Some people are born with unique genetic structures, meaning that they’re gifted and talented (Sheldon from Big Bang Theory). However, those with a growth mindset also believe that they can learn and develop their knowledge. This is where our schools, childhood play a really important part in shaping a child’s confidence, body language, and social constructs.
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”
- Christopher Reeve
Let’s take a look at this:
We, as humans have both fixed and growth mindsets, but we sometimes operate on both.
Our response to situations that stress us out, is an indication of whether we have fixed or a growth mindset.
WHAT IS MINDSET?
Mindset plays a significant role in determining achievement and success. Mindset is our set of beliefs that help us shape our behavior in any given situation. It helps us in shaping the way we see ourselves and think.
Mindset can help us spot opportunities but also trap us in self-defeating circles.
Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist researched Mindset and found out that there are two mindsets on which humans operate.
- Fixed Mindset
- Growth Mindset
These mindsets help us perceive any situation we are in and how we act according to the beliefs we have.
WHAT IS A FIXED MINDSET?
People with a fixed mindset believe that their qualities like intelligence, talents are simply fixed; i.e. they cannot be improved or developed. These individuals constantly thrive for success and fear failure.
People with a fixed mindset spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. According to Dweck (2015), fixed mindset individuals majorly believe that talent alone creates success–without effort.
Having a fixed mindset can greatly limit how far you can go in life.
Here are some phrases that tell can tell you if you have a fixed mindset:
- I am either good at something or I can’t do it at all.
- I won’t fail if I don’t try.
- It is what it is.
- I don’t need to learn anymore, I already know everything.
- I’d never get that job, so I won’t apply for it.
A fixed mindset doesn’t allow much room for learning, which means that there’s no potential for growth. These individuals also limit their successes by failing to look back on their work to identify areas to improve on.
When you don’t like experimenting with new changes or failing at something, you won’t get up and try something that is out of your comfort zone– this is where having a fixed mindset limits you.
WHAT IS A GROWTH MINDSET?
People believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. People with a growth mindset often show perseverance and resilience when they’ve made mistakes; this motivates them to work harder.
According to Carol Dweck (2015), a growth mindset creates a love for learning and resiliency which is essential for great accomplishment. These individuals spend more time practicing or learning, leading to higher levels of achievement.
Individuals with a growth mindset seek out challenges and view failures as a chance to learn and improve upon their abilities.
Here are some phrases that tell can tell you if you have a growth mindset:
- It’s okay if I fail, at least I learned something.
- As long as I have determination, I can do anything.
- I am comfortable with being uncomfortable.
- I am not looking for other’s approval.
- Effort makes me stronger.
A growth Mindset instills a passion for learning and does not focus on needing acceptance from others. It helps you step out of your comfort zone and you improving yourself is the only motivation you have.
Individuals having a growth mindset, don’t give up, they just find a new way to do something. They realize that a part of learning from failures is being able to analyze where they went wrong and identify how they could do things differently next time.
Fixed and Growth Mindset influences the way we view and behave in our relationships too.
It is possible to change our mindset from one that is fixed to one that is helping us grow. The first and vital step is to recognize our fixed mindset tendencies and beliefs and correct them.
REFERENCES
Dweck, C. (2015) Carol Dweck Revisits the ‘Growth Mindset’. Education Week. Retrieved from: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/09/23/carol-dweck-revisits-the-growth-mindset.html?cmp=cpc-goog-ew-growth+mindset&ccid=growth+mindset&ccag=growth+mindset&cckw=%2Bgrowth%20%2Bmindset&cccv=content+ad&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnvfDBRCXrabLl6-6t-0BEiQAW4SRUM7nekFnoTxc675qBMSJycFgwERohguZWVmNDcSUg5gaAk3I8P8HAQ
