The Mindset Makeover: Unlock Your Potential with a Growth Mindset
Our mindset forms early and has a profound impact on the remainder of our lives. Our mentality plays a significant part in what we believe and how we think. What we believe about ourselves and our abilities is the catalyst of how we act and lead our lives. You’ve heard it before: “What we believe, is what we achieve.” Conscious or unconscious, how we interpret our experiences can set the boundaries on what we can accomplish.
Babies grow and learn the fastest of any other developmental stage or span of life. In fact, they learn the most critical skills of life in a matter of months.
When toddlers fall or mispronounce a word, what do they do? They try it again,…and again. A baby’s effort to talk or be mobile is unmatched.
We are born with a penchant for learning. More importantly, we are born without the shame of failure.
As the years layer on, something changes. That something is our mindset. Somewhere along the way, we begin to evaluate ourselves and develop limiting beliefs. We learn to value effortless accomplishment over achievement by virtue of effort.
But there is power in believing we can improve via effort. This power can be harnessed by committing to a life of learning.
First thing, let’s understand the difference between having a fixed or growth mindset.
What is a fixed mindset?
When we believe we are born with a particular ability, it feels as though we have to prove it repeatedly. So many people become consumed with proving themselves. Every situation necessitates validation of their intelligence, strength, or character. Everything is assessed by, Will I succeed or fail? Will I win or lose? Will I be accepted or rejected?
For many of us, failure can be devastatingly painful. So much so that we begin to avoid challenges, give up easily, or even start to believe our efforts are fruitless.
As a New York Times article points out, failure has shifted from an action (I failed) to an identity (I am a failure). In this frame of reference, we allow failure to define who we are. If we believe failure is apart of our identity, we will likely miss the lessons in our mistakes, thinking they’re inevitable.
Failure can be crippling and can lead to a crisis of confidence.
Lacking confidence for long periods can lead to stagnation. We can become paralyzed, fearing our next decision may be worst than the previous one. At last, we enter a cycle of indecision and avoid opportunities to learn or be a novice.
You may be operating in a fixed mindset if you:
Avoid activities in which you are a “beginner.” You feel either you’re naturally good at it or not.
Feel labeled as a failure when you don’t achieve a goal as planned.
Are discouraged by tasks that require a lot of effort.
Feel threatened by the success of others.
Desire to look smart.
Ignore or are unable to receive feedback.
What is a growth mindset?
In a growth mindset, the self-discussion is not one of judgment but one that is reflective of an insatiable desire for learning and processing information constructively.
According to the author of Mindset, psychologist Carol Dweck, the core of what makes a growth mindset so impactful is that it shifts the focus from proving oneself to an enthusiasm for learning and skill-building.
At the core of what makes a “growth mindset” so impactful, Dweck found, is that it creates a passion for learning rather than a hunger for approval.
Most importantly, people with a growth mindset don’t get discouraged by failure; in fact, they find a way to learn from the experience and see it as an opportunity.
You may be operating in a growth mindset if you:
See effort as a way to grow and develop a skill.
View challenges as opportunities for learning and growing.
Acknowledge and embrace your weaknesses.
Accept criticism as an outlet of learning from the perspective of others.
Are inspired by the success of others.
Mindsets change the meaning of effort.
The beauty of mindsets is that you have a choice.
You can change your mindset and step into a whole new world. It’s as easy and as challenging as that. By developing an awareness of fixed or growth mindsets, you can start to transform your thoughts and actions.
HOW can we reprogram our minds to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset?
CHANGE the narrative and release the pressure. It’s much easier said than done (like most things). Stop performance anxiety and the negative cycle of thoughts by praising yourself for effort, not the outcome. When you celebrate the work you put in, it encourages you to keep trying and improving. Make your priority about learning and not focused on the trap of success or failure. You cannot enjoy learning if your whole identity is at stake. Fear, defeat, and shame will cripple you every time. Instead, remember that we are all in a state of becoming, even those you see as successful.
Be resilient and fail-forward. Continue your efforts, especially in the face of challenge. When you misstep or make a regretful decision, access your role and what you misunderstand rather than ruminating over the loss and shame. What did you learn from the experience? What can you change? How can you grow? Be mindful of how you handle tasks and decisions when you’re feeling down. When you’re feeling low, consider some rest and playtime. More on saying yes to rest, here!
Develop and nurture a passion for learning. Anyone can grow through application and experience. Set learning goals instead of performance goals. Sometimes seek out experiences that stretch you rather than comfort you. Stretching yourself and remaining focused on forward motion is the hallmark of the growth mindset. Give yourself tasks that are in an optimal range of difficulty. Not too easy, not too hard. This will help you become more invested in your task or goal. Measure your progress and request feedback where possible to stay motivated.
CONCLUSION
Remember never to compare your ability or effort to others. Everyone starts in a different place, with various opportunities and resources. That you can’t control. But you can control your mindset.
So, a fixed or growth mindset…. what’s it going to be?!
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