing out on true wisdom or useful (even essential and life-saving) information simply because you get hung up on emotions. However, there are also plenty of things people say that you can disregard--especially if you can discern their main motivation is to hurt (not help), or they are not a reputable source (or not quoting one).
Know that you and your mind have the ability to change over time. Just because you don’t have some knowledge or skill right now doesn’t mean you never will. Just because you have always done something a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t change. Know better, do better. You don’t stop learning and growing once you reach a certain age or milestone. Learning and growth should be lifelong!
Accept that learning styles are different and shouldn’t be compared. We all learn and grow in our own unique ways. Allow yourself the freedom to change at your own pace and in your own way.
Reflect frequently on your progress and your willingness to learn and grow. Self-reflection is vital to growth, and a mentor can keep you honest and objective. Check in with yourself on what’s going well, and where you could still improve.
Taking time to reflect on your mindset, and make adjustments where needed, can be one of the most valuable things you do for yourself, and have a profound impact on your life, both now and long-term.
