Stuck in a

fixed mindset?

by Claire

Our mindset is everything. It encompasses our thoughts and beliefs, assumptions and attitudes both conscious and subconscious. And it is everything because it determines our development – how we learn, the goals we set for ourselves, and how we take on challenges and experience setbacks.

5 ways to develop a growth mindset:

1. Focus on the process over the outcome – this has positive impact on both your results and your emotional wellbeing.
2. Master your thoughts – reframe limiting fixed-mindset beliefs into ones that support you in your journey.‘I’m worthless’ to ‘I’m wonderful’.
3. Take your time: ‘Not yet’ is ok! – the speed we progress isn’t important. More important is persistence, which ‘not yet’ inspires.
4. Ditch the perfectionism – accept that growth is messy & non-linear. Give yourself some grace and cheer on your determination.
5. Try to face challenges bravely - embrace change as an opportunity to learn, and explore what’s beyond that comfort zone…. Life shrinks or expands depending on how brave we are!
   

What is a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

According to the psychologist Carol Dweck,

People with a fixed mindset:

• Believe they can or can’t do something based on innate static talent.
  
• Learn for the praise & positive reinforcement.
  
• See mistakes as a personal humiliation.
  

People with a growth mindset:

• Are convinced they can develop their skills.
  
• Are curious to learn things they don’t yet know
  
• See mistakes as opportunities to grow.
  

Cultivating a growth mindset can be a game-changer but there’s no shortcut, it takes consistent work. Small mindset shifts make a big difference, but only when consistently applied. Each and every step forward counts, and it’s important to recognise that growth is happening even if you can’t visibly see it.

So with that final thought I’ll leave you with:

Why do we settle into a fixed mindset?

Unfortunately, our mindsets are formed from an early age, impacting how we talk to ourselves in moments of struggle. Later in life, when stressed or burned out, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of negative self-talk.

The good news is that the transition from a fixed to a growth mindset IS possible. What’s more we all need a healthy amount of stress, in order to move us forward.

Our brains have the incredible ability to adapt and grow, in order to serve us better. If we can embrace the idea that change and challenge can actually help us become stronger, wiser and more adaptable – this is the essence of the growth mindset.

5 signs you’re growing (keep going!):

1. You’re not wasting time on things that don’t serve you.
2. You don’t look back with regret.
3. You’re patient with your future goals.
4. You’re kinder to yourself.
5. You can find a lesson in every experience.
   

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels